I hate to perpetuate stereotypes and generalizations, but seriously, I think this is not really a stereotype; just simply our reality. Service, as the general public perceives it to be, is non-existent at Chinese food joints.

In my experience the level of service is inversely related to the tastiness/quality of their food. If the food is awesome you’re pretty much left to fend for yourself after your order is taken. I'm telling you this is true. Trust. It is definitely true for Vancouver/Richmond so I'm bringing this theory to Kamloops.

This is especially true for Chinese food places that serve authentic fresh, well prepared food. If the chef prepares food with care and churns out cuisine that won't bring disgrace to their family, they know customers will come back for the food, regardless of the service. The people slink back, sometimes begrudgingly..., but they always come back. The servers, of course, know this too, and don't give a rats a$$ about service.

I also think that it's a culture that doesn't waste time on niceties, like pleasing people. It’s more get-to-the-point-and-get-it-done. Next.

Chinese run restaurant "service" is only about TWO things:
1. FOOD - it must be of the highest quality, freshest ingredients and have the best value for money.
2. EFFICIENCY - they need to turn their tables, and that means moving diners in and out fast. People like me who linger are costing them money.

Don’t be surprised if the server expects you to know exactly what you want as soon as your butt hits the chair. That’s not unusual. (What? You have to waste my time thinking about what you want?) Flagging serving staff down is not unusual (I’m not going to be wasting time going from table to table to check up on you. If you need something, wave.) Staff throwing menus down on the table as they walk briskly by is…not unusual (Why slow down to place the menus on the table when this is much faster.) Generally service is often surly and abrupt.

Don’t get me wrong, I can understand your stance of boycotting due to crap service because I do it as well (see Cutting Board Restaurant post,) but I’m accustomed to Chinese service and quite honestly come to expect it when I’m in a Chinese run restaurant.
If I boycotted Chinese restaurants due to service I would be doing myself a disservice, because I would be depriving myself of some of the best eats. Ever.

I have endured exasperated hostesses at the thought of having to (gasp) seat my party, menus thrown across the table, the “cash only” phenomena, and exclusive menus written only in Chinese, table settings tossed into place as I sit there, poor washroom hygiene, and don't get me started on all the various subtle ways the servers can attempt to cast shame...(Are you listening Chen’s Shanghai Kitchen in Richmond? Are you listening??) It’s a lot to take, but what if you’re craving some of the best xiao long baos Vancouver has to offer; then damn it, you just endure...

On a positive note: If I receive great genuine service with good food that is surely an anomaly; I've experienced it at one place: at Long’s Noodle House on Main Street Vancouver. The following proves just how messed up this situation is: although Long's had great service and good food, I would still prefer to go back to Chen's for painful service and great food. Unreal, I know. I'm part of the problem aren't I?