Bengaluru man’s post about tipping culture in New York City sparks debate online

Tipping culture in the US has been a topic of discussion for many years. Customers are expected to leave a tip of at least 10-20 percent for dinner and $1 for bar drinks. Recently, a post by Indian YouTuber Ishan Sharma has reignited this debate. The content creator ate at a restaurant in New York. He shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) criticizing the tipping culture in the US. According to Ishan, he ordered a panini, club sandwich and crepe at the restaurant and the total cost of his order was $45 (about Rs 3,800). He gave the waiter $50 in cash, but instead of giving him back $5, he kept it as a tip.
Ishan Sharma wrote in his post, “Tipping in New York is a scam. Why should I pay extra just because restaurants pay minimum hourly wages? Ordered crepes, club sandwich and panini for $45 (₹3,800). We paid $50 in cash and the waiter took the rest as tip. I asked for change and she said ‘you have to tip’ and walked away. I asked ‘is it mandatory?’ and she ignored me. And my friend (a local) felt guilty for not tipping at least 20%! 20% for what? Madness.” Take a look:
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Tipping in New York is a scam!????

Why should I pay extra just because restaurants pay minimum hourly wage?

Ordered crepes, club sandwich and panini for $45 (Rs 3800).

We paid $50 in cash and the waiter 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 mixed reactions on social media. Many users criticised him for not following the traditions of the country he was visiting. Recalling the adage “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”, some argued that tourists should follow regional traditions. Others accused Ishan of promoting negative perceptions about Indians abroad.
One user said, “It’s a popular social custom in the US to tip 15-20%. In Rome, behave like the Romans. If you think tipping is wrong, don’t order food at a sit-down restaurant.”

Tipping 15-20% is a common social custom in the U.S. When in Rome, act like the Romans.

If you feel strongly that tipping is wrong then don’t sit down and order food at a restaurant.— Jimmy Gandhi (@jimmygandhi) August 21, 2024

Another said, “It is very sad to see that young, educated and high-income Indians continue to behave with this low affluence mindset.”

It’s sad to see that young, educated and high-income Indians continue to practice this low abundance mindset – SriHacker (@SriHacker) August 21, 2024

One person commented, “In this country it’s customary to tip. In other countries it’s customary not to tip. It’s not that complicated.”

In this country, tipping is a custom. In other countries, not tipping is a custom. It’s not that complicated. — Sebastian (@stoicsebastian) August 21, 2024

Some users also came out in support of Ishaan Sharma and defended his right to share his views. One user said, “It’s sad to see so many people attacking you for being an Indian instead of addressing the matter objectively. You are allowed to question customs whether you’re American or not.”

It’s sad to see so many people attacking you for being an Indian instead of addressing the matter fairly.

You are allowed to question customs, whether you are American or not.— Arjun Khemani (@arjunkhemani) August 21, 2024

Another wrote, “I don’t know about America but is tipping not a way of saying thank you but a compulsion.”

I don’t know about America;

But should the tip be given not as a way of saying thank you but as a compulsion. — Sejal Sood (@SejalSud) August 20, 2024

Someone raised their question, saying, “Why are only restaurant workers entitled to tips? Do other people in other work areas tip for doing their part, but do you tip anyone for clothes, groceries, haircuts, etc?”
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Why are only restaurant employees entitled to tips? Are there other people working in different fields doing their jobs, but have you tipped anyone for clothes, groceries, haircuts etc?— Satya (@truthhunter1on1) August 21, 2024

Another agreed, writing, “Refusing to give what you don’t have to is not “being cheap”. Or send me 100 bucks.”

Refusing to give what you don’t have to is not “being cheap”. Or send me 100 bucks—Alex Y (@legitknuckle) August 21, 2024

What are your thoughts about tipping culture in America? Share with us in the comments below!