US Tourist Pays $10 for Satay in Singapore, Prefers Malaysia’s Food and Prices

TikTok Video Goes Viral Over Pricey Satay Experience

A tourist from Chicago has sparked conversation online after expressing disappointment with the high cost of food in Singapore — specifically satay.

In a TikTok video, the tourist named Terry Pernell shared that he was charged S$10 (approximately RM32) for 10 sticks of satay at Newton Food Centre, a well-known hawker destination in Singapore.

“Satay here costs $10, and you have to buy at least 10 sticks. In Singapore, meals can go up to $35. In Malaysia, you get the same taste and vibe for half the price,” he said.

Malaysia vs. Singapore: Which One Wins?

Terry acknowledged that the satay wasn’t necessarily bad in taste, but he strongly felt that the price was too steep for what he got. He didn’t hesitate to express his preference when comparing the two neighbouring countries.

“If I had to choose between Malaysia and Singapore, I’d go with Malaysia anytime. The food is cheaper and just as good,” he added.

His candid video quickly went viral, garnering over 262,000 views, 8,000 likes, and nearly 700 comments on TikTok alone.

Locals Say: It’s a Tourist Trap

In the comment section, many Singaporean users pointed out that Newton Food Centre is infamous for being a “tourist trap,” where prices are often jacked up for unsuspecting visitors.

“That place is known for overcharging tourists. Locals rarely eat there,” one comment read.

Are Tourists Being Exploited?

This incident raised broader questions about whether such pricing practices are fair or simply exploitative. Is it justifiable to inflate prices under the excuse of “tourist experience,” or is this crossing the line?

The debate online continues — some netizens defend the vendors, saying it’s common in tourist-heavy zones worldwide. Others argue that this ruins the country’s reputation for hospitality and food culture.

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Source : Tiktok

@terrypernell

Singapore got me paying $35 for food… meanwhile Malaysia got the same vibes for half the price 😅 Which one y’all picking? #travelwithterryp SSingaporeVsMalaysiaoutheastasiafoodie B#BudgetTravelAsia

♬ original sound - TravelWithTerryP🇺🇸➡️🇲🇾Asia

By – Tarziman — 19/09/2025, 3:32PM