Abroad
S’porean man charged RM36 (S$11.60) for 1 piece of sotong at JB food stall, vows never to return
He said the squid cost more than a typical seafood meal.
April 14, 2026, 07:35 PM
A Singaporean man said he was shocked after being charged RM36 (S$11.60) for a single piece of squid at a nasi kandar stall in Johor Bahru.
He added that the price was unusually high compared to what he typically pays across the Causeway.
The man, surnamed Peng, told Shin Min Daily News that he visited the stall with his mother on Mar. 23 and only realised the cost after receiving the bill.
His meal reportedly totalled RM53.10 (S$17.10), including rice, drinks and the squid dish.
Says squid cost more than a typical JB seafood meal
Peng said he did not object to paying RM12 (S$3.90) for the nasi kandar set, but felt the squid price was excessive.
“I’ve eaten nasi kandar in JB before, and a meal with seafood usually costs no more than RM30 (S$9.70).”
He added that the squid, about five inches long, ended up costing more than what he would normally expect for an entire seafood meal.
He also suspected the stall may have charged more because he was a foreign tourist.
Peng said the experience would likely be his first and last visit to the stall and advised others to check prices before ordering.
Vendor says RM36 (S$11.60) for squid would usually trigger complaints
A nearby mixed-rice stall owner told Shin Min Daily News that squid is typically sold for around RM15 (S$4.90), and charging RM36 (S$11.60) would likely upset customers.
Another nasi kandar vendor said squid prices normally range between S$6 and S$8 (about RM18 to RM24), depending on size and supply conditions.
Lai Ting Hui, founder of Asam Tree, told the Chinese publication that RM36 (S$11.60) for a single squid portion is expensive, adding that it exceeds what customers usually pay even in Singapore.
However, he noted that squid prices can vary depending on factors such as size, availability and supply costs.
Netizens say tourists should confirm prices before ordering
Following reports of the incident, some netizens said travellers should check seafood prices before ordering at nasi kandar stalls, where dishes are often priced separately and may not be displayed clearly.
Others expressed surprise at the cost, noting that food in Johor Bahru is typically perceived to be cheaper than Singapore, making the RM36 (S$11.60) squid stand out as unusually pricey.
Peng said he hopes others will take precautions in future: “It’s best to confirm the price before buying to avoid similar situations.”
Top image via Canva.
