As Hong Kong prepares for the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday (starting February 17th, the first day of the Lunar calendar), major restaurant chains and local eateries across the city are implementing special operating hours and surcharges, moving away from traditional mass closures to accommodate demand. While global fast-food giants like McDonald’s and KFC will maintain normal service throughout the festive period, many local favorites and specialized international chains are adjusting schedules, with some offering continuous service, others opting for short closures, and several introducing temporary service fees to offset holiday labor costs. Diners planning to eat out between Chor Yat (Day One) and Chor Saam (Day Three) should verify specific timings, as variations exist even within the same brand.
Mixed Operations Across Major Food Groups
A clear operational split has emerged among major culinary players. Catering to the high demand for convenient meals, chains like McDonald’s and KFC have confirmed their commitment to full 24/7 or regular operating hours across all Hong Kong locations during the entire holiday. Similarly, the Japanese dining conglomerate behind brands like Gyukaku, Gyushabu, and On-Yasai (all-you-can-eat venues) and popular rotating sushi chain Sushiro will also operate normally, providing continuous service to the public. Sushiro is attempting to draw crowds early, specifically launching a limited-time seared red king crab selection beginning February 16th.
However, many localized and regional chains are implementing measured adjustments. Key noodle chains, TamJai SamGor and TamJai Yunnan Noodles, are adopting staggered openings and introducing temporary holiday surcharges. TamJai SamGor, for instance, will generally be closed on Nin Yat Gau (New Year’s Eve, February 16th) but will operate full hours from Day One through Day Three (February 17th-19th), simultaneously applying a 10 percent service charge to all dine-in and takeaway orders during this window. TamJai Yunnan Noodles will see only select branches running from Day One to Day Three. Both brands anticipate reverting to standard hours by February 20th (Chor Sei), though some outlier branches will delay re-opening further.
Local Institutions Implement Traditional Closures
In contrast to the chains, several iconic local establishments and smaller operations prioritize staff rest during the traditional family gathering period. The famous Australia Dairy Company (Ausmac) has announced a lengthy break, closing after noon on February 16th and remaining completely shuttered until noon on February 28th. Similarly, Garbo Burger will take an extended vacation, suspending operations from February 15th through February 20th, re-opening on Day Five.
Other notable changes include:
- Satay King: All branches will close entirely on Day One (February 17th), re-opening on Day Two.
- Taichung (Tai Hing Restaurant Group): Most branches will commence service slightly later on Day One, initiating operations at 12:00 PM, and resuming normal hours from Day Two.
- Sukiya: While most branches maintain regular hours, the AEON Kornhill location will operate shortened shifts on Day One (12:00 PM to 8:00 PM).
Navigating Reduced Service and Surcharges
The temporary surge in service fees is becoming a predictable feature of holiday dining in Hong Kong. Beyond the TamJai group, several establishments are adjusting menus or reducing service complexity. Saizeriya Italian Restaurant will operate normally but will suspend the offering of weekday set lunches from Day One through Day Three. Quick-service joints like Café 100% and Pizza Hut confirmed continued operations, although some Pizza Hut locations will forego breakfast service during the primary holiday.
For travelers and residents relying on caffeine, chains like TenRen’s Tea and specialized spots like The Alchemist Café (牧羊少年咖啡館) have provided detailed schedules, noting that several mall and transit-linked tea kiosks will be closed entirely for up to three days.
Ultimately, consumers are advised to contact individual restaurant branches or consult official online channels before making plans. The fluidity of holiday scheduling reflects the dual pressures on the food service industry: meeting consumer dining demand while recognizing the cultural significance of the Lunar New Year for employees. This strategic balancing act defines the dining experience in Hong Kong during its most important festival.