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It’s the little things many of us often take for granted.
The long-awaited World Cup, which is back on U.S. soil for the first time in 32 years, is underway, bringing thousands of tourists here — some for the very first time.
As a slew of foreign visitors experience culture shock this summer, one Japanese tourist has warmed Americans’ cold hearts with his appreciation for none other than the free baskets of chips and salsa often served at Mexican restaurants.
In a now-viral post on X (formerly Twitter), the traveler @japan_nobunaga praised the unexpected hospitality, writing, “USA. A Mexican restaurant. We had not yet ordered anything, and the food was already arriving. Chips. Salsa. Unrequested. Free. I stopped the waiter. ‘We have not earned these.’ ‘They just come with the table, man.”
The heartwarming visitor continued writing in the post that has over 17 million views and counting, “They come with the TABLE. In my land, hospitality is a debt. Every gift creates an obligation, weighed carefully, returned in the proper season with interest of feeling. Here, the gift arrives before you have even proven you can pay for dinner…”
Although his friend warned him not to fill up on the pre-dinner offering, the visitor couldn’t help himself: “Too late. I had accepted three baskets. Honor demanded each one be finished — an unfinished gift is an insult. By the time my actual food arrived, I was a ruined man. I was not hungry. I was not comfortable. I had been defeated by a courtesy. Generosity that arrives before the request cannot be repaid. It can only be survived…”
Mind you, many American diners are sometimes offended when an empty basket of chips and salsa isn’t replaced fast enough.
The adorable post was enough for people to realize how many cultural things are taken for granted in this country.
“3 baskets!!?? Wait till you go to an Italian food restaurant and start off a meal with a free baguette,” some replied
“This might be the most eloquent (and hilarious) thing I’ve ever read,” chimed in someone else.
“things like these make me remember truly how blessed I am to have grown up in this country,” another comment read.
Some even offered helpful advice for his next meal out: “The great thing is that if you filled up on chips and salsa, you can ask for a container to take your ordered food home for later for no extra charge.”
“Pro tip: Go ahead and fill up on the chips if you want. Take your entree to go. Now you have dinner for two evenings,” wrote another.
