The tipping culture in the US has been a topic of discussion for several years. Customers are expected to leave a tip of at least 10-20 percent for dinner, and $1 for bar drinks. This debate was recently revived by a post from Indian YouTuber, Ishan Sharma. A content creator eats at a restaurant in New York. He has shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) criticizing the tipping culture in the United States. According to Ishan, he ordered a panini, a club sandwich, and a crepe at the restaurant and the total cost of the order was $45 (around ₹3,800). He gave the waiter $50 in cash, but instead of giving back the $5, he kept it as a tip.
Ishan Sharma wrote in his post, “Tipping is a scam in New York. Why am I paying extra just because the restaurant pays minimum hourly wage? Ordered a crepe, club sandwich and panini for $45 (₹3,800). 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 a tip’ and I asked ‘is it compulsory?’ and they just ignore me and my friend (a local guy) feels guilty for not paying at least 20% for what?
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Tipping is a scam in New York!????
Why am I paying extra just because the restaurant pays an hourly wage?
Order a crepe, club sandwich and 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… pic.twitter.com/9ggEZHIoft— Ishan Sharma (@Ishansharma7390) August 20, 2024
Ishan Sharma’s post received a polarized response on social media. He was criticized by some users for not following the traditions of the nations he visited. Remembering the saying “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” some believe that tourists should follow regional traditions. Others accused Ishan of promoting negative perceptions of Indians abroad.
A user said, “15-20% tip is a customary social custom in the United States. When in Rome do like the Romans. If you strongly feel that tipping is wrong, do not order food in a sit-down restaurant.”
A 15-20% tip is a customary social custom in the US. When in Rome do as the Romans do.
If you think tipping is wrong, don’t order food at a sit-down restaurant.- Jimmy Gandhi (@jimmygandhi) August 21, 2024
Another added, “It’s sad to see young, educated and high-earning Indians continue to drive this mindset of low abundance.”
It’s sad to see young, educated and high-income Indians continue to lead this deficient mindset behavior – shrihacker (@shrihacker) August 21, 2024
Someone commented, “Tipping is customary in this country. Not tipping is customary in other countries. It’s not complicated.”
Tipping is customary in this country. No tipping is customary in other countries. It’s not that complicated.- sebastian (@stoicsebastian) August 21, 2024
Some users also came out in favor of Ishan Sharma and defended his right to express his opinion. A user said, “It’s sad to see so many people attacking you for being Indian instead of addressing the problem objectively. You are allowed to question customs, whether you are American or not.”
It’s sad to see so many people attacking you for being an Indian instead of dealing with the issue objectively.
You are allowed to ask customs, whether you are American or not.- Arjun Khemani (@arjunkhemani) August 21, 2024
Another wrote, “I don’t know about America, but tips should not be given as a way of saying thank you but as a compulsion.”
I don’t know about America;
but tips should not be given as a way of thanking but as a compulsion.— Sejal Sud (@SejalSud) August 20, 2024
Some people ask themselves and say, “Why is it that only restaurant workers get tips? Do other people in different jobs do their jobs too, but you already tip for clothes, groceries, haircuts, etc?”
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Why do only restaurant workers get tips? Do other people in different jobs do their job too, but have you ever tipped someone when you got your clothes, groceries, haircut, etc.?— Truth (@truthhunter1on1) August 21, 2024
Another person agreed and wrote, “Refused to pay for something you don’t have to pay for is not “cheap”. If not, send 100 dollars.”
Refusing to pay for something you don’t have to pay for is not “cheap”. If not send me 100 bucks— Alex Y (@legitknuckle) August 21, 2024
What are your thoughts on tipping culture in the US? Share it with us in the comments below!
