A Singaporean woman has accused a Boat Quay restaurant of “bad business ethics” after her teenage daughter spent S$356 on an Alaskan king crab. The woman claimed her 16-year-old daughter, dining with friends, was unaware of the dish’s price and was not informed beforehand. However, the restaurant, Seafood by the River, refuted these allegations, stating that the price was clearly listed on the menu and that staff had informed the teens of the cost and shown them the crab before preparation.
Background
The incident came to light when the girl’s mother, surnamed Ong, posted a complaint on Facebook on September 18. Ong urged people to avoid the restaurant, alleging that her daughter, who is nearly 17, was served the expensive crab without being told the price. The total bill amounted to S$536. Ong criticised the restaurant for assuming teenagers would want to eat such an expensive dish and accused them of unethical business practices. She also mentioned her intention to speak to the manager. As of September 19, Ong’s Facebook post had been deleted or made private.
The allegation
Ong’s Facebook post detailed her grievances, stating, “Please do not visit this Seafood by the River restaurant.” She explained that her daughter and her friends had gone out for dinner and wanted to eat crab. According to Ong, the restaurant served them a S$356 Alaskan king crab without disclosing the price upfront. She found it “ridiculous” for a restaurant to think teenagers would want such an expensive dish and claimed they were not informed of the cost. Ong labelled the restaurant’s actions as “bad business ethics” and planned to confront the manager.
The response
In response to queries from Fathership, a restaurant spokesperson named Kathleen provided evidence to counter Ong’s claims. Kathleen stated that the price of the crab, S$19.80 per 100g, was clearly listed on the menu. She added that a server had shown the teens the crab and allowed them to take photos with it before cooking, following their usual procedure. The diners were also given an order chit displaying the weight, name, and price of the dish.
“I don’t think [our price] is unreasonable,” Kathleen said. She noted that when the bill was paid, the staff asked the customers how the crab was, and they replied that it was “very nice and fresh” without mentioning any issues about the price. Kathleen also addressed Ong’s accusation about selling the expensive dish to teens, stating that the diners appeared to be adults and the restaurant does not typically check IDs for those who look like adults.
CCTV footage
CCTV footage reviewed by Fathership showed a staff member bringing the crab from the fish tank to the table, handing it to a young woman, and taking a photo of them with the crab. Fathership understands that such photos are taken for marketing purposes and are occasionally shared on the restaurant’s social media.
Public reaction
The incident has sparked mixed reactions online. Some commenters criticised the teenagers for not asking the price before ordering, while others questioned the restaurant’s practices. The restaurant’s clean, modern design with red furniture and bright lighting was noted, but the focus remained on the ethical implications of the incident.
Future implications
This incident highlights the importance of clear communication between restaurants and their customers, especially when dealing with high-priced items. It also raises questions about the responsibilities of both parties in ensuring transparency. As the story continues to unfold, it may prompt other establishments to review their practices to avoid similar disputes.
