Culinary Tipping Cultures

Dining practices around the world exhibit striking variations in tipping etiquette, with China favoring all-inclusive pricing that eliminates the need for tips, creating a stress-free dining experience. In contrast, North America's tipping culture has become a complex and sometimes overwhelming affair, with expectations for gratuities escalating significantly, leading to a phenomenon termed 'tipflation.' For example, a survey revealed that some diners in the U.S. now feel pressured to tip upwards of 30%, a stark shift from historical norms of around 10-15%. In light of these shifts, discussions question whether this tipping trend has overshot its mark and whether it's time for a reassessment of these ingrained practices across cultures.