Calm down...those establishments FOOLISHLY set up their FB in HIGH rental locations, with a TWISTED perception that high traffic volume in such places would mean that they can RAISE high prices for even a meagre poorly produced nasi lemak meal that should cost only $1.50 but sold at $5. It is only perceptions and a trap to consumers., local or foreigners....
Rent is one thing, as owners of properties DO have to pay taxes and ROI for their investments. They too have to feed families and loved ones for their loved ones... families, which are the building blocks of Civilization...
Ultimately, F&B providers will HAVE to deal with REALITIES and ALTERNATIVES -
a) are their food that good that locals and foreigners will WILLING offer HIGH prices comparative to else where and cheaper alternatives..
b) is their environment that good that would allow customers, local and foreigners PRIVACY to have a decent meal without the usual 'chock a block'- tables that are just HALF length an arm's block from another, using space to earn more PROFITS, TYPICALLY found HERE in Singapore, unlike truly HIGH END restaurants here and in the WEST where privacy is paramount, to discuss, to eat in peace, etc....?
In Singapore, thru our ELECTED representatives that would leave none behind, HDB Hawker centers THRIVED, for DECADES, so much so that they could afford luxuries in life, for themselves and their progenies to even overseas education, travel and proven.
With just a mere $500/mth rental AS a start, facilities such as properly placed tables, seats, fans, lights, etc, ALREADY provided thru TAXPAYERS fundings, it would be a moronic and lousy CHEF who would not make a profit, of up to at least $20k/mth in such places....
Ultimately, the CRITICAL point is that dedicated and hardworking entrepreneurs is to SERVE GOOD and NUTRIOUS FOOD for a Population, society and civilization that WE, Singaporeans are, at reasonable and affordable prices without hurting our wallets, so that more of such that goes in thru hard earned funds can be used for other purposes in our journey of life...... for oneself, loved ones and society.... We, are in this TOGETHER....