In a significant move to enhance pricing transparency, Koufu food courts and coffee shops across Singapore will introduce colour-coded price labels at all economy rice stalls by the end of 2025. This initiative, spearheaded by the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE), aims to provide customers with greater clarity on dish prices, reducing disputes and ensuring fair pricing.
Colour-Coded Pricing System at Koufu
The new pricing system categorizes dishes into four distinct groups:
- Blue Labels: Seafood dishes priced at $2.50 per serving
- Orange Labels: Meat dishes at $1.50 per serving
- Green Labels: Vegetable dishes costing $1 per serving
- White Labels: Premium items with handwritten prices
This system allows diners to make informed choices, preventing confusion over final meal costs.
The Need for Price Transparency in Economy Rice Stalls
Economy rice, a staple meal choice for many Singaporeans, has often been criticized for its inconsistent and unclear pricing. Consumers have reported uncertainty over how much their meal costs until they reach the payment counter. CASE President Melvin Yong emphasized that the colour-coded labels will empower consumers to make more informed dining decisions, reducing misunderstandings.
Implementation Timeline and Expansion Plans
The initiative was officially launched at Hong Le Mixed Veg Rice stall at Koufu’s Plantation Plaza food court on March 24, 2025. By mid-April, three additional Hong Le outlets will adopt the system, with a full rollout to all 77 Koufu food courts and coffee shops by the end of the year. CASE aims to extend this transparency initiative beyond Koufu, encouraging all economy rice stalls in Singapore to adopt similar measures.
Government and Industry Support
Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling has endorsed the initiative, highlighting its role in helping consumers better manage their budgets amid rising food costs. Koufu’s Chief Financial Officer Chua Sher Lin also noted that the pricing labels would benefit both customers and stall operators by promoting clear, fair pricing practices.
Conclusion
The introduction of colour-coded price labels at Koufu’s economy rice stalls marks a significant step toward greater pricing transparency in Singapore’s food courts. This initiative not only benefits consumers by eliminating ambiguity in meal pricing but also fosters trust between stall operators and their customers. With plans to expand beyond Koufu, this initiative could set a new standard for fair and transparent food pricing across Singapore’s hawker and food court scene.
