Dining

100+ Restaurants in Singapore That Do Not Serve Free Water

By Veron Ang

Print-friendly

Text size

We recommend

Want to see your business listed here?
Contact us for more information.

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...

For more on Sparklette:

About the Author

Veron Ang is the founder and chief editor of Sparklette. She lives in Singapore and has dined and traveled across the world. She also runs Sparklette Studio, a web design and WordPress development firm. If you'd like to connect with her, head on over to the contact page or follow her personal updates on Twitter: @VeronSG.

I Had Kopi Luwak, the Most Expensive Coffee in the World

Winner of “Spot and Win the LG GD900 Crystal”

Readers who read this, also read:

473 responses

Leave your comment

kwww
June 24, 2009

Seoul Garden also don’t serve water!
Reply
- Veron
  June 25, 2009
  
  Are the drinks included in the buffet?
  Reply
  - Kwww
    June 25, 2009
    
    Nope. U have to pay an extra $3 for the drinks at the buffet, or order the mineral water from them.
    Reply
    - Veron
      June 26, 2009
      
      Ooh… Now that you mention it, I vaguely remember having to pay extra for drinks. I can’t believe they won’t even serve water at a barbecue buffet. Added!
      Reply
csk
June 25, 2009

pizza de donato

ghim moh & 6th avenue
Reply
- Veron
  June 26, 2009
  
  Added both outlets. Thanks!
  Reply
Karen
June 29, 2009

Bakerzin does not serve water!

I am so happy you are compiling this list. Not only is it unacceptable for them to force customers to pay extra, but it is also harming the environment!

Bottled water is one of the worst worst worst things we can do to the environment– ESPECIALLY in Singapore where the PUB gaurantees that all water from ANY TAP (even the one garden hoses connect to) is within international standards for potable, drinkable, safe, clean (how many more ways can I put it?!) water!
Reply
- Veron
  June 29, 2009
  
  You bring up a very good point about the bottles. Oh, I heard Bakerzin serves free water now, from some of my readers’ comments. That’s good news!
  Reply
  - Karen
    June 30, 2009
    
    that’s great news! last time i went, only people with babies had access to free water! because they can just drink from the baby bottles kekeke ^__^
    Reply
    - Veron
      June 30, 2009
      
      That sounds somewhat cute. Haha! But anyways I’m glad that you no longer have to be a baby to get the free water at Bakerzin!
      Reply
auntielucia
June 29, 2009

Why don’t u number yr list as well? That way, we see at a glance how many n thus how common the practice (if possible put yr total upon the total no. of restaurants in s’pore — or if that’s too massive a job to compile, why not break up the restaurants which don’t supply water into high, mid and low price?) thanks!
Reply
- Veron
  June 29, 2009
  
  You got your wish — the list is now numbered!
  
  Given that most of the restaurants listed are reader contributions, I’m not exactly the ideal person to break them down into their respective price ranges.
  Reply
  - auntielucia
    July 6, 2009
    
    Thank you Veron… numbering is helpful… since most are visitors’ contribution, mayb u shld have some disclaimer somewhere to say that u r not responsible for the reliability of the info but that users shld check for themselves. That way, u can avoid wronged restaurants/low priced dining fm coming after u! Yes, u do have a beautifully designed blog… n love all yr travel pieces which make the places come alive!
    Reply
    - Veron
      July 7, 2009
      
      I have added a little disclaimer that I hope helps. Thanks gal for your suggestions. You always provide such constructive ones!
      Reply
Chris
June 30, 2009

Maybe you could provide contact details in your list so we could start to complain? I think these restaurants are clueless.
Reply
- Veron
  June 30, 2009
  
  I think they know, but are taking their chances anyway.
  Reply
pablo
July 2, 2009

Found a restaurant that doesn’t serve tap water, TOTALLY ridiculous we came and spent hundreds of dollars here and they refused to serve tap water and I don’t buy bottled water so we ended up ordering their crappy sugared-up “teas”: Cafe Le Caire at 39 Arab St. Pls add them to the list so ppl know!!
Reply
- Veron
  July 2, 2009
  
  That’s indeed ridiculous. Well it’s deserving that they have now lost a high-spending customer, and many potential more!
  
  Added!
  Reply
razhu
July 8, 2009

Yes seriously, Singaporean restaurants should serve water.
I frequent Japan alot and they even give free flow of Japanese tea/water in most of their eateries. Even food courts and stufff.
Isn’t that such a nice culture.
Reply
- Veron
  July 10, 2009
  
  Yes, I don’t think I have ever encountered poor service in Japan. But to serve free water even in food courts is really going the extra mile!
  Reply
auntielucia
July 8, 2009

Great2 that u take feedback so positively. Yr disclaimer is also well written n complete…

Here’s to more such useable lists! Palms 2gther!
Reply
doublestandard
July 8, 2009

I have a question though; why do we not question restaurants that do not serve tap water overseas? When we travel, especially to Europe, we take it for granted that no tap water is served and that mineral/bottled water is the norm?

