Hong Kong’s solo dining scene just got a serious upgrade as Japanese barbecue chain Gyu Shige brings its budget-friendly one-person yakiniku sets to Taikoo, launching with a limited-time offer that lets customers add Japanese chicken for just one dollar.
The Tokyo-based barbecue powerhouse, which has expanded to over 160 locations worldwide, officially opened its fourth Hong Kong outpost on March 1 at Kornhill Plaza in Taikoo. Known for making solo grilling both accessible and affordable, the chain is celebrating its arrival with a series of promotions designed to attract both newcomers and loyal fans.
Opening Week Special: $1 Japanese Chicken
From March 11 to 13 and March 18 to 20, customers purchasing any set meal can add a 50-gram portion of Japanese Nankoku chicken thigh, chicken neck, or chicken sanda for just HK$1. This limited-time offer applies exclusively at the new Kornhill Plaza location and gives diners a chance to sample premium poultry cuts at virtually no cost.
Menu Highlights and Pricing
Gyu Shige’s appeal lies in its remarkably low entry point. Lunch sets start at HK$78 on weekdays, with each meal including meat, rice, kimchi or Japanese appetizer, and miso soup. For afternoon tea, two barbecue set options begin at just HK$58, making it one of the most affordable solo dining experiences in the city.
The Taikoo location also debuts the B5 Ultimate BBQ Set, featuring 100 grams of Tokachi wagyu shoulder slice, Tokachi wagyu leg meat, and 50 grams of Iberico pork ribs, served with a housemade egg yolk dipping sauce. The set pairs perfectly with Suntory’s “premium foam beer,” now available in both black and white varieties.
Regular Weekly Promotions
Beyond the grand opening, Gyu Shige is rolling out recurring deals across its Kornhill, Mong Kok, and Tuen Mun locations:
- 88 Blue Monday Special every Monday in April (7th, 14th, 21st, 28th): Signature barbecue sets at reduced prices
- A2 Gyu Shige Set Wednesday Discount every Wednesday in April (2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th): 150-gram set for HK$92 (regularly HK$112); 250-gram set for HK$135 (regularly HK$155)
A Growing Presence in Hong Kong
Gyu Shige now operates four Hong Kong locations under two concepts. The “One-Person Yakiniku” format is available at Kornhill Plaza, Mong Kok’s Langham Summit, and Tuen Mun’s AEON store, while a full “Japanese BBQ” experience exists at Tsuen Wan West’s Ocean PopWalk.
The chain’s rapid expansion reflects a broader trend in Hong Kong’s dining landscape: the rise of solo dining. With busy lifestyles and shrinking social circles, more residents are seeking restaurants that welcome individual diners without stigma or surcharge. Gyu Shige’s model addresses this directly, offering compact grills designed for one person and portion sizes that eliminate waste.
Practical Information for Diners
Kornhill Plaza Location: Shop L302, 3/F, Kornhill Plaza South, 1-2 Kornhill Road, Taikoo
Phone: 2127 4365
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:30am-9:45pm (last order 9:15pm); Friday-Sunday 11:30am-10:15pm (last order 9:45pm)
Pro tip: The $1 chicken promotion is expected to draw crowds quickly. Diners are advised to arrive early or consider weekday visits between 2pm and 5pm, when afternoon tea sets offer the best value.
As Japanese barbecue continues to dominate Hong Kong’s food scene, Gyu Shige’s affordable one-person model may well set a new standard for solo dining—proving that eating alone doesn’t mean eating less well.