I'm not sure if the guy was cheap ... or not all there (he was kinda dippy)
Years ago, a penpal from Iceland was stopping in NYC as part of an American trip. At the time I lived in the suburbs, so we agreed to meet for lunch in the city. He was nice enough; however, unknown to me, he decided to kill two birds with one stone by having another American friend join us. That guy ordered a bowl of soup for lunch, which arrived at least 90% on the way to overflowing. Said fellow made a scene about the bowl not being full. I cannot recall how the server resolved his complaint, but have a strong recollection that to add more, one would need to do so by the tablespoon pretty much.