‘Cheapskate’: Indian YouTuber sparks criticism over post saying ‘tipping is such a scam in New York’

In a post, the YouTuber shared that he paid $50 in cash for a $45 meal, but the waiter didn’t return the change.

Indian YouTuber receives backlash over his post on tipping culture in the US (Image source: Representational image/Pexels)

The tipping culture in the United States of America (US) has always been a topic of discussion on social media. Restaurants and bars in American countries expect their customers to tip at least 20 per cent on a meal and not less than $1 a drink at a bar. Recently, Ishan Sharma, an Indian YouTuber, visited a sit-down restaurant in New York, and his post slamming the tipping norm has sparked outrage.

In a viral post, Sharma shared that he paid $50 (Rs 4,195, approximately) in cash for a crepe, club sandwich and panini, which cost him $45 (Rs 3780, approximately). However, the waiter did not return the change. “Tipping is such a scam in New York! Why do I pay extra just because restaurants pay minimum hourly wages? Ordered a crepe, club sandwich and Panini for $45 (Rs. 3800). We paid $50 cash and the waiter just took the rest as tip. I asked for change and she said “you have to pay the tip” and went away. I asked “is it mandatory?” and she just ignored me. And my friend (a local) felt guilty for not paying at least 20% tip! 20% for what? INSANE!” Sharma wrote on X.

The YouTuber also shared a picture of him with his meal at the restaurant.

Take a look at the viral post:

Tipping is such a scam in New York!💀

Why do I pay extra just because restaurants pay minimum hourly wages?

Ordered a crepe, club sandwich and Panini for $45(Rs. 3800).

We paid $50 cash and the waiter just took the rest as tip.

I asked for change and she said “you have to pay… pic.twitter.com/9ggEZHIoft

— Ishan Sharma (@Ishansharma7390) August 20, 2024

Shared on August 20, the post amassed over six million views as several social media users flocked to the comment section. While a section of users agreed with Sharma, many criticised the YouTuber for his “mindset.” Reacting to it, a user wrote, “Pretty sad to see young, educated and high earning Indians continue to drive this low abundance mindset behavior.” Another user commented, “take your rupees back where you came from cheapskate.”

Also Read | Shraddha Kapoor becomes third most-followed Indian on Instagram, surpasses PM Modi amid ‘Stree 2’ success

“You got away easy with only 10% as a tip. These days it’s become a norm to tip at least 15-20% or more,” a third user wrote. “It’s not a scam, you just can’t financially survive in modern day NYC. Obviously you will think like this when the conversion rate for a dollar to rupee is 1:83,” another user commented.

Anjana Krishna, IPS officer who stood firm against Ajit Pawar, is no stranger to overcoming setbacks

Anjana Krishna, who stood against Ajit Pawar, is no stranger to overcoming setbacks

India4 hr ago

Maharashtra-cadre IPS officer Anjana Krishna V S, who was in the news for being “reprimanded” by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar while taking action over alleged illegal mining, grew up on the outskirts of an area of Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram district that has become notorious for the illegal granite mining.

View all shorts

Live Blog