In a bold move to finish off the middle class, Singaporean restaurants have upgraded the "++" surcharge to include a fee for the waiter’s emotional labour.

The 10% service charge remains a mandatory tribute paid to staff for the privilege of being treated like an unwanted houseguest.

This is followed by the 9% GST, a financial colonoscopy designed to ensure the government can afford more solar-powered dustbins.

"Every time I see the bill, my heart pain, the 'plus plus' more than the chicken rice," lamented local diner Steven Tan.

"Wait ah, soon they charge for the air-con, then charge for the chair, then charge me for looking at the chio bu at next table."

Financial analysts suggest that the only way to avoid the surcharge is to stop eating entirely and photosynthesise in East Coast Park.