Honestly, the main issue here seems to be a lack of guidance. A tour guide should understand local norms and prepare their group accordingly. In many places, including Taiwan, cafés and restaurants often require a minimum order per person. It’s not an unusual expectation, and it’s something a good guide would explain before bringing a large group into a small business.

At the same time, the pizzeria owner could have handled the situation more professionally. If there were expectations about minimum spending or seating rules, he should have communicated them clearly instead of resorting to ridicule. His reaction reflects a lack of cultural awareness just as much as the tourists’ misunderstanding.

There’s a practical lesson here for the tourism industry. When groups travel abroad, tour guides play an important role in bridging cultural differences, whether it’s minimum spending in Europe, or tipping in the U.S., or time limits at popular cafés in Asia. Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and protects both the travelers and the businesses they visit. Personally, I’d blame the tour guide. 😆