Food Updates: Restaurant offers buffet for S$7, was forced to change terms after ‘overwhelming response’ from diners

Source:

https://theindependent.sg/restaurant-offers-buffet-for-s7-was-forced-to-change-terms-after-overwhelming-response-from-diners/

ChatGPT:

A restaurant on Cavan Road, Dragon’s Bite by Our Dining Place, recently found itself overwhelmed after launching an ultra-affordable S$7 nett unlimited lunch buffet, prompting it to revise its dining terms due to unexpectedly high demand. Announced on Instagram on Dec 9, the buffet was offered daily from Tuesday to Sunday, including weekends and public holidays, and quickly attracted attention for its unusually low price point. The restaurant, which seats about 70 diners, promoted the buffet as an affordable and satisfying dining option.

Interest surged further after the deal was highlighted on Dec 20 by the popular Instagram account @singaporebeauty, which labelled it a “value for money buffet” and showcased a wide variety of dishes. The video featured items such as sambal sotong, stir-fried pork collar, seafood tofu, pepper chicken soup, bitter gourd omelette, braised chicken feet, Hokkien mee, and desserts like cake and fruit. Many commenters expressed eagerness to try the buffet, fuelling even larger crowds.

However, the overwhelming response soon created operational challenges. On Dec 22, the restaurant issued an apology and announced updated terms and conditions. It cited full occupancy that prevented some diners with reservations from being seated and admitted it had underestimated demand, particularly for popular items like shell prawns. As a result, prawns were limited to five pieces per diner until stocks ran out.

To manage crowds better, Dragon’s Bite scrapped reservations in favour of walk-ins only, imposed a 45-minute dining limit, required table-sharing, and restricted diners to one plate and one bowl each, moving away from a traditional buffet format. The restaurant also stated it reserves the right to change dishes and portion sizes. Despite the changes, the S$7 buffet remains attractive, and the eatery now posts its daily menu online, though it is closed on Mondays and Dec 30.

My Comments:

Singaporeans are great "deal breakers" 😂