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) – reader’s contribution
- BBQ Chicken (Cathay Cineleisure Orchard) – reader’s contribution
- Bliss Waterfront Dining & Bar (Punggol Park) – reader’s contribution
- Blu (Shangri-La Hotel) – reader’s contribution
- Boon Tong Kee Chicken Rice (Bukit Timah) – personal experience
Our review - Café Le Caire (Arab Street) – reader’s contribution
Restaurant’s response in news article - Canopy Cafe (Marina Bay Golf Course) – reader’s contribution
- Canton-i (Ion Orchard) – reader’s contribution
- The Cathay Restaurant (The Cathay) – reader’s contribution
- Casa do Churrasco Brazil (Katong Village) – source
- Central Restaurant (all outlets) – reader’s contribution
- Check In (Robertson Quay) – reader’s contribution
- Chen Fu Ji Grains (The Central) – reader’s contribution
- Coffee Club (Orchard Fountain Corner) – reader’s contribution
- Creative Organics (Fortune Centre) – reader’s contribution
- Crystal Jade Hong Kong Café (Orchard Central & Liang Seah Street) – readers’ contributions 1 | 2
- Crystal Jade Kitchen (Causeway Point, Ngee Ann City & Suntec City Mall) – readers’ contributions 1 | 2 | 3
- Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao (Bugis Junction, Great World City, Holland Avenue, Ngee Ann City & Suntec City Mall) – readers’ contributions 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
Our reviews 1 | 2 - Diandin Leluk Thai Restaurant (Serangoon Garden) – reader’s contribution
- Different Taste Café and Restaurant (Frankel Avenue & Jalan Mas Puteh) (no service charge) – sources 1 | 2
- Ebisboshi Shotengai (Iluma) – reader’s contribution
- Esmirada (CHIJMES) – reader’s contribution
- First Thai Food (Purvis Street) – reader’s contribution
- Five Izakaya Bar (Hitachi Tower) – reader’s contribution
- Fou de Fafa (Capital Tower) – reader’s contribution
- Fiesta Brasilia (United Square) – readers’ contributions 1 | 2
- Gelare Café (Hougang Mall) – reader’s contribution
- Giraffe Restaurant and Bar (Istana Park) – reader’s contribution
Our review - Haato (Ridgewood Close) – reader’s contribution
- Heaven’s Loft (Orchard Central) – reader’s contribution
- The Highlander Bar & Restaurant (Clarke Quay) – reader’s contribution
- Hong Kong Kim Gary Restaurant (VivoCity) – reader’s contribution
Our review - Hot Tomato Express (Plaza Singapura) – reader’s contribution
- Hotpot Culture (Marina Square) – reader’s contribution
- Huber’s Butchery & Bistro (Dempsey Hill) – reader’s contribution
- Imperial Herbal Restaurant & Tcafe (VivoCity) – reader’s contribution
- Insomnia (CHIJMES) – reader’s contribution
- Introbar (Swissotel The Stamford) – reader’s contribution
- Jalapeno’s Pepper (Singapore Flyer) – sources 1 | 2 | 3
- Joaquim Buffet Restaurant (Suntec City Mall) – reader’s contribution
- Kartini Restaurant (Parkway Parade) – reader’s contribution
- Kebab Station (East Coast Park & Parkway Parade) (no service charge) – personal experience
Our review - Kenny Rogers Roasters (Great World City, Marina Square & Suntec City Mall) – reader’s contributions 1 | 2
- Kim Choo Kueh Chang (East Coast) (no service charge) – sources 1 | 2 | 3
- Kintamani Indonesian Restaurant (Furama Riverfront Hotel) – personal experience
- La Forketta (Dempsey) – sources 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
Restaurant’s response in news article & here - Lai Lai Casual Dining (Jurong Point) – reader’s contribution
- Lao Beijing (Novena Square) – reader’s contribution
- Le Baroque (CHIJMES) – reader’s contribution
- Lerk Thai (Singapore Expo & Woodlands Civic Centre) – readers’ contributions 1 | 2
- Little Bali (Gillman’s Village) – readers’ contributions 1 | 2
Restaurant’s response - Liquid Kitchen (all outlets) – reader’s contribution
