Hong Kong Chain Restaurant Ordering Secrets Revealed Through Testing
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong diners are known for their savvy spending habits, and the city's chain restaurants have become a popular topic of discussion regarding optimal ordering strategies. Sing Tao's consumer column discovered that customers at Nam Kee (南記粉麵) may receive different portion sizes depending on the sequence of their side dish selections. Additionally, social media users questioned whether upgrading to the "Jumbo" lemon tea at TamJia Three Brothers (譚仔三哥) actually provided more beverage. To investigate, reporters conducted on-site tests at both restaurants.
Key Points
- At Nam Kee, ordering spring rolls first followed by spicy pork yielded 4 spring rolls and 2 large pork chunks
- Reversing the order to pork first then spring rolls resulted in nearly double the pork portions but only 2 spring rolls
- The restaurant's ordering system designates the first-selected side as the "main dish" (full portion) and the second as a "side dish" (half portion)
- Both meal combinations were priced identically, meaning the ordering sequence directly impacts value
- At TamJia Three Brothers, regular lemon tea measures approximately 300ml with 3 lemon slices ($18 regular, $11 with meal upgrade)
- The "Jumbo" (珍寶) upgrade costs $2 more ($20 regular, $13 with meal upgrade) and contains approximately 400ml with 4 lemon slices
- Testing covered normal ice, less ice, and no ice varieties to ensure consistent results across all conditions
Why It Matters
This investigation highlights how seemingly minor ordering decisions can significantly affect the value Hong Kong consumers receive for their money. With the cost of living remaining high, these practical dining strategies could help budget-conscious residents maximize their dining budgets. The findings also demonstrate the importance of verifying online claims about restaurant practices before accepting them as fact.
This investigation highlights how seemingly minor ordering decisions can significantly affect the value Hong Kong consumers receive for their money. With the cost of living remaining high, these practical dining strategies could help budget-conscious residents maximize their dining budgets. The findings also demonstrate the importance of verifying online claims about restaurant practices before accepting them as fact.