American Tourists in Singapore Shocked by Food Prices: “Not a Place for the Poor”
Fundacion Rapala – Recently, several American tourists voiced their surprise at the high food prices in Singapore. While the city is known for its modern lifestyle and diverse culinary scene, the cost left them labeling Singapore as “not for the poor.”
Experience at Newton Food Center
Content creator Terry Pernell and his partner, Mag, an influencer from Kenya, visited Singapore after almost two months exploring Malaysia and Bali. On September 11, Pernell shared a video from Newton Food Center, captioning: “Singapore made me pay $35 for food… while Malaysia offers a similar vibe for half the price. Which would you choose?”
Expensive Meal Choices
The couple ordered ten sticks of satay, stir-fried beef, and a large plate of egg fried rice. Their total bill reached S$45, approximately Rp453,000. Pernell admitted that the food was quite expensive compared to their expectations, though he praised the taste, especially the peanut sauce.
Comments on Affordability
Mag added humor to the situation by saying, “Singapore is not for the poor,” highlighting the high cost of even a glass of beer. Pernell also joked that travelers should “bring all your money and don’t leave a penny at home” when visiting Singapore.
Preference for Malaysian Cuisine
When asked to choose between Singaporean and Malaysian food, Pernell leaned towards Malaysia. He found the overall value in Malaysia better, both in terms of price and satisfaction, despite acknowledging the food in Singapore was not bad.
Viral Reactions from Netizens
The video quickly went viral, gathering more than 262,000 views, 8,000 reactions, and 700 comments as of September 19. Responses varied widely, reflecting both local pride and acknowledgment of the high costs.
Singaporean Perspective on Prices
Some Singaporeans pointed out that Newton Food Center is notoriously expensive because it caters mainly to tourists. A local commenter mentioned, “I live in Singapore and I never eat at Newton.” This highlights the price differences between tourist areas and local hawker centers.
Balanced Opinions from Online Users
Other netizens emphasized that the prices Pernell paid do not represent the whole country. Many affordable hawker stalls still exist, where meals can cost a fraction of what tourists pay at popular attractions.
Comparisons with Neighboring Countries
Several commenters reminded Pernell that comparing Singapore, a highly developed nation, with Malaysia or Bali, which are still developing economies, is not entirely fair. Economic contexts, labor costs, and living standards contribute significantly to price differences.
Singapore’s Culinary Reputation
Despite criticism of rising costs, Singapore continues to hold its place as a top culinary destination. Last year, Condé Nast Traveler ranked it as the only Southeast Asian city among the world’s top 10 food cities. This recognition proves that, while expensive, Singapore offers unique and world-class dining experiences.
Past Complaints from Tourists
Interestingly, complaints about Singapore’s food prices are not new. A Chinese tourist previously went viral for saying he would not return to Singapore due to high costs and disappointing food quality. That statement also sparked heated debate online, echoing the controversy stirred by Pernell’s video.