Wok Hey's New Tipping System Sparks Online Fury: Is Foreign Tipping Culture Creeping In?
A recent social media discussion has erupted over a popular local food chain, Wok Hey, introducing a new payment system that includes tip options apparently linked to staff ratings. The move has quickly drawn widespread criticism from online users, who are calling it "scummy" and an unwelcome import of foreign tipping practices.
The initial post that kicked off the conversation highlighted the new system, with the original poster expressing strong disapproval:
Thought it's not illegal hut this feels a little..scummy? Seeing such tipping strategies here in Singapore was not on my 2025 bingo card. I might consider not buying from them until they get their act together.
A predominant sentiment expressed throughout the discussion was a firm rejection of what many perceived as an attempt to introduce tipping culture from other regions, particularly the United States. One user commented:
please don't bring the US tipping culture to SG 😔
A significant concern raised by many revolved around the transparency of these tips. Users questioned whether the additional funds would genuinely go to the staff or be absorbed by management. A user wrote:
the question is are these tips distributed to rank and file staff or pocketed by management
This skepticism was widespread, with another commenter flatly stating:
Tipping in SG is a scummy move because it doesn't go to the staff. Many others echoed this, with one user adding:
Just put not satisfied lo.. not ur job to pay their workers.. u put the tips, 100% of the tips goes to the boss..
The nature of Wok Hey's business, primarily a takeaway outlet with no dine-in service, further fueled the bewilderment and frustration. A user questioned:
Wok Hey requires tips?! Why? It’s not even full service restaurant. Another commenter elaborated on the perceived absurdity:
Wok hey isn’t even a sit down restaurant… outrageous
Diners also found it illogical to be asked for a tip based on satisfaction before even receiving or tasting their food. The original poster pointed out:
Funniest thing is that you expect me to pay before i even find out how well cooked my food is? Another user concurred, stating:
You pay in full before you get your food at this chain, so you're supposed to rate your satisfaction before any food is received or tasted? Preposterous.
The discussion also saw users suggesting various forms of protest and defiance. Some proposed simply refusing to tip, while others humorously suggested more extreme measures. A user joked:
New option: -10% extremely unhappy with management direction Another creative suggestion was:
The newest option is: -100% by not buying from them.
The online community also pondered the implications for staff if tips were tied to ratings. One user mused:
So if most people not satisfied, will they sack their staff? Then next time go wok hey must ownself cook for ownself? Another predicted:
This will just guarantee 100% of people being unsatisfied lol
Underlying themes of consumer exploitation and the perceived "gaslighting" by businesses were prominent. Many felt that companies are constantly trying to extract more money, especially in an environment of rising costs. One user's comment summed up a prevalent feeling:
Gas lighting + importing trash culture from US. Fuck off Wok Hey!
The prevailing sentiment is a strong rejection of this new system. Many users expressed intentions to boycott Wok Hey, signaling a clear message that such practices are unwelcome. This online conversation highlights a broader consumer resistance to what is seen as an unnecessary and potentially deceptive additional charge in a market that already includes service charges. It remains to be seen if this widespread online pushback will prompt Wok Hey to reconsider its new tipping model.