In the picturesque coastal suburb of Bondi Beach, where the sun-kissed waves crash against the golden sands, you might expect to pay a premium for the luxury of seaside dining. But how much is too much for a simple piece of fruit? This question has taken the internet by storm after an American YouTube sensation experienced a bit of sticker shock over the cost of a banana.


Millionaire Meets the $3 Banana

Darren Watkins Jr., known to his legion of fans as IShowSpeed, is no stranger to the finer things in life, with a net worth estimated at a cool $15 million. However, during his recent Australian tour, which included a stop at the iconic Bondi Beach, the 19-year-old from Ohio found himself in a bit of a bind. Hungry and in a hurry, he ducked into a local café named Bondi Kahvé, hoping for a quick snack.


Peeling Back the Price

With time ticking away and the café's menu items requiring a 20-minute wait, Watkins Jr. spotted a banana and thought it would be the perfect quick fix. But when the cashier rang up the price at $3, the YouTuber couldn’t hide his astonishment. ‘Bananas cost 15 cents!’ he protested, highlighting the vast difference between what he’s used to paying back home and the price in Bondi.

Cafés, Cash, and Class Clashes

The café staff, perhaps sensing his disbelief, quipped back with a reminder of the affluent area's reputation and his own wealth. But even for a millionaire, the price seemed exorbitant. The incident quickly sparked a debate among Aussies online, with many sympathising with Watkins Jr.’s surprise and others pointing out the notorious costliness of Sydney’s food scene.


The $3 Banana vs. Supermarket Smarts

Indeed, a quick price comparison with major supermarkets like Woolworths and Coles, where Cavendish bananas are priced around 70 cents, shows just how steep the café's price was. Some commenters humorously noted that he should count himself lucky it wasn’t a Sunday when surcharges could have doubled the cost, while others shared their own experiences of Sydney’s expensive water bottles.


Is Bondi Just Bananas?

Yet, there were those who defended the café’s pricing, suggesting that the banana might not have been a regular menu item and the price was improvised to cover costs. And of course, there were those who questioned why a millionaire would quibble over a few dollars.

Bondi Kahvé: Where Breakfast Costs a Fortune

The café in question, Bondi Kahvé, has faced criticism on Google Reviews for being ‘overpriced’ and ‘disappointing,’ with menu items like a Big Breakfast nearing $30 and an Avocado Bruschetta at $26.50. It’s a stark reminder that even in a country known for its laid-back charm, the cost of living—and dining—can be anything but relaxed.


A Fruitful Lesson

This tale of a banana’s ‘crazy’ price has peeled back more than just the fruit's skin; it’s revealed the sometimes-bitter reality of tourist hotspots and their inflated costs. It’s a valuable lesson for all of us, whether we’re globetrotting stars or everyday Aussies: always check the price before you peel.



So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, what do you think about this ‘banana drama’? Have you ever encountered a similar situation with overpriced items while on holiday? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear about your experiences!