SINGAPORE (ANN/THE STRAITS TIMES) – Diners looking to save on meals while reducing food waste can now take advantage of Yindii, a mobile app launched in Singapore in August, offering unsold food at discounts of up to 80 per cent before closing time.
Through Yindii, users can pre-order a “surprise bag” containing any remaining menu items at discounts ranging from 50 to 80 per cent. Describing itself as a “high-quality food surplus marketplace,” Yindii has already partnered with popular eateries such as Paul, Baker & Cook, and SaladStop. Founded in 2020, the app is also available in Hong Kong and Thailand.
“We chose to launch in Singapore because it’s a forward-thinking city with a growing focus on sustainability and reducing food waste,” said Yindii co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer Mahima Rajangam Natarajan.
According to the National Environment Agency, food waste accounted for around 11 per cent of Singapore’s waste in 2023—roughly 755,000 tonnes, with 623,000 tonnes discarded and the rest recycled. Rising living costs have heightened interest in food savings, with core inflation projected to average 2.5 to 3 per cent in 2024, per the Monetary Authority of Singapore. “People are struggling with increased living costs, making discounted food options more appealing,” Ms Mahima added.
Yindii joins other food waste reduction apps in Singapore, including Just Dabao, which also offers surprise bags, and Treatsure, where users can purchase surplus hotel food or groceries.
Through Yindii, customers can browse a list of eateries offering surplus food for sale and select a surprise bag for collection at the outlet. The app is free for users and businesses, with Yindii earning a commission on each sale. The app has helped merchants clear up to 80 per cent of their daily surplus and reduced carbon emissions by over 500 tonnes.
Paul, a participating cafe chain, described the partnership with Yindii as “an exploration into reducing waste.” While initial uptake was slow, interest in surprise bags has risen, with some stores seeing a 10 per cent increase in sales. Baker & Cook has likewise noted high demand for its two to four daily surprise boxes, with plans to expand participation to more outlets soon.
“Customers enjoy purchasing high-quality baked goods at reduced prices while supporting sustainability efforts,” said a representative from Baker & Cook.
For 26-year-old Khaira Solis, the app became a must-try after she discovered it on TikTok. Her surprise bag from Paul’s Paragon outlet offered ample food at a fraction of the usual price, while another customer, Jacquelyn Yap, was drawn to the app’s combination of food savings and waste reduction.
Ms Mahima shared that Yindii aims to onboard more merchants but emphasised the need for a mindset shift. “There’s no shame in surplus food. Brands look better when seen taking responsible actions to reduce waste,” she said.
