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.’
Jul 10, 2009
9
Interesting News
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25756635-5001021,00.html
Australian town bans bottled water.
Jul 10, 2009
3472
Great news! Thanks for sharing!
Jul 10, 2009
1
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
Jul 10, 2009
3472
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.
Jul 11, 2009
8
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.
Jul 12, 2009
3472
Added. I hope she wasn’t feeling hurt at being treated so poorly. I feel unjust for her.
Jul 12, 2009
4
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…..
Jul 12, 2009
3472
Actually you can reply only to the specific comment by clicking the “Reply” link directly underneath it.
Jul 13, 2009
4
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
Jul 13, 2009
3472
Wow. I’m sorry for misunderstanding you. That’s a brilliant suggestion! I would love to implement it. Thank you!
Jul 13, 2009
4
ah ok XD well keep this list alive, i’ll go retweet this on twitter & FBXD
Jul 12, 2009
1
Crystal Jade at B2 Ngee Ann City charges for tap water also. Wonder if it is a common policy across all Crystal Jade outlets…
Jul 12, 2009
3472
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.
Jul 12, 2009
2
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?
Jul 12, 2009
3472
The good news is that Bakerzin have changed their policy and now serve free water :)
Do you mean, like, a wiki system?
Jul 13, 2009
2
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.
Jul 12, 2009
1
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.
Jul 12, 2009
3
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.
Jul 12, 2009
3472
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.
Jul 12, 2009
3472
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.
Jul 14, 2009
9
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…
Jul 14, 2009
6
well said!!
Jul 15, 2009
3472
Uh oh, I think we gave him an excuse to raise food prices.
Jul 12, 2009
1
“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. :)
Jul 12, 2009
3472
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?
Jul 12, 2009
1
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.
Jul 12, 2009
3472
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.
Jul 12, 2009
3
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.
Jul 12, 2009
1
gd work
Jul 12, 2009
80
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?
Jul 12, 2009
3472
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.
Jul 12, 2009
1
Lai Lai Casual Dining (来来红烧牛肉面) at the basement of Jurong Point does not serve water too. Not that we didn’t order drinks, but they were so slow in coming that my mom asked for water first, for which they replied they don’t serve. Never again!
And kudos to this list!
Jul 12, 2009
3472
Thanks. Added!
Jul 12, 2009
2
Searched ur blog when i read today’s Sunday Times.
Mimolette doesn’t serve ice water as well. I remembered we had to pay about 80 bucks for Fiji water for 10 person.
Eeeks!
Jul 12, 2009
3472
8 bucks for water??? This must be another “upmarket” restaurant that refuses to serve tap water, although the tap water in Singapore is perfectly drinkable.
The place has, of course, been added to the list.
Jul 12, 2009
1
start a group in facebook! like this one
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=83346629872
we will all join…
Two sentence really infuriates me in that article is
” I don’t think customers will boycott us just because of water.” Cafe Le Claire
“People who complain are not educated about business cost.” Mad Jack
We must teach them a lesson. Make their restaurants lose money!
Jul 12, 2009
3472
Pretty much all the comments that came from the restaurants sounded snobbish. You know what? I just might start the group!
Jul 12, 2009
4
You are right! The comments by the restaurant owners are funny…high labour costs for serving water?! Btw, I have heard of several stories of unethical employers mistreating staff during this economic downturn (experienced one myself too)…let me know if u decide to blog on that ok?
Jul 12, 2009
3472
Just another poor excuse! The high labour costs should already be offset by the service charges.
Haha I don’t know if I should start blogging on another list this soon. Would Sparklette turn into a blog of blacklists?
Jul 13, 2009
4
Hmm guess it depends on how one looks at it and perhaps which side of wall one is on…e.g. the restauranteurs and the customers. Nevertheless, I think you did an excellent job in highlighting this long-time peeve to the ‘corporates’ and some are hearing our consumer voice loud and clear and starting to make changes in their ‘water policy’. Hooray!
Jul 12, 2009
1
I suggest that customers be given a choice, they can order drinks, or request for water. No need to pour water automatically to reduce waste, some people don’t drink tap water or plain water from restaurant in case they are not boiled water. But as a food and service establishment in hot and humid weather of SG, must at least hv this FREE when requested. I understand why at Pubs and Bars where beverage is main business for them not to serve free water, but at a food / resatuarant set up, they should serve. Actually if these places marked up like 5 cents or 10 cents into their food bill and serve ” free” water, most customers will not notice or care, but will instead appreciate this “free” service.
Jul 14, 2009
6
all the more pubs should offer free iced water as alcohol can be dehydrating too!
Jul 12, 2009
1
Tapas Tree’s threat to sue must be taken seriously – All of us should stop going there until they improve their attitude. Any business that threatens legal action instead of contacting a blog owner to get an entry corrected deserves to be boycotted.
Jul 12, 2009
1
You also need to be extra careful when you dine in the restaurants of certain 5-star hotels. I once had occasion to dine with a friend and after ordering the food I asked for a glass of water. The waiter came back with a small bottle of Evian. I told the waiter I just wanted plain water and he said we do not serve other water except this and he quickly proceeded to open the bottle. Guess what, I was charged $12+++ for this water.
Jul 12, 2009
3472
Oh yeah! I had a similar experience, though not water-related.
I was at a hotel buffet and asked the waitress if there’s orange juice. I took it for granted that she understood I meant if orange juice was included in the buffet. She came back with it, and I was charged $10++ for it in my bill.
Jul 12, 2009
7
Thanks Veron,
You’re doing great with this article.
I totally disagree with Ms. Gracie Vitale of La Forketta when she says in the Sunday Times article “it’s the customer with a budget who insist on tap water”. Wrong. Anybody with a thought for the environment knows that bottled water causes a great deal of wastage and damage to the environment.
I can well afford anything in your menu, Ms Vitale, but you’ll never know because I’ll never go to your establishment now. After all I get great Italian food at Basilico in Regent Hotel where they serve me tap water with a smile.
Jul 12, 2009
2
her comment set me off
Jul 12, 2009
3472
That’s one snobbish and downright stupid remark she made. I’m glad they named her and the restaurant in our mainstream newspaper :)