Japanese, Chinese low-priced chains enter Hong Kong amid slow economy

Territory's consumers are tightening purse strings and looking for deals

Japanese beef bowl chain Matsuya is gaining fans with meals that cost less than some local foods. (Photo by Kensaku Ihara)

KENSAKU IHARA

February 7, 2025 05:49 JST

HONG KONG -- Japanese and Chinese low-priced restaurant and retail chains are expanding into Hong Kong one after another, taking advantage of low commercial rents and consumer attitudes favoring affordability amid an economic downturn.

Japanese gyudon beef bowl chain Matsuya, which opened its first Hong Kong store in August, launched a second in Kowloon on Jan. 27. During a recent visit to the new location, about 20 people were lined up outside despite it being around 4 p.m.