- Lush Cafe (313 @ Somerset) – reader’s contribution
- Mad Jack Café (all outlets) (no service charge) – personal experience
Restaurant’s response in news article - Midsummer Nite Breeze (Pasir Ris Park) – sources 1 | 2
- Mimolette Restaurant & Bar (Fairways Drive) – reader’s contribution
- Ming Kee Live Seafood (Macpherson Road) – reader’s contribution
- MOF (Ministry of Food) (Suntec City Mall & West Coast Plaza) – readers’ contributions 1 | 2
- The Mussel Guys (VivoCity) – personal experience
Our review - My Mum’s Cuisine (Paragon) – reader’s contribution
- Nan Xiang (Novena Square 2) – reader’s contribution
- Nando’s (Bugis Junction & Tanglin Mall) – readers’ contributions 1 | 2
- Nectarie le’Dessert Patisserie (Clarke Quay) – sources 1 | 2
- New Harbour Café & Bar (Tanjong Pagar) – reader’s contribution
- No Signboard Seafood Restaurant (all outlets) – reader’s contribution
- Novus (National Museum) – readers’ contributions 1 | 2
- OK Shabu Shabu (East Coast Road) – reader’s contribution
- Old Hong Kong Kitchen (Square 2) – reader’s contribution
- Old Town White Coffee (all outlets) – personal experience & readers’ contributions 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
Our review - Oosters Belgian Brasserie (Suntec City Mall) – reader’s contribution
- Pacific Allied Cafe (URA Centre) – reader’s contribution
- Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant (One Fullerton) – reader’s contribution
- Pasta Fresca Da Salvatore (Siglap) – reader’s contribution
- Pasta Stylo (City Square Mall) – personal experience
Our review - Pizza Bar da Donato (Ghim Moh) – reader’s contribution
- Pizza da Donato (Sixth Avenue) – reader’s contribution
- Prince Taiwan Porridge (Upper Bukit Timah) – reader’s contribution
- Pu Tien (Tampines Mall) – reader’s contribution
- The Pump Room (Clarke Quay) – reader’s contribution
- Ramen Ten (all outlets) – reader’s contribution
- Red Lacquer Authentic Penang Peranakan (Jurong Point) – personal experience
- Renaldo’s (Eastwood Centre) – reader’s contribution
- Renn Thai (Clarke Quay) – reader’s contribution
- Royal Café (Siglap) – reader’s contribution
- Secret Recipe (all outlets) – readers’ contributions 1 | 2 | 3
- Seoul Garden (all outlets) – reader’s contribution
- Serenity Spanish Bar & Restaurant (VivoCity) – reader’s contribution
- The Shack (Sentosa’s Tanjong Beach) – reader’s contribution
- Skinny Pizza (Suntec City Mall) – reader’s contribution
- Soup Spoon (all outlets) (no service charge) – reader’s contribution
- Suanthai (Killiney Road) – readers’ contributions 1 | 2
- Sweet Spring (AMK Hub) – reader’s contribution
- Table 108 (CHIJMES) – reader’s contribution
- The Tapas Tree (Clarke Quay) – personal experience & source
Restaurant’s response in news article - Tawandang Micro Brewery (Dempsey Road) – readers’ contributions 1 | 2
- Tori-Tama (Robertson Walk) – reader’s contribution
- Uncle’s Kitchen (Bugis Junction) – reader’s contribution
- Va Va Voom (Seah Street) – sources 1 | 2
- Wan Chai Hong Kong Tea Room (Sembawang Shopping Centre) – reader’s contribution
- Ximending (VivoCity) – readers’ contributions 1 | 2
- Xin Wang Hong Kong Café (all outlets) – readers’ contributions 1 | 2 | 3
Our review - Xing Hua Family Restaurant (Towner Road) – reader’s contribution
Disclaimer: This list is compiled based on reader contributions and our own dining experiences. All comments and sources are linked for your reference. While we have taken steps to ensure the information presented is current, you may still wish to double-check with the restaurants if they have updated their no-water policy. If you notice any discrepancy, please let us know and we would gladly make the amendments.
