Man buys 4 packs of laksa from Hougang coffee shop stall, pays S$1.60 for takeaway containers alone

A noodle stall at a coffee shop in Hougang has raised eyebrows for charging S$0.40 for a takeaway container.

When asked about it, the stall owner said the containers used are designed specifically to store hot soup-based noodles and are microwave-safe, which accounts for the higher fee, but added that they are currently exploring alternatives.

S$1.60 takeout fee for 4 bowls of laksa

According to Shin Min Daily News, a 60-year-old man, surnamed Chen (transliteration), visited Lai Yuan Gourmet, a noodle stall at a coffee shop at Block 107 Hougang Avenue 1, and was surprised to learn that each takeaway container cost S$0.40.

He ordered four servings of laksa, which resulted in a total takeaway charge of S$1.60.

He added: "Takeaway fees are usually about S$0.30," Chen said. "I only noticed the fee written at the side later."

"It's not about the extra 10 cents, I just feel the price is too high."

While he acknowledged that stallholders need to cover rising costs, Chen said he felt it would be better to adjust food prices directly rather than pass on the cost to customers through packaging charges.

He also noted that the containers were not easily reusable.

"The food still needs to be reheated and transferred into another bowl, and potentially leads to more waste," he added.

Specially customised takeaway containers

Lai Yuan Gourmet told Shin Min that it uses thicker, food-grade containers that are specifically designed to hold hot soup-based noodles and minimise the risk of spillage during transportation.

These containers, which are also microwave-safe, cost more than standard disposable packaging.

The stall's spokesperson added that rising packaging and operating costs had contributed to the takeaway fee.

Moreover, the takeaway fee is clearly written on its menu at the counter, and customers have the option of dining in or bringing their own containers, the spokesperson said.

The stall also said that it values customer feedback and is currently reviewing its choice of takeaway packaging and pricing, while ensuring food safety and quality standards are maintained.

Mixed reactions

Opinions regarding the price of the takeaway containers are mixed.

Some said the fee was acceptable as long as it was clearly communicated upfront, while others felt that it was simply too high.

In an interview with Shin Min, one woman stated that what mattered the most was transparency.

"As long as prices are clearly displayed, customers can decide for themselves."

However, others disagreed.

One man pointed out that takeaway fees at coffee shops and hawker centres typically range from S$0.20 to S$0.30, and that S$0.40 was still too high.

Top photos via Shin Min Daily News