Why the surprise introduction of this American custom at Aussie KFC outlets has some foodies in a flap and others at tipping point

KFC is famous for its 'finger-lickin' good' fried chicken - but staff at one of the chain's Australian outlets have been roasted after soliciting small change from diners.

Sydney foodies were divided after noticing a brightly coloured-tip jar had been prominently placed on the counter of one inner-city restaurant.

Many of the chain's discerning diners were confused when a picture of the jar found its way onto social media on Friday.

Some users slammed the idea of encouraging a US-style tip system in Australia while others supported the idea of helping out the food industry's lowly paid workers.

'How on earth did tipping culture sneak its way into Australia,' one person wrote.

While another said: 'KFC workers deserve far more than they're paid ... it's always a catastrophe in there.'

Another online critic claimed tipping fast food outlet staff only encouraged employers to pay them as little as possible.

'Ok so be sure not to tip them then. Don't compensate their employer for paying low wages,' they replied.

Tip jars have been a firm fixture in cafes across Australia for years.

But introducing them at fast food joints appears to be a new phenomenon - and one with which many diners are uncomfortable.

While KFC wasn't responding to questions about its tipping culture from Daily Mail Australia on Friday night, the debate was continuing to rage online.

'I really can't help but think if we succumb to tipping culture we will hurtle towards an American system and we can see that their s*** is falling apart,' one KFC customer wrote.

'If you're thinking it's there to compensate poorly paid workers then maybe you belong in America,' another added.

However, other chicken-loving foodies said they were unsure what everyone was getting in such a flap about.

'A) tipping isn't new in Australia, b) you still don't have to do it, c) even in the US tipping isn't expected at fast food places [and] d) we're in a cost of living crisis and you feel that cost a lot more when you're in a sh***y casual minimum wage job,' one wrote.

'To be honest it's a little more personal than being asked during the order process in an app,' a second added.

One world-weary user suggested the divide was perhaps generational - as younger Australians increasingly adopted American customs.

'Maybe I'm getting old but there was a time when the concept of tipping in Australia was met with massive backlash so I'm honestly shocked there there are now people here defending it,' he wrote.

'Maybe times have changed, for better or worse I'm still not sure.'