SINGAPORE: In a surprising twist on the discussion about food affordability, a local diner, Gavin Cheung, took to social media to express his 'outrage' over the low prices at a popular food stall.

“This is getting ridiculous! I ordered this for lunch, and they dare to charge me this amount!” he sarcastically lamented, aiming to shed light on what he perceives as a flaw in Singapore’s ever-rising cost of living.

Mr. Cheung posted a photo of his meal, which cost just S$3.50, and humorously questioned the stall’s business practices.

“What is wrong with inflation in Singapore? Don’t they need to pay utilities, rent, salaries, and earn a profit?” he wrote, expressing his faux indignation over receiving such value for his money.

He further exclaimed, “This stall is damaging Singapore’s reputation as the most expensive country in the world! They must be stopped—if they don’t start charging higher, the authorities should intervene!” Mr. Cheung cleverly advised diners to avoid this stall at Ghim Moh Hawker Centre unless they were keen on enjoying affordable meals.

His post included a screengrab of the payment receipt, highlighting just how low the prices are in contrast to other dining options around Singapore.

The reaction in the comments was mixed. Some users didn’t catch on to Mr. Cheung’s satirical tone and swiftly pointed out the excellent value he received, with comments like, 'Three meat items for only $3.50 is actually worth it!' Others joined in on the humor, with one commenter quipping, 'You got a good deal, complain. Now that’s the Singaporean way!'

However, many users appreciated Mr. Cheung’s pointed remark on consumer expectations in a high-cost city.

“So many people don’t get what Gavin is trying to explain,” remarked one netizen. Another added, “The observers who can’t read between the lines are quite concerning.”

In an era where rising costs and inflation have taken center stage in discussions around daily living expenses, Gavin Cheung’s tongue-in-cheek critique provides a refreshing perspective on the balance between affordability and expectation.

As Singapore navigates its economic landscape, it raises a pivotal question: how do we reconcile the reality of living costs with the genuine appreciation for delicious and affordable hawker fare?