Finally a price increase
Food culture where I live is quite different to many countries in the west, I feel, and even to others in Asia. People here eat out often, many like me even daily, because food is varied and affordable; and for households of just 1-2 people, it is often cheaper to eat out than to buy ingredients and cook yourself.
Since the summer of '69 2019 I've eaten regularly at a particular Buddhist vegetarian restaurant with a "daily special" (今日特餐), which includes a daily soup and tea, both with free refills. Their menu also has some other items, in case the daily special isn't your thing that day.
Here's a photo with some of the daily specials I've photographed over the years.
Back in 2019, the special cost 70NT1, increasing a year or so later to 80NT. It had stayed at that price since, while everywhere else around them increased and increased prices thanks to the rising cost of living the last few years.
Whenever I tell local friends what it costs, and show them photos, they can't believe how cheap it is. In fact even the common "self-service buffet" (paid by weight) is more expensive for a similar portion size.
A couple of times over the past year I've suggested that they could increase their prices, and they always react the same way, smiling and thanking me for letting them know.
Well, over the weekend they've done it; the daily special now costs 90NT ($2.85). 🙌🏼
About $2.25 USD, including tax, and no service charge. Only in some high-end restaurants do you see a "service charge" (服務費) being added, but contrary to popular belief that isn't necessarily even given to the staff, it's just more restaurant profit. Perhaps a topic for another day. Tipping isn't a thing here, thank goodness.↩