The viral "buffet greed" scandal at a Tsuen Wan all-you-can-eat hot pot restaurant has intensified after online investigators identified the man at the center of the incident as a member of the Auxiliary Medical Service.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday(Sep 28) at The Aquatic Market in Tsuen Wan Plaza, where staff confronted the pair after CCTV caught the duo stuffing uncooked ingredients into an eco-bag during their meal.
The widely circulated video shows the man attempting to take home a substantial haul of uncooked seafood, beef, and instant noodles, sparking widespread public outrage.
In several social media posts on Sunday(Sep 28), online users have alleged the male diner is an AMS member, accompanied by supporting photos.
The photos depict a man in his 40s, approximately 1.75 meters tall, wearing a white polo shirt with the AMS logo. Another image shows him in an older AMS uniform at a public event with senior officials.
Some observant online users also noted that the black T-shirt he wore during the incident featured an "EMT" (Emergency Medical Technician) insignia.
Industry leader chimed in the discussion
Simon Wong Kit-lung, chairman of the LH Group which operates similar buffet-style restaurants, joined the discussion by sharing AI-generated images of the incident, comparing the endless stream of food from the bag to "magic tricks."
In an interview with Sing Tao Daily, the sister publication of The Standard, Wong warned that if such behavior became common, it may lead to industry-wide price increases.
"When customers steal ingredients or cause serious waste, it makes costs completely unpredictable," he explained.
Regarding the Tsuen Wan restaurant incident, Wong cautioned the establishment about the legal risks associated with posting the diners' information online.
Additionally, Wong advised that the safer approach would be to confront customers after they have actually left with unpaid items.
While some customers may attempt to take home food to save a bit, Wong described this recent theft attempt as unprecedented, likening the man’s actions to pulling endless items from a magic hat.
Wong further added that their restaurants typically “turn a blind eye” to minor infractions, such as taking an opened drink or leaving with ice cream, prioritizing the customer experience.
Although the restaurants welcome the big eaters, Wong stressed that systematic theft threatens the viability of all-you-can-eat establishments, expressing hope that such incidents will not occur again.
