On social media, many viewers stunned after woman furious after being charged $380 for 4.5-pound ‘live lobster’ in China restaurant.
A woman expressed frustration after being charged $380 for a 4.5-pound lobster at a Chinese restaurant.
The charges left her feeling misled and confused, as the price had not been clearly disclosed at the time of ordering.
Woman charged $380 for 4.5-pound ‘live lobster’
On Facebook, a woman shared a post revealing she was unaware of the lobster’s price until after the meal, when she was charged $380 at a restaurant in China.
She wrote on Facebook, “Though I paid the bill, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.’
The woman, Ho, was informed that the lobster’s price would vary based on its weight and the market price.
However, when the dish arrived, she claims the specifics were unclear. She was also not told that five additional servings of noodles would cost $15 each.
Upon calling the restaurant the next day, Ho was informed that the lobster was priced at $120 per pound, totaling $540 for the lobster alone. She argued that the typical price for lobster is usually around $60-$70 per pound, making the price seem unreasonable.
Restaurant fails to disclose price per pound or noodle charges
Ho stated that she was never informed about the lobster’s price per pound or the additional charges for noodles.
After paying the bill, she remained uneasy, feeling that the charges were too high without prior notice. She later learned the lobster weighed 4.5 pounds and was priced at $120 per pound..
“We didn’t assume the lobster would be cheap, but based on common sense, the typical price per pound is usually around $60-$70 ($37-$43 USD),” she said.
“Even during the festive period, it seems unreasonable for the price to skyrocket to $120 ($74.25 USD) per pound.
“If the lobster truly weighed 4.5 pounds, the head should have been huge and noticeable, but none of us at the table saw it.”
Social media reaction
After Ho’s post viral on social media, locals support woman’s claim, say restaurant should have been more transparent
Additionally, locals sided with Ho, criticizing the restaurant for not being upfront about the costs.
One commenter questioned how anyone could cook a $600 meal without warning the diner about the steep price beforehand.
One person said: $74 USD a pound? A side of just noodles over $9 USD each?
A second wrote: With fresh seafood you never know. It can be full of surprises. A few years ago, I went to Coffs Harbour on a holiday. Decided to have dinner at a busy Thai place, on the highway, where I had dined b…
While a third commented: Get used to it because now that the China Exports are on again us Aussies will be hit with higher prices, again.
Another added: Cannot blame the lobster fisherman for going after the highest price they can get but they shouldn’t forget who it was kept them going when China banned lobster imports.
Restaurant defends itself, explains cooking methods and rising market costs
The restaurant’s management admitted to not communicating the price clearly but defended its actions.
They explained that the lobster’s head is removed for cooking to avoid wasting meat, a method used since the restaurant’s opening.
They also pointed to rising market prices, especially during the festive period, and the increased export of lobster to China as reasons for the high cost.
While the restaurant defended its methods, many customers felt that clearer communication was necessary.
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