Italian Pizza Shop Owner Says "Go Back to Your Country" After 16 Taiwanese Tourists Order Only Five Pizzas

Controversy Over Italian Owner Mocking Taiwanese Tourists
"It Was Just a Joke"...Apology Video Posted Amid Growing Criticism

An Italian pizza shop owner posted a video on social media mocking Taiwanese tourists for their low order volume, but later apologized as public criticism grew. Although he cited local food culture as the reason for his dissatisfaction, many pointed out that filming customers and publicly criticizing them went too far.

An Italian pizza shop owner posted a video mocking and criticizing Taiwanese tourists for their low order volume. TikTok

According to foreign media such as the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 26th, the incident occurred earlier this month at a pizza shop in the Tuscany region of Italy. At that time, a group of 16 Taiwanese tourists ordered five pizzas and three beers. The tour guide had checked with the owner in advance to see if it was acceptable for some elderly tourists, who had little appetite due to jet lag, to order a small amount, and the owner reportedly agreed.

However, after the meal, the owner filmed the tourists eating and talking, as well as asking about their nationality, and posted the video on social media. In the video, the owner complained, "There are 16 customers, but they only ordered five pizzas and three beers. I am angry because of these customers," and added, "I don't care about you, so go back to your country." It was reported that he also used insulting expressions in Italian. Some Taiwanese tourists, not understanding the language, were seen smiling and waving at the camera.

Image unrelated to the article. Pixabay

As the controversy spread, the owner deleted the video in question and released an apology video. He explained, "I apologize to the Taiwanese tourists. I am just a playful Italian." He added that he had visited both China and Taiwan, saying, "Everyone is wonderful. I love China and I love Taiwan."

A local Italian chef told SCMP, "In Italy, it is common for each person to order their own pizza rather than sharing," explaining that the criticism stemmed from differences in food culture. However, there is ongoing criticism that the owner's mocking and public posting of the video was an inappropriate response to his customers.