Would this be a case of double standards?
Reply
- Veron
  July 10, 2009
  
  Hmm… do we not? I have seen a number of bloggers based in Europe and America complaining about the exact same issue as we are now. If you’re asking why we don’t question foreign restaurants on this blog, that’s because this blog has a focus on Singapore restaurants.
  Reply
Jeff
July 10, 2009

Interesting News

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25756635-5001021,00.html

Australian town bans bottled water.
Reply
- Veron
  July 10, 2009
  
  Great news! Thanks for sharing!
  Reply
Veshali Visvanaath
July 10, 2009

Hi There,

I would just like to bring it to your notice that we actually serve water at Muthu’s Curry.We stopped serving water when we moved into our new premise in 2004 because our staff could not cope with the request for water during peak periods. Our regulars showed unhappiness and we immediately tore down the policy.

We realize that our name is on your blog. Please do the needful or please feel free to mail me for any further info.

Cheers
Veshali
Reply
- Veron
  July 10, 2009
  
  Thanks for your clarification and the good news :) I have updated the list, and have also notified my reader who left the comment about your restaurant.
  Reply
wendy
July 11, 2009

my mum’s cuisine paragon.
i was there this evening. apart from the no tap water policy….. there was an Indian lady in the table behind us. looked like she could have been a tourist. one person sitting in a table for 2. ordered a drink. while drinking her drink, the manageress? cheif waitress came over to her and asked her if she would like to order, the indian lady said she only wanted a drink. she was then told by manager in not so many words that she had to shove fast so that other people could have the table, time was about 9pm.. no queue for tables and at least 4 empty big tables empty.
Reply
- Veron
  July 12, 2009
  
  Added. I hope she wasn’t feeling hurt at being treated so poorly. I feel unjust for her.
  Reply
Rinko
July 12, 2009

hrm on another note, would it be ok for u to link the reader feedback to the specific comment post, makes it easier to search…..
Reply
- Veron
  July 12, 2009
  
  Actually you can reply only to the specific comment by clicking the “Reply” link directly underneath it.
  Reply
  - Rinko
    July 13, 2009
    
    no i kinda meant of like when a someone says something like XXX restaruant doesn;t sere water, its a comment with a link right, u should add it, easier to search for the specfic reustaruants mentioned XD
    
    on a legal way, its keeps these ignorant ppl from acting blind and pointing @ u? XD
    just my two cents, nice list… XD
    Reply
    - Veron
      July 13, 2009
      
      Wow. I’m sorry for misunderstanding you. That’s a brilliant suggestion! I would love to implement it. Thank you!
      Reply
      - Rinko
        July 13, 2009
        
        ah ok XD well keep this list alive, i’ll go retweet this on twitter & FBXD
        Reply
B L Oh
July 12, 2009

Crystal Jade at B2 Ngee Ann City charges for tap water also. Wonder if it is a common policy across all Crystal Jade outlets…
Reply
- Veron
  July 12, 2009
  
  I wonder the same thing too. So far their two La Mian Xiao Long Bao outlets are listed. Added Kitchen at Ngee Ann City basement.
  Reply
Jin
July 12, 2009

Good stuff here!

Despite having a fondness for the cakes at Bakerzin (then Baker’s Inn), I stopped freqenting their outlets when they stopped serving water many years back. Despite what some proprietors may think, there are strong sentiments against such practice.

Veron, perhaps a system to put establishments on and off the list, if time permits?
Reply
- Veron
  July 12, 2009
  
  The good news is that Bakerzin have changed their policy and now serve free water :)
  
  Do you mean, like, a wiki system?
  Reply
  - Jin
    July 13, 2009
    
    No, not exactly.
    
    I see there is already an informal system going though – For example, an establishment would be put onto the list if it is verified (e.g. perhaps by a pre-determined number of postings stating so) and taken off only when a representative from the establishment comes forward to clarify.
    Reply
My 2 cents
July 12, 2009

This was written in response to the article in The Sunday Times (July 12,2009).

————
To: Gracie Vitale, La Forketta, who was quoted “Our patrons are serious diners and come for our food, not to taste water. It’s the customer with a budget who insists on tap water”

- How arrogant! Are customers with a budget not serious diners? Are they not welcome to patronise your restaurant? How snobbish.

————
To Jeffrey Jumahat, Cafe Le Caire, who was quoted “To be frank, I don’t think customers will just boycott because of water. There’s no urgent need to take action at this point of time”

– That is your prerogative, of course. Those who have tried and like the food may not boycott your establishment, but why turn away those who have yet to experience your cafe for a glass of water? Or why refuse your loyal customers the small favour?

