Singaporeans are the region’s top spenders on dining, according to a MasterCard survey of consumer dining habits across Asia-Pacific
In terms of spending, Singapore overtakes Japan to climb to the top spot with an average monthly dining spending of US$262.
Singaporean consumers spending on dining grew by nearly 25 per cent from S$212 in June 2011, outpacing most markets in Southeast Asia, and is a strong indication of the nation’s growing passion for food. Japanese and Chinese consumers follow closely behind with an average monthly dining spending of US$225 and US$203.
Singaporeans Not posting the Most Online
Interestingly, when it comes to dining and social media behaviour, Singapore does not make it into the top three, despite its well-known obsession for food. According to the survey, Chinese, Malaysian and Thai consumers are the most likely to post reviews onto social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.
About one in two respondents in these markets regularly post comments online after their dining experience, while in Singapore only one in four do so.
Use of Online Reviews
Before dining, more than one-third of consumers regularly look for online reviews before making dining decisions. Asia’s most advanced tech markets lead the region with Singapore, Taiwan and Japan most reliant on online reviews.
“It is interesting to see the convergence of the growing online connectivity of Asia-Pacific consumers and their passion for food,” says Georgette Tan, Group Head, Communications, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, MasterCard.
She adds, “Food blogs are playing an increasingly influential role in Asia’s food scene, turning both locals and tourists to the best eats in town and placing lesser-known eateries on the radar of the keen, tech-savvy diners.”
Checking Online Promotions
Going online to check for credit card promotions also remains popular, especially in Singapore, Hong Kong and China where about one in two respondents do so regularly.
| No. | Country | 2012 | 2011 |
| 1. | Singapore | US$262 | US$212 |
| 2 | Japan | US$225 | US$213 |
| 3 | China | US$203 | US$135 |
| 4 | Hong Kong | US$196 | US$195 |
| 5 | South Korea | US$160 | US$119 |
| 6 | Malaysia | US$157 | US$120 |
| 7 | Australia | US$155 | US$136 |
| 8 | Taiwan | US$155 | US$165 |
| 9 | Thailand | US$129 | US$149 |
| 10 | New Zealand | US$116 | US$103 |
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