HONG KONG, Mar 23, 2026 — Meituan (3690.HK) unveiled its 2026 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide for China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and overseas regions at a ceremony in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. The list spans 35 cuisines and features 135 restaurants across seven cities, an 18.4% increase from last year.
Seoul debuted on the guide this year as the fourth international city after Singapore, Tokyo, and Bangkok, with eight restaurants listed. Data shows that during the 2026 Lunar New Year, Seoul welcomed 190,000 Chinese visitors, while online searches for Seoul dining rose 9%.
Meituan executives said the guide reflects evolving Chinese outbound travel patterns, where culinary experiences are increasingly a primary draw. AI-driven tools such as smart concierge and booking systems are also enhancing efficiency for overseas restaurants catering to Chinese tourists.
