Chinese food delivery platform sparks buzz after rider flies to Singapore for curry puff run

A Chinese man dressed in a food delivery uniform has sparked widespread curiosity online after he was seen in Singapore buying curry puffs for a customer in China to fulfil a “cross-border food order.”On August 31, Chloe, a Chinese woman living in Singapore, shared a video depicting the man in a Meituan uniform waiting at Hong Lim Curry Puff, a snack shop located in PLQ Mall, about a 17-minute drive from Changi Airport.Meituan is among China’s largest food delivery platforms.Chloe informed the SCMP that she approached the man when she noticed he appeared to be having difficulty communicating with the shop staff. To her surprise, he was wearing a Meituan uniform and explained he was fulfilling a “cross-border order.”Known for their irresistible crispy texture, Hong Lim Curry Puff at Maxwell Food Centre is a staple of Singaporean culinary heritage. Photo: ShutterstockThe man revealed that a Chinese business owner who had enjoyed the shop’s curry puffs during a previous visit to Singapore was eager to have them again and placed an order through Meituan.He mentioned that the customer paid 2,400 yuan (US$360) for his flight ticket and spent S$13.5 (US$11) on curry puffs. However, he chose not to provide additional details about the customer or any tips received.The SCMP reached out to Meituan but had not received a response by the time of publication.The video has sparked both fascination and doubt online.One netizen commented: “Spending big on a food craving sounds crazy, but it’s totally worth it. I would do the same once I become rich.”Another questioned whether the encounter was staged as part of a marketing stunt.The delivery rider experienced some initial communication hurdles with the staff but persevered in fulfilling an important cross-border request. Photo: DouyinChloe clarified that she did not receive any sponsorship or was hired to film the video, describing it as a genuine coincidence.Shop founder Victoria Loh told local media that the cross-border order recognised her efforts and provided an opportunity to share Singapore’s flavours with a broader audience overseas.Further ReadingSome users expressed doubts about the man’s identity and raised concerns regarding visa regulations, noting that it was unusual for him to remain in full delivery uniform while abroad.China and Singapore implemented mutual visa-free travel arrangements in February 2024.One Singaporean internet user remarked: “Meituan, come soon,” expressing frustration regarding the pricing and service quality of local delivery apps.While the curry puffs themselves were just S$13.5 (US$11), the rider’s journey to satisfy the customer’s craving came to a staggering 2,400 yuan (US$360) to cover the flight ticket. Photo: DouyinChloe also joined the calls for Meituan to expand into Singapore, joking that she would be delighted to serve as the platform’s spokesperson.According to local reports, sightings of people carrying Meituan delivery bags in Singapore have often involved local delivery riders who bought the bags from Taobao.Meituan’s international food delivery brand, Keeta, currently operates only in Hong Kong, Brazil, and the Middle East, as per an industry insider.According to Singapore-based venture firm Momentum Works, Keeta has registered two entities in Singapore: Keeta and Keeta Technologies. However, both appear to exist solely as registered entities without any clear operational activities.