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A restaurant in Singapore’s Chinatown has removed controversial signs claiming a “104 per cent surcharge” on American diners following widespread attention online.
As of Friday, staff at the eatery have refused to comment publicly on the matter.
A message on two pieces of paper pasted on the front door of Xie Lao Song restaurant on Pagoda Street, which serves cuisine from China, began circulating on social media earlier this week.
Written in both English and Chinese, they stated: “Starting from April 9, 2025, Americans will be charged a 104 per cent surcharge when dining at this restaurant.”
It was signed off “Xie Lao Song, Singapore”.
A TikTok post shared by user sgwhatsup showing the notices has to date garnered more than 400,000 views, with over 1,700 comments.
While many users condemned the sign as discriminatory, others questioned whether Singapore law prohibits such practices.
On Reddit, a post on the issue has garnered over 2,800 upvotes, with some users speculating whether the move was a publicity stunt.
The signs appeared shortly after US President Donald Trump raised tariffs on China to more than 125 per cent.


The notices were no longer on display at Xie Lao Song on Friday.
Staff at the restaurant declined to speak on the record. CNA was also led to an office above the restaurant to speak with the owner, who likewise refused to comment.
The restaurant, located beside Chinatown MRT station’s Exit A, serves dishes including Peking duck, spicy crayfish and dumplings.
There does not appear to be a law in Singapore that specifically pertains to discriminatory pricing based on nationality.
“Generally [it is] ‘willing buyer, willing seller’ in private transactions,” Singapore Management University law don Eugene Tan said. “I don’t [think] it’s illegal, but it clearly raises ethical questions,” he said.
Singapore’s Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act states that it is an unfair practice for a supplier to take advantage of a customer who is not in a position to protect his or her interests.
It is also an unfair practice if information is withheld that could lead to a customer being deceived, or if a false claim is made.
However, the law does not explicitly state that discrimination by nationality is an unfair practice.
This story was first published by CNA


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Many social media users condemned Xie Lao Song’s move as discriminatory, while others questioned whether local law prohibits such practices


Many social media users condemned Xie Lao Song’s move as discriminatory, while others questioned whether local law prohibits such practices.
