Editor's Note (April 28, 2020): Due to the overwhelming support and by request of our friends in hospitality, United We Dine has been extended for one month—the campaign will now run until May 31, 2020, to allow more time for diners to support their favourite restaurants. While cases of COVID-19 in Hong Kong have been falling to single digits, we encourage everyone to remain vigilant, to exercise caution when dining out around the city, and to avoid going out if they are feeling unwell or have recently been in close contact with those who have travelled back to Hong Kong from overseas.

When we settled upon the theme “United We Dine” for our annual restaurant guide back in the hot summer of 2019, we would never have imagined that the F&B industry—or, for that matter, the entire city—would be in such dire straits by Chinese New Year. Rocked by the rare one-two punch of societal upheaval quickly followed by the devastating ripple effects of COVID-19, Hong Kong’s F&B industry is now facing its toughest moment since the 2003 SARS crisis. Dwindling tourist numbers and huge swaths of denizens opting for delivery over dining out is putting a strain on restaurants all around the city, with many already closed or approaching the brink of doing so.

Time and time again, we found ourselves reaching for what has become our new mantra: united we dine. Taking solace in a meal is one of the most reassuring things we can do in times of uncertainty—even if that disruption includes temporary shortages of rice, spam and toilet paper. As Hong Kong tentatively starts to come alive again, we believe that it’s time to show support for your favourite restaurants and businesses—in a way that is safe and sensible, of course.