Gothamist: Jing Fong Waiters Want Their Tips

Papercutninja

Fri, 07 Apr 2006 15:17:16 -0500

Well the thing is, we're in the US, so i leave around 15%, if anything i round up. I think it's fine that they redistribute the cash to the pushcar ladies, but the servers definately have to be taken care of first. I mean, honestly, an extra dollar or two for servers that work that hard is worth it. What're you gonna do with that extra cash? Buy a pack of gum?

John

Thu, 06 Apr 2006 16:24:03 -0500

I was told by a bartender at Jappas 38, the karaoke/bar/restaurant in mid-town, not to leave a tip because the staff doesn't get the money. I always thought that she was getting shafted but didn't know if it was a cultural thing since the place was Japanese.

Perry

Thu, 06 Apr 2006 15:20:19 -0500

Me and my friend (also asian) got into this same discussion while eating at Jing Fong.. I feel that since we're in the US, protocol is minimum 15% so thats what we should leave. You wonder why the waitstaff at these places are so gruff and rude, and its probably because they're so used to not getting tips.. Besides.. You're STILL spending less money even after a 15% tip than you would for 1/3 of the food at any brunch place in the city..

cart lady

Thu, 06 Apr 2006 14:03:55 -0500

I'm not Chinese so I just follow what the groups of old Chinese people do at JinFong. They usually just leave a dollar or two tucked into the handle of the teapot. I trust they know the protocol much more than me. And I don't want to overtip and inadevertenly offend someone. HA!