China’s humble consumers embrace down-to-earth lifestyle, rising ‘poor man’s meal’ trend
- An ongoing trend of consumer spending cutbacks in China has intensified amid an economic downturn, drawing comparison with Japan’s ‘lost decade’
A night out with friends used to cost at least 1,000 yuan (US$138) for Beijing-based immigration consultant Olivia Wang.
Dinner at a restaurant averaging 200 yuan to 300 yuan per person, followed by a visit to a spa or massage parlour in downtown Beijing was the regular routine for the former financial industry worker.
“Now, people often talk about gatherings that cost around 40 to 50 yuan per person, opting for hearty meals like big pot stews instead of fancy Western cuisine. Even for massages, they look for options under 100 yuan,” she said.
“It’s clear that people have become much more humble now. There’s no more keeping up with the Joneses, and everyone is returning to a more down-to-earth lifestyle.”
This shift has prompted many businesses to launch budget-friendly options known as the “poor man’s meal,” a term that has gained traction online among young adults, as it refers to the cheapest and the most basic menus.
