Service in restaurants in Hong Kong is really slow. I feel like they don't have the same social cues as we do. I think because tipping is not a custom here, there is no incentive to drive the bill up. In the US, you are constantly asked if you want another drink, an appetizer, a dessert, etc. I used to do this myself being a server at Bertucci's in college. Here, you have to flag them down to get anything. It's also awkward at check time. If they ask you if you want dessert and say no, they don't come back with the check. On numerous occassions we have sat awkwardly for a few minutes after denying dessert and having everything cleared off the table only to realize the server was still just standing around. I'm not sure what she thought we were going to do. Maybe they don't want to rush you.
Oh, one more thing, don't order hard drinks in Hong Kong. They don't make them nearly strong enough for the average American! Also, they try to have classic cocktails on the menu, but they don't make them correctly. I had a Moscow Mule that said it had ginger beer, but by ginger beer they meant gingerale and by gingerale they meant Sprite. Not cool, Hong Kong. Not cool.
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hahaha it's funny to hear your take on this. Europeans usually get really annoyed by the super quick service in America, we feel like we are getting chased out of the restaurant just so the restaurant can have more turnovers on their tables. Also, it's considered really rude here to give a cheque to a table if they haven't specifically asked for it, my family really had to get used to that in the US. We like to take our time and enjoy the meal and not get rushed but an overly eager waiter :)
ReplyDeleteThe weak drinks thing does suck!
-DJ