People are only just realising what “MKT” means on restaurant receipts, and it's putting them off their meals.
The code appeared on a TikTok post, sparking a debate over what “MKT” means on restaurant menus and receipts.
The clip, shared by TikTok user @aribella_menold, amassed over 2.2 million views and shows a receipt totalling $159.14 between three diners, with the text overlay "POV: You didn't know what 'mkt' meant on the steak menu and now you're paying for it".
Viewers flooded the comments to share their similar confusion, asking, “What does MKT mean?”.
Hospitality payment company Dojo 's spokesperson says: “When MKT (or MP) is printed on a restaurant menu or receipt, it means ‘market price’. This indicates that the price of the item is not fixed and will fluctuate depending on the current market rate.
@aribella_menold we don’t get out much #bigfamily #family #siblings #justgirlythings #justagirl #girlmath #lol #summerlooks ♬ Original Sound - Unknown
"Listing items on menus as 'MKT' allows restaurants to adjust their pricing in line with their cost, without reprinting menus.”
The viral TikTok didn’t just spark confusion; it kicked off a debate in the comments over who's ultimately responsible when “MKT” pricing catches diners off guard.
One commenter wrote: “Honestly, shame on your server for not informing you of the price when it’s clearly not listed.”
- Aldi brings back blue fish wine, but be quick
- Martin Lewis says 'don't pay to pay' on holiday
- Martin Lewis shares key advice for mobile phone users
Another countered: “I have never been anywhere where they told you the cost upfront unless you asked…. It’s totally the customer’s fault for not asking when there is NO PRICE LISTED.”
In these situations, transparency from both sides is key. It's likely the server assumed the customer was familiar with the pricing or would ask if unsure. To avoid confusion, diners should feel comfortable asking for clarification on any ‘MKT’priced items.
Equally, it’s good practice for servers to offer a prompt, such as: ‘Just to note, I can provide today’s price for any items listed as MKT upon request.”
The items that are most likely to be listed as MKT on restaurant menus
- Seafood. Due to the fishing seasons, fresh fish, such as lobsters, crabs and oysters, are often marked as MKT.
- Prime meat cuts. Particularly when it comes to premium cuts, meats like steak can fluctuate based on factors like supply, demand, and seasonal availability.
- Seasonal fruits and vegetables. Depending on their availability and whether they are in season, specific fruits and vegetables, like berries and mushrooms, can cause dishes with their inclusion to be market-priced.
- Imported ingredients. Items that often require importation, such as caviar or truffles, can be market-priced due to global fluctuations.
Share