When a popular food vlogger from Indonesia visited London, he hoped to indulge in his favorite ramen dish, a staple in his home country. To his surprise, he discovered a significant price disparity between ramen in London and Indonesia.
Ramen, a beloved Japanese dish enjoyed globally, is readily available in various countries, including the bustling cities of London and Jakarta.
The Indonesian food vlogger, known as @sibungbung, recounted his eye-opening experience during his vacation in London, England through a brief video shared on his TikTok account. He expressed his astonishment at the exorbitant price of ramen in London.
When selecting a dining establishment, the vlogger opted for Ippudo, his preferred ramen spot. While a serving of ramen at Ippudo in Indonesia costs around Rp 80,000, he found himself taken aback by the £15 (approximately Rp 300,000) price tag for the Siromaru Tamago on the menu in London. Additionally, he noted the £100 (Rp 100,000) cost of the chicken karaage. Despite the steep prices, he admitted to enjoying his meal.
In comparing the ramen dishes at Ippudo in London and Indonesia, the vlogger found them to be strikingly similar in terms of presentation and portion size. However, he commended the richer broth and fattier meat of the ramen in London, as well as the visually appealing and multilayered egg.
Concluding his video, @sibungbung shared the bill from his meal at Ippudo in London, revealing an expenditure of £97.31 (Rp 1.9 million) for four individuals. Reflecting on the stark price difference, he expressed disbelief and nearly shed tears at the expense, highlighting the vast contrast with Jakarta’s prices.
Numerous Indonesian expatriates resonated with the vlogger’s experience, sharing their own accounts of grappling with high food costs abroad. This phenomenon underscores the significant disparity in living expenses and food prices between countries. Past instances of British individuals spending exorbitant amounts on Indonesian cuisine in England have also surfaced, shedding light on the disparities in global food prices.
