Monday Special is excellent value for money. Good quality food. Friendly and fast service.
In South Africa, waiters are often trained to clear tables quickly to maintain efficiency and turn tables faster, especially in busy restaurants. This practice stems from a hospitality culture that prioritizes cleanliness, organization, and preparing the table for the next course or customers. However, it can feel rushed or awkward, particularly when one person is still eating, leaving others with an empty space in front of them.
This approach may be influenced by:
1. **High table turnover**: In popular or high-traffic restaurants, clearing plates quickly allows staff to reset tables for new customers, maximizing revenue.
2. **Cultural norms in service**: South African dining culture, especially in urban areas, often emphasizes speed and attentiveness, with waiters trained to anticipate needs and keep the table tidy.
3. **Training and standards**: Many establishments follow Western-influenced service protocols, where clearing empty plates is seen as a sign of attentiveness, though it can overlook the social dynamics of a shared meal.
4. **Miscommunication or oversight**: Waiters may not always gauge the group's preference, leading to premature clearing, especially if they’re trained to act as soon as a plate appears finished.
The awkwardness you describe—when one person is still eating—can occur because clearing plates disrupts the communal dining experience, making it feel like the meal is being rushed or that attention is drawn to those who’ve finished. In some cultures, leaving plates until everyone is done is a sign of respect for the group’s pace, but this isn’t universally practiced in South Africa.
If this bothers you, you can politely request the waiter to wait until everyone is finished before clearing, which is usually well-received. For example, saying, “Please leave the plates until we’re all done, thank you,” sets a clear expectation. Alternatively, restaurants could train staff to ask before clearing or to check if the table prefers a slower pace, though this isn’t yet standard practice everywhere.
Benico van der Westhuizen | 2025-09-19