To restaurateurs that do not serve free water: Wouldn’t you want your customers to keep coming back? If giving them water, even tap is fine, would improve their dining experience, why wouldn’t you do it? Isn’t that better than pissing off potential customers that would never return? Just how much is a glass of tap water gonna cost you anyway?
Let us exercise our right as a customer and not give in to such practices that exist only to milk more money out of us. Should you encounter such a restaurant, feel free to
- Walk out of the restaurant.
- Blacklist and stop patronising the place.
- Tell your friends about it.
- Leave a comment here and we would add it to the list.
Hopefully in some small way, it would prompt restaurateurs to stop this penny-wise, pound-foolish practice.
Spread the word!
In the press
July 12, 2009
The Sunday Times has published an article based on this list. We have made it available here for your reading (in PDF format):
Much of the article has been written from the perspective of these restaurants, along with several comments from the stakeholders. We would love to hear your views.
We do like the quote by Mr. Aun Koh that sums up this no-water policy perfectly:
Mr Aun Koh, director of media and lifestyle consultancy Ate Media which published Asia’s first restaurant guide The Miele Guide, said: ‘In Singapore, there is no excuse other than snobbish vanity to drink bottled water and no reason other than an attempt to increase revenues for restaurateurs to refuse to offer tap water to their patrons.’
July 14, 2009
Following the Sunday Times article, waves of comments came pouring in, starting with this one. If you are following the highly active discussion, that would be a good place to start.
In response to the article, Sunday Times reader Mr. Cassell R. Meyers has written in to the forum to share his own personal views and experience.
August 13, 2009
The Today newspaper published an article on the harmful impact of bottled water, primarily from the discarding of plastic bottles. Here’s a quote from the article:
Dr Seetharam Kallidaikurichi, director of the Institute of Water Policy at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, said: ‘the public should be made aware of the “unnecessary” buying of bottled water for drinking, especially in places where tap water is safe to drink, such as in houses and restaurants. This is because such a practice can turn into a habit and this will lead to even more plastic bottles being used – and discarded.’
Jun 17, 2009
6
MOF.
I’m not sure about the one at suntec.. but the one at west coast plaza doesn’t not.
Jun 17, 2009
3472
Added MOF to the list. Thank you.
Jul 14, 2009
1
MOF suntec as well. Pity, they used to serve free water, but stopped after the H1N1 incident. As if H1N1 is spread by drinking water…
Jul 15, 2009
3472
They really can find excuses!
Dec 9, 2009
2
Lena’s (by MOF also) charges for water. 50cents for a refillable (smallish) glass.
Aug 19, 2010
1
Just fyi, LENAS is serving FREE iced water now =)
Aug 19, 2010
3472
Thanks, Lenas has been removed.
Jun 17, 2009
1
Every Bakerz Inn I’ve ever visited. They have lost my business.
Also, Highlander pub at Clarker Quay. Twats. Not going there again.
Jun 17, 2009
3472
I know how you feel about Bakerzin (Baker’s Inn). I was forced to order Evian there many times. But from some of the comments posted, they seem to have changed their policy and do serve free water these days.
Added Highlander.
Jun 17, 2009
3
Gelare, at least the one at Hougang Mall does not serve free water either.
I was aware of this, but I really wanted a waffle. So I decided to buy a bottle of water and asked the waitress for one.
“Can I have a bottle of water please?”
“I’m sorry but we don’t serve water.”
“I understand. Can I have a bottle of water please?”
“I’m sorry but we don’t serve water for free.”
“Yes, I know. Can I have a bottle of water please?”
“We do not serve free water.”
“But you sell bottles of water, yes?”
“Oh!”
*facepalm
Jun 17, 2009
3472
Haha that’s funny! Goes to show that the staff are accustomed to hearing (and rejecting) customers’ requests for water.
