{
  "id": 13103142,
  "title": "Netizens divided over call for Singaporeans to pay more for hawker food, with some blaming landlords",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/netizens-divided-over-call-for-singaporeans-to-pay-more-for-hawker",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-09T10:31:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Independent Singapore",
    "slug": "the-independent-singapore",
    "url": "https://theindependent.sg/netizens-divided-over-call-for-singaporeans-to-pay-more-for-hawker-food-with-some-blaming-landlords"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Netizens in Singapore have responded with mixed reactions to a call for locals to pay more for hawker food. An article on Wonderwall.sg argued that people often lament when a hawker stall closes, even though they are willing to pay high prices for similar dishes at restaurants and cafes, such as finding S$19 for beef ragu pasta at a restaurant acceptable but expensive for the same dish at a hawker centre. The article suggested that locals who can afford higher prices at cafes and restaurants should pay more for hawker food. Some netizens agreed, saying they’re happy to pay S$20 for microwaved meals at cafes but find S$5 hawker food outrageous. They argued hawker stalls shouldn’t subsidize the needy, and food stamps and vouchers should handle that. Others, however, said paying hawkers more shouldn’t mean paying more for landlords’ upkeep. One commenter said, “Why do consumers need to pay more for the upkeep of greedy landlords?” Another argued this mindset is a “classic scholar mindset,” pointing out that when the price of a S$6 plate doesn’t hurt, the cook won’t see the extra money, and the landlord will raise rent anyway. A third commenter said Singapore needs cheaper options, not higher prices, as many are overworked, drained, and not well-paid, and being priced out of eating out would be another slap in the face. They argued that saying a S$19 plate for ragu pasta per person per meal is common is a poor comparison. A fourth pointed out that if the food is good, people won’t complain. Calls to support local businesses are nothing new, with a similar call emerging last year when residents lamented the fading familiarity of neighbourhoods as newer, commercial outlets replaced small, family-run shops. Those supporting local businesses said it’s not always easy to do so when there is the option of experiencing top-notch service from non-local brands. However, many Singaporeans online worry that Singapore’s “kampung spirit” might disappear within 10 to 20 years.",
  "summary": "SINGAPORE: Netizens shared mixed reactions after a call for locals to pay more for hawker food. A Wonderwall.sg article argued that people always lament when a hawker stall in the city-state closes, yet those who consider hawker prices “too much” are often willing to pay similarly high prices at restaurants and cafes—for example, some feel it’s okay to pay S$19 for beef ragu pasta at a…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}