100+ Restaurants in Singapore That Do Not Serve Free Water
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For a long while we have noticed an annoying trend in many restaurants. An increasing number have a no-water policy: They do not serve free water to diners even when requested. Instead, we have to buy their bottled water. Not only is the bottled water overpriced, the bottles are eco-unfriendly as well. We find this practice highly unacceptable. Therefore, we are compiling a list of restaurants that refuse to serve free water. If you have come across any, please let us know in the comments and it would be added to the list. Please do not submit hawker stalls, coffee shops, fast food restaurants, food kiosks/carts. Please also state the outlet location and indicate if there is no service charge. Ajisen Classic Ramen (Changi Airport T3) – reader’s contribution Alley Bar (Orchard Road) – reader’s contribution on Facebook Aloy Thai (Shaw Tower) – reader’s contribution Arteastiq (Mandarin Gallery) – reader’s contribution Astons Specialties (all outlets) – readers’ contributions 1 | 2 Bali Thai (Novena Square & Tampines Mall) – personal experience & reader’s contribution Bao Luo Wan Xiang (Plaza Singapura) – reader’s contribution Bar Bar Black Sheep (Robertson Quay) (no service charge) – reader’s contribution Barcelos (VivoCity) (no service charge) [...]
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Feb 8, 2011
1
I would like to add a note that MacDonalds and KFC DO SERVE plain water if you ask for it. Icy cold to add on. Since the regular customers are youngsters, the icy cold water often cools them down after a game at the nearby basketball court or the unstoppable heat. Adds on to the service experience, right?
If you noticed, KFC has this little tap hanging out from its drinks machine and yes, thats where you get your water. Similar to those water coolers you find in school. Having visit KFC quite a few times, I must say their service isn’t all that bad as a fast-food outlet. There have been a few instances where mothers ask for cups of water for their kids and the workers working at frontline serve them with a smile.
Same goes to MacDonalds, just that the water gets dispensed from the machine itself, like how your coke gets into the cup with a push of a button. Once, my friend was in need of water for her medication but none of us had water with us or finished our bottle of water we brought out with us. She turned to MacDonalds, and was serve a medium-cup sized of water (slightly smaller than those party plastic cups) even though she did not buy anything.
One win for fast-food outlets.
If fast-food chains are willing to give, than why not restaurants? Okay, its their choice anyway, but its also our choice whether we are happy with their service or not. I personally won’t boycott a restaurant if they don’t serve water, but what irks me most is horrible service attidute as well as hidden costs. What’s the point of serving water and then charging it together with the total bill? As what Veron said herself, it’s worse if they still refuse to serve water if its for valid reasons such as medication and kids. How much can a cup of water cost you if you are going to serve water only when customers request? As compared to other restaurants who serve water to every guest that patronise their restaurant, you definately save alot more. Why stinge on that cup of water that may change how a customer looks at your restaurant or even decide whether to return for more visits?
Just one simple regular fare at every restaurant, serving water, reflects on how much the restaurant is willing to give and serve its customers. Nuff’ said.
Mar 24, 2011
1
Just visited Bali Thai at Velocity (Novena Square). Requested warm water and was told there is additional charge for request of warm water because they only serve “standard water”, i.e you have to accept whatever temperature of the water they serves you.
Jun 1, 2011
2
I recently visited MOF in Marina Square and after ordering about $60 worth of food and “drinks” asked for a glass of water. I was told that they did not server ice water, but would “sell” me a glass of warm water for $0.30. I told them that I never eat at restaurants that refuse a glass of tap water or offer to sell it, and promptly left.
It amazes me that these restaurants would rather lose a fair amount of money and customers rather than provide a free glass of tap water.
I heard on the radio that Class 95 DJ Bobby Tonelli had a similar, but much worst experience at MOF also.
Jun 16, 2011
1
Crystal Jade Kitchen (Parkway Parade) charges $0.30 for a glass of warm tap water. the food was mediocre, expensive, and there were many additional hidden charges. never will i return!
Jun 26, 2011
1
Thai Noodle House, Coronation – used to offer free water but now they charge 20cents. Maybe your list could also include how much the restaurant charges for the cup of tap water.
Jul 9, 2011
1
Pearle Noir serves only bottled water
Jul 10, 2011
1
Actually I think its the rental problem, I look at it… Normally all d town area… Everything going up..
Oct 24, 2011
1
Five izakiya across from Fullerton bay hotel
Dec 11, 2011
1
Arteastiq
Dec 27, 2011
1
Hot Tomato, causeway point shopping mall, woodlands
they only serve water for .20 cents and from tap, that is.
Mar 10, 2012
1
Hi,
Here’s one more that needs to be added to you list. Serenity Spanish BAr abd Restaurant, #1 HArbour Front Walk, #1-98/88 Vivo City. Tel 63768185.
In addition to not serving tap water gratis, they have the gall to have it listed on the menu for SGD 2.00 . But if you buy any drink – they offer to serve it free.
Went there for a quick working lunch yesterday 09/03/2012, and I guess they feel that they have folks like us who are in a bit of a hurry, as captive customers who’d rather pay up or order bottled water (@ SGD 6.00), than walk out.
We asked to speak to the manager, but were told by the staff, who went to check if he as in, that sorry he hadn’t come to work. Fishy :)
Please put them on the list ASAP.
Thanks,
Krish
Mar 11, 2012
3470
Oh crap. That’s one of my favourite bars to visit at VivoCity. But because I usually go there for drinks, I haven’t realised that they don’t serve free water to people that don’t buy their drinks.
May 2, 2012
1
Hot Stones in Clark Quay
May 13, 2012
1
Wawawa at Bedok also don’t give free tap water. This was very disappointing, but may in part go towards explaining why it was almost empty at prime lunchtime Sunday 2pm. Very shortsighted if you ask me. We (2 adults and 2 kids) all had full meals and drinks off the menu. Including 2x $5 soft drinks and a jug of heineken. Then were told no for water. Shame, this penny pinching attitude means I’ll think twice about coming here again!