We often take food delivery riders for granted. They work round the clock to make sure we get food in our bellies when the fridge is empty or when we're just too tired to cook. But we've established time, and time again, that some riders go above and beyond to fulfil their deliveries, going to great lengths to make sure you get your order.
Whether it involves crossing rivers by boat, walking right into university lecture halls, or even climbing mountains, we've seen delivery riders do it all – enough to warrant huge tips.
Despite how much hard work these riders put in, we also have to acknowledge the restaurant staff that toil just as hard in ensuring your food is ready for pickup.
A generous tip from the most unlikely of people.
Staff at the Thai Dynasty restaurant in Singapore never thought they'd receive such a huge tip, let alone one that's as big as S$600 (US$426). But find it, they did.
Even more surprising, however, was the person who left that massive tip for them. It wasn't a customer who was feeling extra generous that day. Nope, it was Jesse, a food delivery rider who came by to pick up an online order.
Said to be a familiar face among the staff due to frequent orders from the restaurant, the delivery rider wanted to show his appreciation for their hard work in ensuring orders are prepared on time every time he swings by to pick something up. Along with the tip, he also left a heartfelt written note.
IMAGE: @thaidynastysg / Instagram
"Hello! I am writing to you all because I am very happy with your food and friendly customer service," the note starts.
"I want to say that your food is really delicious and your Thai tea is nice too. You know, every day when I'm working, I see you all working so hard, makes me feel sorry for all of you. Working is not easy, and I understand that because I am also working."
Jesse goes on to reveal that he's also a regular customer, always ordering their food whenever he's had a bad day, adding that his family also loves the restaurant's food.
"Therefore, I want to thank you all for the good food and I want to help you all. Here inside is S$600, for all of you. Share it among yourselves and I hope this helps all of you. Thank you once again!"
Speaking to Shin Min Daily, Thai Dynasty director Jason Pay said he never expected such a thing from a delivery rider, despite Jesse being a familiar face.
"Employees are entitled to keep the tips for their good service, but they chose to return it, which I'm gratified by," Pay said.
IMAGE: @thaidynastysg / Instagram
Yep, they managed to return the super generous tip when Jesse swung by a few hours later to pick up another order. But seeing the hard work that the delivery rider highlighted in his staff, Pay decided to reward them the next day with pizza and other dishes for lunch.
According to Shin Min Daily, there is actually an existing tipping culture between delivery riders and restaurant staff, especially when they prepare orders quickly, ensuring the delivery is on time. After all, team work makes the dream work, as they say.
"I believe the rider must be very grateful to staff at the eatery, hence the generosity," 58-year-old delivery rider Huang told Shin Min Daily.
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