29th April 2026 – (Hong Kong) A fresh round of price increases at a Hong Kong cha chaan teng has triggered heated discussion online after a diner reported being charged an additional HK$4 for an iced drink as part of a set meal.
The customer said he had ordered a “Six Treasures Rice” priced at HK$69 at a café in Yuen Long, accompanied by a less-sweet iced lemon tea. Upon settling the bill, he discovered that opting for a cold beverage incurred a HK$4 supplement. He remarked that the era of adding just HK$2 for an iced drink now appeared to be over.
The post quickly gained traction on social media, with many users expressing disbelief. Some pointed out that the customary surcharge had long been HK$2, questioning why it had effectively doubled. Others responded with sarcasm, joking that the ice cubes must have been flown in from Antarctica, complete with rising fuel costs factored in.
A number of commenters took a more practical stance, suggesting customers could simply avoid cold drinks altogether — arguing that they are both more expensive and potentially unhealthy.
Attention also turned to the meal itself. The so-called “Six Treasures Rice”, despite its name, consisted of everyday processed items such as luncheon meat, sausages and bacon. Several users questioned whether the dish justified its price tag, noting that similar sums might be expected for premium roast meat combinations rather than basic ingredients. Some criticised the perceived lack of value, while others raised concerns about the nutritional quality of such a selection.
Observers noted that Hong Kong’s catering industry continues to grapple with high rents, rising wages and increasing ingredient costs. While restaurateurs are entitled to adjust prices in response to economic pressures, diners likewise retain the freedom to compare options and take their custom elsewhere.
