Two prominent Hong Kong barbecue chains, Anping Grill and Gyu-Kaku Buffet, are intensifying competition in the catering sector by rolling out aggressive, budget-friendly semi-buffet barbecue lunch promotions, with prices starting as low as $78 per person for limited-time yakiniku experiences. This move aims to capture the daytime dining crowd across several key districts, offering an attractive combination of premium grilled meats and extensive all-you-can-eat side selections.
Anping Grill Unveils $78 Semi-Buffet Deal
Anping Grill has introduced a remarkable value proposition with its “Anping Yakiniku Semi-Buffet Lunch Set,” available daily starting from an accessible price point of $78. This limited-time offer, served during designated lunch hours (12:00 PM to 3:30 PM), features a set quantity of high-quality grilled meats alongside an unlimited supply of over 30 Taiwanese-style side dishes, desserts, and fresh produce.
The core of Anping Grill’s promotion centers on ten distinct fixed-portion barbecue sets. Diners can choose from a selection of cuts, including beef belly, Angus beef shoulder blade, pork jowl, and even premium options like A4 Wagyu or exceptionally dark shoulder flap, depending on the chosen tier. Crucially, the $78 core package includes 75 minutes of unrestricted access to the self-service counters.
The all-you-can-eat bar features a rotating selection of local favorites and desserts, such as fried oyster rolls, deep-fried chicken, marinated beef tongue, Sakura shrimp mixed rice, and ice cream. While the package is available at Anping’s three branches—Mong Kok, Tsuen Wan, and Tseung Kwan O—consumers should note that the most extensive self-service food court selections are primarily available at the Tsuen Wan outlet.
Gyu-Kaku Buffet Scales Up Lunch Options from $88
Meanwhile, competitor Gyu-Kaku Buffet is elevating its own lunch offerings with a new semi-buffet menu starting at $88. Available on weekdays until the final entry at 5:00 PM across all its Hong Kong locations—including Sha Tin, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kwai Fong, and Mong Kok—Gyu-Kaku focuses on meat quantity and time flexibility.
Their “Selected Two-Course Barbecue Fixed Meal” offers five tiers, guaranteeing 50% larger portions of set meats than previous promotions. For the starting price, patrons receive a predetermined amount of premium cuts, which may include beef short plate, pork neck, chicken diaphragm, or beef tongue.
The competitive edge of Gyu-Kaku Buffet’s promotion lies in its generous 60 to 100-minute dining windows and its substantial variety of add-ons. The buffet selection here boasts over 40 unlimited items, encompassing snacks, desserts, and beverages. Standout perpetual refills include Japanese Curry Rice, Gyu-Kaku rice, Oden, Korean fish cake, and fried dumplings, solidifying its position as a compelling option for high satiety during mid-day dining.
The Implications for Hong Kong’s Dining Scene
These aggressive, time-limited lunch promotions demonstrate a significant effort by major yakiniku chains to drive foot traffic and maximize daytime capacity in a challenging economic climate. By redefining the “buffet” concept as a high-quality fixed-set meat plate paired with unlimited sides and desserts, these establishments are offering substantial perceived value to consumers.
For office workers and residents seeking a substantial, high-quality, and communal lunch experience without the traditional high cost of dinner yakiniku, these offers represent a significant win. Consumers are advised to confirm the specific menu, pricing, and operating hours for their preferred branch, as promotional mechanics and exclusions may apply, ensuring the best value before planning their next lunchtime indulgence.