On a personal & morality level, me too am shocked INTIALLY by such demands.
However, EACH Human would have their own perceptions of morality & pragmatism.....
We working adults have no qualms paying for over $20/++ for a plate of chicken rice at a hotel or even $15 for a meal at a foodcourt.
What is $28 to ASSIST & help out an old, aging retiree with no income, for the inclusiveness of gathering where none is stranger or treated coldly at stony places? Let alone the ambience, cheer & often great food provided that he would serve to guests?
The best hospitality that I had received was from Muslims, for their weddings even under a HBD block & specially at their homes, & during festivities, where fantastic & delicious home cooked food was served, non stop, let alone the cheers & camaraderie regardless of any ethnic origins. They take hospitality seriously, as least those whom honor our sacred National Pledge...
However, it came at a high cost to them. They pledged even their precious jewellery & high loans to keep up with their time honored tradition of hospitality, & even went into debts for such occasions.
I am not sure about others, but no matter what, so long as the insignificant nobody me is invited, regardless of race, language or religion, where anyone who crosses the door is a guest & treated as one, I would leave a token of appreciation for their efforts, never to take them for granted, in cash or in kind....