Tipping culture in the US has been a topic of debate for several years. Customers are expected to tip at least 10-20 percent for a meal, and $1 for a drink at a bar. This debate was recently reignited by a post by Indian YouTuber Ishan Sharma. The content creator dined at a restaurant in New York. He has shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) criticizing the tipping culture in the US. According to Ishan, he ordered a panini, a club sandwich, and a crepe at the restaurant and the total cost of his order was $45 (approximately ₹3,800). He gave the waiter $50 in cash, but instead of giving him $5 back, he kept it as a tip.
Ishan Sharma wrote in his post, “Tipping is a rip-off in NYC. Why do I have to pay more just because restaurants pay minimum hourly wage? I ordered a crepe, sandwich, and panini for $45 (₹3,800). We paid $50 in cash and the waiter kept the rest as tip. I asked for change and he said ‘you have to pay tip’ and walked away. I asked him ‘is this mandatory?’ and he just ignored me. And my friend (a local) felt guilty for not paying at least 20% tip! 20% for what? CRAZY.” Take a look:
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Tipping is a scam in New York!????
Why do I pay more just because restaurants pay minimum hourly wage?
I ordered a crepe, a club sandwich and a panini for $45 (Rs. 3800).
We paid $50 in cash and the waiter just took the rest as a tip.
I asked for change and he said “you have to pay…” image.twitter.com/9ggEZHIoft— Ishan Sharma (@Ishansharma7390) August 20, 2024
Ishan Sharma’s post received polarised responses on social media. Several users criticised him for not following the traditions of the nation he was visiting. Recalling the proverb “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”, some argued that tourists should follow regional traditions. Others accused Ishan of promoting negative perceptions of Indians abroad.
One user said: “In the United States, tipping 15-20% is a common social custom. When in Rome, do as the Romans did. If you firmly believe that tipping is wrong, don’t order food at a table-service restaurant.”
In the United States, it is a social custom to leave a tip of 15-20%. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
If you firmly believe that tipping is wrong, then don’t order food at a restaurant. — Jimmy Gandhi (@jimmygandhi) August 21, 2024
Another added: “It’s quite sad to see young, educated, high-income Indians continuing to have this low-abundance mentality behavior.”
It is very sad to see young, educated, high-income Indians still having this low abundance mentality behavior. — shrihacker (@shrihacker) August 21, 2024
One person commented: “In this country it is customary to tip. In other countries it is customary not to tip. It’s not that complicated.”
In this country it is customary to tip, in others it is customary not to tip. It is not that complicated. — sebastian (@stoicsebastian) August 21, 2024
Some users also spoke out in support of Ishan Sharma and defended his right to express his opinion. One user said: “It’s sad to see so many people attacking you for being Indian instead of addressing the issue objectively. You have the right to question customs whether you’re American or not.”
It’s sad to see so many people attacking you for being Indian instead of addressing the issue objectively.
You are allowed to question customs, whether you are American or not. — Arjun Khemani (@arjunkhemani) August 21, 2024
Another wrote: “I don’t know what’s going on in the US, but tipping shouldn’t be given as a form of gratitude, but rather as an obligation.”
I don’t know about the United States;
But tips should not be given as a way of saying thank you, but as an obligation. — Sejal Sud (@SejalSud) August 20, 2024
Someone joined the conversation with a question of their own: “Why do only restaurant workers deserve tips? There are other people in different fields of work who also do their jobs, but have you ever tipped someone for clothing, food, haircuts, etc.?”
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Why do only restaurant workers deserve tips? Are there other people in different fields of work who also do their jobs? Have you ever tipped someone when you bought them clothes, food, got their hair cut, etc.? — Truth (@truthhunter1on1) August 21, 2024
Another person agreed, writing: “Refusing to pay what shouldn’t be paid is not ‘being cheap’. Otherwise, send me $100.”
Refusing to pay what you shouldn’t pay isn’t “being cheap.” Otherwise, send me $100. — Alex Y (@legitknuckle) August 21, 2024
What do you think about tipping culture in the United States? Share it with us in the comments below!
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