Economy Talk

Retired chef: why your restaurant curry costs more now (it's not greed, mostly)

I ran kitchens for 35 years. When customers complain about menu prices, I understand, but let me explain what goes into one plate: cooking oil, gas for the stove, rent, staff wages, delivery app fees, and now transport costs for every vegetable.

Some places are greedy, yes. But most small restaurants I know are making less money now than ten years ago. If you love a local place, go on a quiet weekday. That helps more than you think.