A group of diners in Hong Kong’s Sai Kung district were shocked by a seafood bill that ballooned from an initial $1,800 to over $3,000, according to reports. The incident highlights the potential for unexpectedly high costs at popular restaurants in the region.
The diners, a party of 11, shared details of their experience on the social media platform Xiaohongshu, expressing disbelief at the final tally of 21,574 Hong Kong dollars – roughly $2,765 USD based on current exchange rates. One member of the group described being “stunned” when the bill arrived, according to Hong Kong 01.
The bill included several high-priced seafood items, such as abalone, a large crab, sea urchin, geoduck clams, and squid sashimi. The group also ordered 4,500 Hong Kong dollars worth of Chinese wine. Still, the most surprising charge was nearly $1,000 for 27 young coconuts, prompting one diner to complain, “The coconut water cost a thousand dollars – I’m not comfortable with this, I wish to leave.”
The incident sparked debate online, with some commenters expressing surprise at the high cost of seafood in Hong Kong, stating, “I was really shocked…Hong Kong seafood really rips you off.” Others defended the restaurant, arguing that the prices were justified by the quality of the food and that diners should be aware of the costs before ordering. One commenter responded to the criticism, saying, “It’s expensive, so what? Can’t I say that?”
The restaurant in question is reportedly a Michelin-recommended establishment in Sai Kung. Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant is a well-known establishment in the area, offering a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including peppered shrimp, ginger and scallion crab, and cheese-baked lobster noodles.
Sai Kung is a popular destination for seafood dining in Hong Kong, with numerous restaurants offering fresh catches. Tripadvisor lists several highly-rated seafood restaurants in the area.