Added Gelare Café!
Jun 17, 2009
2
great list! I dun support such eateries too; I wun go back again if I encounter such a thing.
Jun 17, 2009
1
But the xin wang taiwan branch at citylink they provide water…. but they dun expose it like leaving the water container out there… must quietly ask waiter then they bring to you… and i think u also must order their drinks…
Jun 17, 2009
3472
It would be great if they do serve free water when requested, even without us having to order other drinks.
Jun 17, 2009
1
The Bark Café @ Upper Changi Road North
Great list btw, let’s grow the list and expose them all!
Jun 17, 2009
3472
Added! Thank you.
Mar 26, 2010
3472
I have removed The Bark Café after someone updated us in a new comment that they now serve both warm and iced water for free.
Jun 17, 2009
1
water is a necessity that shouldn’t be denied. wtf? i mean… if i were to open a restaurant, i believe its a must. almost like air if not more important.
“do you guys serve fresh air?”
“no, you have to purchase fresh air vents at the side of the table for 0.90$ per cm3”
i see where this blogger is going at.
Jun 17, 2009
1
Restaurants not willing to SERVE even tap water, even when specifically requested to, should not be charging the 10% service charge.
My addition to the list: Le Baroque, Chijmes
Jun 17, 2009
3472
Added!
Jun 17, 2009
4
Hey, Timbre doesn’t serve water but neither does it discourage you from getting water from the bar. The no water policy probably stems from the fact that there are so many people who will constantly request free water and use up precious labour in a f&b establishment. Esp in a restaurant where washing, fetching, refilling and clearing up glasses eat into the already thin profit margins by making more people work to get you something that’s free.
Jun 17, 2009
3472
But that’s what we pay service charges for, right?
Jun 18, 2009
4
Well, service charge goes to paying service staff. In countries that do not practice gratuity as permanent part of the bill, service staff earn below minimum wage/hour and depend largely on tips to survive.
Now, imagine dining in Singapore and voluntarily paying a (american) customary 15% gratuity to your server. How many people would skimp on paying that to help pay the server’s wages? Service charge is what the name suggests, payment for service to your server. Restaurants make very slim margins on the price on their food items. Now, with free tap water you have to find money somewhere for glasses, the washing of said glasses, loss of labour due to this free service etc.
It’s either higher prices on your food or paying for water you may or may not drink.
Jun 18, 2009
3472
Whether or not service charges really go toward paying service staff, it doesn’t matter to a customer. As a customer, when I am charged for service, that’s exactly what I expect.
I have visited several restaurants where I have been adamantly refused by the waitstaff when I specifically ask for water to go with my food. These restaurants also happen to sell high-priced food and levy service charges.
One in particular is a place I (used to) frequent. Lately they have introduced a $2 price increment to each and every food item on their menu (> 25% increase), no doubt already increasing their profit margin, and a no-water policy at the same time.
Needless to say, I don’t frequent the place anymore.
Jun 17, 2009
1
By all means raise awareness and/or boycott restaurants with such myopic business practices, but please, please do not call for more governmental regulation; Singapore is enough of a nanny state, and its denizens, mollycoddled lemmings, as it is.
Jun 17, 2009
9
hogs breath at vivo used to serve water. last visit about a month ago.
Jun 17, 2009
3472
Hmm I am hearing differing stories about Hog’s Breath. I will remove it for now until someone else complains. Thanks!
Jun 17, 2009
10
nice one veron! good list to start with and add on more! Thanks for the hard work :)
Jun 17, 2009
3472
Thank you for your input! Hey, you dine out a lot. Feel free to add on more to the list!
Jun 18, 2009
2
giraffe at istana park doesnt serve free water either…
so is crystal jade xiao long bao & la mian… not sure if it applies to all outlets though… but i went to the branch at suntec a few days back… & realised that plain water was served at the cost of 30 cents…
Jun 18, 2009
3472
There seem to be quite a number of complaints with regard to the poor service at Giraffe. Someone also mentioned that they have a no-water policy. Added.
