China restaurant owner in Singapore imposes 104% surcharge on American diners.
- Playful Otter
- Apr 10
- 2 min read
Xie Lao Song (蟹老宋) is a restaurant located at Pagoda Street, which recently went viral for imposing a 104% surcharge on US customers. The restaurant’s new policy was posted on its front doors in response to President Trump's announcement of imposing 104% tariffs on Chinese goods.
The restaurant is owned by a PRC national in Singapore named 宋超 (Song Chao), who also owns four other Chinese restaurants on Smith Street, which is near Xie Lao Song 蟹老宋. Based on a Lianhe Zaobao interview, he managed to open five restaurants in just seven years! Interestingly enough, there is no proper website for the restaurant, as their website http://xielaosong.sg/ does not appear to be active.
The restaurant reviews often speak about appalling services and slow wait times. Many diners also advised against visiting the restaurant, or highlighted the atrocious hygiene standards by the restaurant staff. Given these reviews, it is shocking that Song Chao has managed to open five restaurants and survived over these years.
Who is 宋超 (Song Chao), the owner of the restaurant?
Song Chao hails from Henan, and is currently based in Singapore. It is unclear if he has taken up Singapore citizenship/PR or is still a PRC national. He is also listed on the website of Tian Fu Association Singapore, which is an association set up by Sichuan immigrants in Singapore. Song Chao is listed as a 永久名誉会长(Permanent Honorary President) and the Deputy Director of their Liaison division.
It is unclear if this policy is a marketing gimmick or a form of retaliation towards the US government. Nonetheless, it is absurd for Chinese nationals to use Singapore as a platform to retaliate against US tariffs on China. The authorities should investigate Song Chao to determine his motives and keep a lookout for similar retaliatory actions from other Chinese nationals in Singapore. Singapore should never be seen as choosing sides between the US and China rivalry.
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