Tourists wonder: is the service in Dutch restaurants… normal?!
Being refreshingly direct in communication is what the Dutch are known for. No beating around the bush; just knowing exactly where you stand. In other countries, people sometimes raise an eyebrow at that. Like a non-Dutch Reddit user who discovers the rules of a Dutch restaurant. And wonders out loud: is this normal?!
Maybe we find this so normal in the Netherlands that we no longer even notice it. But is it actually normal?
Use your Tickie
This note is hanging in a Dutch restaurant. Or perhaps it is listed on the menu; that is not entirely clear. The rules themselves are. Guests are kindly asked not to bring their own drinks, not to split the bill (but to use ‘Tickie‘ instead?) and to indicate whether they have any allergies. It is also made clear that you have to pay 50 cents for tap water (unless you are drinking alcohol) and fork out 60 cents for a doggy bag.
You cannot GO DUTCH?!
So, the Reddit user is wondering out loud whether this is really normal. ”It is a bit unfriendly to put it that way, but there are probably many customers who do not understand basic courtesy, so they have to spell it out”, someone says.
Many people actually go deeper into the rules themselves. In particular, not splitting the bill is considered complete nonsense. ”Not splitting bills is stupid. Are they implying that the waiters are slow-witted or something?” Someone even offers a tip: ””I can’t pay if you can’t split the bill” usually works pretty well. They can get lost with their lazy behavior”. And then someone hits the nail on the head once more: ”You cannot GO DUTCH in Netherlands?!”
Is this legal?
The comments show that we are not the only cheapskates on earth. Many people also object to the extra charge for tap water at this Dutch restaurant. ”50 cents for tap water is bullshit. Reason enough for me to avoid this restaurant” and ”Tap water should be free. I don’t care about the policy. I even think it is legally not allowed to charge anything for it” people write. Someone else responds to that last comment: ”Is it legal to charge money for tap water in the Netherlands? I doubt it!” Well, to answer that question right here: yes, it is legal. And we will be honest: we also find restaurants that make a fuss about a glass of tap water irritating. In fact, we Dutch people do not want to pay for a glass of tap water when we are out!
Cheapskate Gerdas, Gordons and Günthers
And what about paying 60 cents for doggy bags—is that normal? Not quite, it seems. ”It is not customary to charge money for a doggy bag. Maybe they are charging 60 cents for the plastic… It is the first time I have seen something like this”, someone says. Another person is even furious about it: ”0.60 cents for a bag so they do not have to throw the food away is a whole other level of fuckery”. A chef understands it. ”It may not seem very proper (to write down the rules like that), but if you work in a restaurant kitchen I can imagine this. You would not believe how some Dutch people live up to their reputation as frugal people”. Well, Cheapskate Gerda is our middle name. But apparently there are also Cheapskate Gordons, Günthers and Gérards, because plenty of people do not think it is normal to pay for a doggy bag.
For one commenter, at least, it is crystal clear: ”Fuck Dutch restaurants.. I’m done with it. Worst in the world”. Well, exaggeration is an art too, isn’t it? We may be direct and stingy… but at least we are not dramatically over-the-top like the Americans.
Also read:
- English increasingly becoming the main language on Dutch terraces: problematic
- Why working in hospitality is the best job in the world
- Annoying: when your Tikkie is ignored
Source: Reddit
