Noodle Chain Gets Into Knot Over Anti-protest Notice

A well-known noodle chain got caught in a row on Saturday after images of a notice started circulating online which seemed to abuse anti-government protesters and indicate the eatery won't be serving them.

The posters were found outside of two outlets of Tam Chai Yunnan Noodles – in Yau Ma Tei and Kwun Tong. They said the shop would not serve "cockroaches" and "uncivilised people" as they "care for hygiene".

As the images went viral on social media, the noodle chain issued a statement denying posting the notice, saying it was an “unknown outsider” who did it. The popular eatery added that it believes someone had tried to maliciously smear the company and warned of taking legal action.

It then released security camera footage screenshots which showed a person wearing a blue shirt posting the notice on the windows of both branches.

The quick response from the noodle shop was generally well-received by internet users, who praised it for being “fully transparent”.

Many on social media said the release of CCTV footage helped clear the air, and compared Tam Chai’s response with the MTR’s refusal to release full CCTV videos of what happened inside the Prince Edward MTR station on August 31, where police officers were alleged to have attacked passengers.

They called on the railway giant to learn from Tam Chai, saying that’s the only way for the company to regain the trust of the public.