Inside Hong Kong’s ‘secret dinner’ network

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for free here:

A plethora of apps for dating and workplace networking promise to make it easier to make new social connections. But this technology has failed to live up to the hype for some Hongkongers, who are instead trying new services that promise in-person socialising facilitated by online platforms. One such initiative is called “secret dinners”, which involve members signing up to go out for meals but without any advance notice about when and where the dining venue is or who they will meet while there. The sense of surprise is described as making it easier for guests to mingle and socialise with others. In this episode of #852stories, Post reporter Lo Hoi-ying joined a secret dinner to see if they live up to what organisers promise, and learn why some members keep coming back for more.

Support us:

Follow us on:

#scmp #SCMPOriginals #HongKongsociety

[ZXw]

It's just an event for singles to meetup. They just don't make it explicit but it's pretty obvious it'll be mostly singles signing up for these kind of events

[I_like_YT_lots]

Although I am not introverted, but I wouldn't wanna be stuck with people I just met and talk consistently for at least 2 hrs. I think bars and drinks might be better in a smaller more intimate venue, at least you get to move around and not committed to just a few people

[danbacharach]

Wouldn't it be cheaper to meet at Ikea?

[garryferrington]

Very interesting, sort of upscale idea. I imagine the use of cell phones during this event would be discouraged.

[Joshua-Studies]

I would like to see more of these networking events. My company hinges a lot on customer services . And seeing the professional levels would be awesome.

[c_cma]

Hello from Bucharest, Romania - a huge underrated city in Europe:)

[DanielHYNg]

Hey. I like this concept. So fresh and new.

[chenghonggoh]

Seeing this reminds me that we were always taught not to speak to strangers as a kid and we also taught our kids the same but as adults we speak to strangers. We don't walk our talk. 😅

[worldlife]

Hong Kong is a city of antisocial and antifamily values. Exploitation of workers continue to get worse. Imagine working 6 days. As an America, I witnessed racism and discrimination against foreigners in Hong Kong.

[theotheleo]

Ironic that they blame social media for isolation when this gathering was made possible by social media.

[worldlife]

Bangkok offers a higher quality of life compared to Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, the apartments are expensive micro prison cells controlled by the property management. The property management imposes rule and restrictions which make property a bad investment.

[HardyMung]

I don't like this kind of meeting. I enjoy eating alone at home. Too many people make the area smell horrible !

[shaw]

I like a person who is going to offer me free chicken burgers and without a release clause to go in any conversation, paying for a "secret dinner" is evident a obligation and i refuse to attend

[sajipaul]

Why shud you pay to meet new people. Go to public places to meet people like parks, beaches, do community services, etc...

[FacingWorld]

Match up for introvert. A very quiet dinner.

[HetalOza]

Easy for swindlers and creeps to prey.

[Fatfat]

Or it may be easier to put away your phone and talk to people around you like your parents did 30 years ago.

[muigor]

This is interesting!
But Lo Hoi-Ying didn't seem to be enjoying herself. She looked serious. Well, interviewing people can be fun and light hearted.

[ogikilla]

wow..the things people will do and try just to make a connection. Hahahaa

[misterpositive]

That's all they know; luxuries, dining, spending. People with no inner qualities.