Also added Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao. Does anyone know if they serve free water at other Crystal Jade restaurants? I think it’s quite likely that they would have the same policy across all the restaurants under the Crystal Jade Group.
Jun 18, 2009
9
haven’t been to a crystal jade that doesn’t serve water.
I don’t like drinking hot tea, so I always ask for iced water and they serve it willingly(and I’m pretty sure it doesn’t show up on the bill)
Jun 19, 2009
3472
I’m hearing so many different stories on Crystal Jade. What gives?
Jun 18, 2009
2
the other nite i went villa bali… they claim they dun serve plain water..
Jun 18, 2009
3472
Shucks! And I thought Villa Bali has the Singapore Service Star certification. Are you absolutely sure?
Jun 18, 2009
2
yup.. at least tat was wat happened to me n my frens bout 2 sat nite ago
we went there for drinks n finger food then after tat wanted some plain water.. so i ask for it from one of the servers. but she told me they dun serve plain water.
Jun 18, 2009
3472
Okay say no more. I got it. Added Villa Bali to the list. Thank you!
Jan 23, 2010
2
Hi Veron!
First time I noticed your blog and that you added Little Bali/The Villa Bali to your ‘List’ of restaurants ‘that do not serve tap water’ (my goodness most of Singapore is there do you seriously believe that people will boycott restaurants if they don’t serve free tap water?). You omitted to mention that we do serve free bottled water to guests who order our platters, and we do serve free warm water to the elderly and persons who need to take medication. We are not as soulless as your blog indicates, and what this has to do with having a Singapore Service Star baffles me completely! We run a business, we have rent to pay and Singaporeans to employ just like you. Our landlord the government is not so benevolent so please don’t champion something that plays into the hands of those who want something for free! If PUB were to commercialise New Water we would be the first to use it as a renewable sustainable source of water, and give it away free when warranted. As the host of a Dining blog you need to be more objective ….. Let’s get real this is Singapore in 2010!
Jan 23, 2010
6
Hi Robin,
Veron does not need to “seriously believe”.
My wife and I actively boycott restaurants that do not serve water.
It’s your right to not serve water in your establishment. But it’s a customer’s right to decide whether to return.
And don’t give that crap about rent and all. If others can and do serve water with a smile, you can too.
Jan 23, 2010
2
Daniel,
I feel for you, you must be missing out on some great food not to mention ambiance! I’ll tell you what you open a restaurant that serves free water and I’ll come every night! Sorry mate I don’t get this type of behaviour, we all have to show a return in whatever we do even a charity does! As for giving I do it everyday with a smile, have a wonderful evening filled with Light & Love!
Sep 23, 2010
2
Robin, having a no-tap water policy is one thing. To ridicule people openly who disagree with your policy is another!
Everyone has a choice. Sadly, your rude attitude has put me off and I would not be going to Villa Bali this weekend as I was planning to.
Apr 11, 2013
1
I know u r not a boss!!
Jan 23, 2010
6
It’s ok Robin, I don’t think that I’m missing out much.
There are a lot of great restaurants – and restaurant entrepreneurs – that have all that and more in Singapore, and serve free water. Those are the ones I will give my custom too.
Put it this way – you won’t miss me, and I won’t miss you.
Mar 23, 2010
4
What a ridiculous response. I will certainly boycott Little Bali and all other establishments that don’t serve water. Singapore has many many restaurants and bars. I pretty much only ever eat out and I RARELY come across restaurants who have such poor judgment as to not serve water. And given your response I shall make it a point to ACTIVELY discourage people from patronizing Little Bali – that means using Twitter (I have lots of followers), Facebook, Hungrygowhere, Buuk and any other listings service I can find.
Mar 23, 2010
2
Robin,
May I suggest that you (a) take a course in basic public relations, and (b) eat out more and check out all the great restaurants in Singapore that both pay their rent and serve free iced water. We pay our money and take our choice, and your restaurant won’t be my choice…
Su