Local Chain Counters Northbound Trend with $18 Seafood and Pigeon Specials

In a strategic move to reclaim market share from the burgeoning trend of Hong Kong residents dining across the border, Jia Hao Chinese Restaurant has unveiled an aggressive new pricing campaign. The chain recently launched its “Four Great Ace Promotions,” offering premium dishes at price points designed to rival Mainland dining options, with signature items starting as low as HK$18.

A Strategic Response to Market Shifts

The local catering industry faces significant headwinds as the “northbound consumption” trend continues to draw diners to Shenzhen and Guangzhou for weekend meals. In response, Jia Hao has pivoted towards a value-driven model without compromising on ingredient quality. The promotion underscores a broader industry shift where established chains must now compete not just on flavor, but on sheer affordability to maintain local footfall.

Decoding the “Four Great Aces” Menu

Running until April 30, 2026, the promotion allows diners to select one of four premium dishes at heavily subsidized rates. The standout offer features the Steamed Sabah Giant Grouper, a hallmark of Cantonese seafood dining.

  • Steamed Sabah Giant Grouper: Originally priced at HK$168, this dish is available for HK$18 on weekdays (Monday to Friday). Weekend and holiday pricing is set at HK$28.
  • Crispy Pigeon: A serving of halved crispy pigeon mirrors the seafood pricing, costing HK$18 on weekdays and HK$28 on weekends and public holidays.
  • Poached Live Shrimp: Priced by the catty, fresh shrimp is offered at HK$18 (weekdays) and HK$28 (weekends).
  • Peking Duck: For larger gatherings, the classic Beijing-style roast duck is available for HK$88 (weekdays) and HK$98 (weekends).

Diners should note the terms: each table is limited to selecting one discounted item from the four options, ensuring a fair distribution of the restaurant’s inventory.

Incentivizing the Silver Economy

Beyond the dinner specials, the restaurant has introduced specific measures to support the elderly demographic, a core customer base for traditional tea houses. Holders of the JoyYou Card or Senior Card can enjoy a HK$2 tea charge. This discount is applicable across three time slots—morning, lunch, and afternoon tea—allowing flexibility for older residents to enjoy their traditional “one bowl, two pieces” dim sum routine at a fraction of the standard cost.

Location and Logistics

The promotion is anchored at the restaurant’s Ngau Tau Kok branch, located at Shop 1R1 and G/F, On Kay Mall, 20 Chun Wah Road. The accessibility of the location makes it a viable option for family weekend gatherings, specifically targeting multi-generational families who wish to dine together without navigating cross-border traffic.

Broader Industry Implications

This move by Jia Hao reflects a widening price war within Hong Kong’s F&B sector. As illustrated by concurrent offers from other establishments—such as the Tung Chung-based “Ju Gathers,” which recently promoted HK$1 seafood and roast meat dishes for groups—restaurants are increasingly relying on “loss leader” strategies to drive volume. While these discounts offer short-term relief for consumers’ wallets, industry analysts suggest they signal a permanent reset in consumer expectations regarding value for money in local dining.

For Hong Kong foodies, the message is clear: the best deals may no longer require a trip to the Lo Wu border, as local kitchens sharpen their knives and lower their prices to keep the city’s dining tables full.

畢業永生花束