16 Diners, $1,188, and a One‑Minute False Alarm
Last Thursday, a massive group of 16 friends took over the Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant in Woodlands and left with a bill that would have made most diners pause. But thanks to a staff mix‑up and a bit of good‑natured luck, the lunch left without a payment—yet again.
How the Mix‑Up Happened
- Two set meals, extra satay, drinks… $1,188 in total.
- Group served dessert after their mains. The staff mistakenly believed the group had settled the payment.
- Only four staff on duty that night – a recipe for chaos.
- The manager, Pan, finally realised the oversight as the restaurant was closing.
The Wait‑And‑Hope Tactic
Pan told Shin Min Daily News: “They left after dessert, we thought they’d paid. No reservation to follow up on. We were left with the awkward silence of a dish that ‘renounced’ itself.” He waited, but five days passed with no word.
Owner’s Spin‑the‑Wheel Reaction
Francis Zhuo, 47, calls it “the benefit of the doubt.” He admits the group is “walk‑in.” He ran a media push hoping the party would swoop back for the overdue payment, just like the popular “dine‑and‑dash” duo of March that burst into headlines.
The ‘Forgotten’ Tendency with Big Groups
“Sometimes families take up two tables and think they’ve paid for both—only one paid.” Zhuo says. The good news? Most patrons realize their slip‑up and return promptly—parallels with the Korean BBQ couple, who were famously prevented from escaping their $269 debt.
Bottom Line
When a group of 16 leaves a raucously satisfying dinner without paying, the restaurant’s quick thinking and a little hustle can save the night from turning into a full‑blown courtroom drama. If you’re ever dining with a troop, double‑check that two tables don’t count as two bills—otherwise, you might find yourself chasing your own payment in the parking lot.