————
To Jack Chin, Mad Jack’s, who was quoted “People who complain are not educated about business costs because nothing is free”

- I may not be as educated as Jack, but common sense suggests that if the success of your business teeters on the cost of a glass of water, it may be a good idea to re-visit your business plan. Consider perhaps selling your food from a pushcart instead of a restaurant.

————
To Danny Ang, Alps Cafe, who was quoted as “I might consider raising the price of the food to give everyone free water”

- That’s fair. Then you only have to balance your price with the food quality and overall dining experience of your cafe. Although I didn’t realise that your prices were determined specifically on the assumption that you would not be serving water to the customers in the first place.

————
Finally, I thought it was natural and in our culture to offer our visitors a drink. Shouldn’t this courtesy be extended to one’s customers? When did the restaurant business become so coldly calculating that simple graciousness is sacrificed for the sake of saving a few cents?

….my 2 cents.
Reply
- DC
  July 12, 2009
  
  Damn right. I’ve never went to these restaurants but you can be sure I’ll never go there now, even if the food is good. You can find great food elsewhere. I’ve been to many fine dining places which give free water. Pay $12++ for a bottle of mineral water? I would rather spend that on another dessert.
  
  Does it mean because we are not given free water, their prices are actually lower? Nope, I don’t think so.
  Reply
  - Veron
    July 12, 2009
    
    Exactly. Doesn’t matter how good the food is. There are many other alternatives. A few of the listed restaurants are those that I used to frequent. Ever since I realised that they don’t serve free water, I stopped patronising them.
    Reply
- Veron
  July 12, 2009
  
  Very excellent points. All the reasons that these restaurateurs use to defend their stand are really just excuses to mask their greed and lack of graciousness.
  Reply
- Jeff
  July 14, 2009
  
  This is an interesting statement
  “Danny Ang, Alps Cafe, who was quoted as “I might consider raising the price of the food to give everyone free water”
  
  sounds typically PAP.
  want cheap cars, raise erp
  want more frequent mrt/buses, raise fares
  want more taxis, raise fares
  want better medical, raise charges
  want better govt, raise minister’s pay
  
  how utterly ridiculous.
  
  raise prices to give free water…
  Reply
  - char
    July 14, 2009
    
    well said!!
    Reply
  - Veron
    July 15, 2009
    
    Uh oh, I think we gave him an excuse to raise food prices.
    Reply
leeks
July 12, 2009

“Bliss Waterfront Dining & Bar (Punggol Park)”

they don’t have any service charge, so maybe you would want to remove them from your list.

* I dont know anyone who owns this bar. i just stay nearby. :)
Reply
- Veron
  July 12, 2009
  
  Hmm… But charging $1 for water is a bit much. And their dishes aren’t exactly cheap. I don’t know if they should be removed from the list. What do you guys think?
  Reply
john tan
July 12, 2009

I am a retired banker who still enjoys going all over for fine dining with my wife periodically. When i was working i probably will not be bother with your list as most of the time i was earning good money and spending on expense accounts. Now that i have retired, your list is most useful to me and all my fellow retired buddies too. I am circulating it to all my retired colleagues, associates, lawyer friends and i am sure they will find it useful……..as anything that can help us save money is good in such difficult time.

Good work Veron…..you will go far. For someone so young, you have vision and understand what the masses appreciate and want. Dont be scared by all these talks by some joints saying that your act is libelous. Let them come . Reason is there are lawyers out there who appreciate your list. I am sure they will come to your defense if the threat is real.

Come to thing of it. You dont have to talk of boycott. Just network and build up the list and reach the widest audience. Let nature takes its course. Human nature is such regardless of how rich you are. Any suggestion that can help a man to save a dime is always welcome. Tell that to Sam Walton ( founder of Wal Mart ) one of the world richest, and he will drink to that.
Reply
- Veron
  July 12, 2009
  
  Thank you very much for your kind comment. I share the same thought as you, that “Any suggestion that can help a man to save a dime is always welcome”. I started this list solely to bring to light the many establishments that charge for tap water, whose objective is to make an extra dime from customers.
  
  Your comment has been most encouraging. I am thrilled that you and your wife find the list useful, and I thank you for your support.
  Reply
  - DC
    July 12, 2009
    
    The drawback from all this flak is that the restaurants may increase their prices to serve free water. However, I’m acceptable to this as I can see the prices upfront and decide for myself if I would want to pay that amount.
    Reply
anon
July 12, 2009

gd work
Reply
pkchukiss
July 12, 2009

Veron, how about a blog post about the restaurants that have started serving courtesy tap water again as a result of this list? They deserve the commendation for being proactive in engaging their customers, so why not a promotion stint for them?
Reply
- Veron
  July 12, 2009
  
  I would be happy to do up a list like that, if restaurateurs that have changed their policy would let me know about it :) Any change that improves the customer’s dining experience is always welcome and should be highlighted.
  Reply