Hong Kong’s hottest food trend isn’t fine dining—it’s a $4 takeout box. In this episode, we explore the unexpected rise of “two dishes and rice,” a humble, no-frills meal that became a citywide obsession during economic downturns and pandemic lockdowns. Once dismissed as commoners’ fare, these steam-filled counters now draw massive queues and social media buzz, offering comforting, home-style flavors at a price everyone can afford. The high-volume model has thrown struggling food entrepreneurs a lifeline while feeding a city hungry for simplicity and stability. And even as restrictions fade and the hype cools, one truth remains: cheap, reliable, filling food never goes out of style.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/02/world/asia/hong-kong-inexpensive-dining.html