Editorial | Hong Kong’s ‘2-dish rice’ outlets need new recipes for success
The city’s eateries must keep evolving as the trend of Hongkongers crossing the border to dine is unlikely to change any time soon
The challenges facing the trade were put into perspective in a recent Post report. A food chain has shut around half of its 10 shops, with one outlet in Jardine’s Bazaar in Causeway Bay and its company secretary being sued by its landlord for at least HK$533,430 (US$68,522) in unpaid rent and interest over three months. Another brand has downsized from its peak of three branches to one.
A common ingredient of the local food scene as early as the 1950s, the budget-friendly and filling meal box typically comprises a generous serving of rice with two or more pre-cooked dishes of one’s choice – hence the nickname “this this rice” as the buyer points at an array of trays over the counter – all for HK$30 or more. The resurgence of the low-end meal option did not just help hard-pressed workers during the pandemic, it continues to shape the food industry by introducing competition and compelling modification.
However, keen competition and post-pandemic shifts in spending habits and lifestyle mean many are struggling to keep up. Some shops have expanded their presence on popular food delivery platforms to enhance their customer base. An outlet in Causeway Bay has published an online menu for the month to enable customers to place advance orders online, along with seasonal promotions.
Government data shows the value of total receipts of the restaurant sector in the third quarter of 2025 to be an estimated HK$26.7 billion, a similar level to a year ago. But the total receipts of Chinese restaurants fell 3.5 per cent in value and 4.8 per cent in volume. The figures for miscellaneous eating and drinking places also dropped by 4 per cent in value and 5.6 per cent in volume. This was despite reports of better performance during the National Day “golden week” holiday and the Mid-Autumn Festival last month.