Tourist refuses to pay for meal before eating at Chinatown Complex, says people pay afterwards in his hometown

Tourist argues with hawker over refusing to pay before meal at Chinatown Complex

A dispute broke out in Chinatown Complex between a tourist and a hawker due to apparent cultural differences.

The incident occurred on 8 Sept at around noon, on the second floor of the Chinatown Complex Food Centre.

According to Shin Min Daily News, the 34-year-old cai png stall owner, Mr Yu (transliterated), said that a middle-aged man from China came to his stall to order food.

The tourist ordered a meal costing S$3.60, but refused to pay before eating.

He allegedly said that in his hometown, it was customary to pay only after finishing a meal. Additionally, he pointed at his bag and promised that he had cash.

Since the tourist was eating at a table next to the cai png stall, Mr Yu relented and allowed him to eat his food first.

After finishing his meal, however, the customer returned to the stall and tried to order more rice and dishes.

Mr Yu then asked that he pay for his initial meal before getting more.

The tourist persistently refused once again, purportedly saying that he had a lot of money to pay afterwards.

Police arrive to mediate situation

This time, the stall owner warned him that he was affecting his business and would call the police. The Chinese man told him to go ahead, even attempting to call the police himself.

After waiting for about five minutes, Mr Yu then claimed the man suddenly tried to leave without paying. Mr Yu’s wife noticed and stopped the tourist.

At that time, police officers showed up and conversed with the tourist.

Following mediation for the apparent miscommunication, an officer told Mr Yu that the man had arrived in Singapore that very day.

The police took a S$10 note from the tourist’s bag and handed it to Mr Yu. The stall owner passed the change over and refused to do further business with him.

According to Shin Min, Mr Yu claimed the tourist was taken away by the police officers afterwards.

Also read: 77-year-old man allegedly slashes couple at Chinatown Complex, gets charged in court

77-year-old man allegedly slashes couple at Chinatown Complex, gets charged in court

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Featured image adapted from Shin Min Daily News and Chinatown Complex Hawker Centre on Facebook.