The Best of Hong Kong
Lifestyle News
By Faye Bradley | January 5th, 2022

Only about a decade ago, the thought of using an online dating service was niche and to be honest, not very cool. While we do still occasionally meet the right one on a spontaneous real life encounter, there are now more options on how to find ‘the one’. We’re not saying that apps are the holy grail method, but they certainly make watching Netflix or your work commutes more interesting. Here are some of the best ways to find your perfect date.

Tinder

Photo: Tinder

Arguably the company that made it trendy, Tinder is one of the first dating apps and probably the most popular one. The concept is simple – swipe right for yes, swipe left for no. It’s no Romeo and Juliet scenario but it’s certainly not trying to be. Take out your best pictures and write a bio to impress. There’s even a superlike option to get extra recognition from any crushes you come across along the way.

Coffee Meets Bagel

Photo: Coffee Meets Bagel

This one’s slightly less vain and more focused on matching couples based on similar interests. It’s super popular in Hong Kong and is a great way to mingle, knowing in advance that you have common interests to chat about. It shows you a list of potential matches based on the similar interests so you can screen out the most compatible bunch.

Bumble

Photo: Bumble

This one’s for the girls! Bumble lets women make the first move when matched with a person. So if you’re a lassie, it means the ball is in your court. Not sure how to start the convo? Bumble provides some suggested icebreakers to get the chat started. But remember, you have to message the person within 24 hours of matching or the chat disappears!

Her

Photo: Her

Designed for queer women, Her is the perfect app to find your female companion. It’s similar to Tinder, you can like or skip who you’re interested in. If you match, start the convo to see if she’s the one!

Lunch Actually

Founded in Singapore, Lunch Actually is for those looking for a more serious commitment. If you’re ready to start looking and really find someone on the same page that’s ready to settle down, this one’s for you. The matchmaking service begins with a meeting with a dating consultant who discovers your preferences. Then, it sets up a date for you with its recommended match. Try it out to see if you’ll find the perfect match!

OkCupid

Another popular dating app, OkCupid is dedicated to helping you find love and happiness. It starts by asking you questions about yourself and what you like, then it helps you find who you are most compatible with. No matter what you’re looking for, casual or a hook up, it’s worth a try!

At a coffee shop

It may sound cliché, but coffee shops are definitely a great spot to find your next beau or belle. Whether it’s locking eyes for the first time over the counter or noticing the same everyday hustler at your local coffee shop, there’s always a moment. Just keep your eyes peeled – you never know who you may find.

At a bar

If all else fails, the bar pretty much never fails. Head out with your girls or lads to your favorite bar, then hit up a nearby club. You’ll be dancing and within that time, meet a bunch of potential real-life matches. You might find yourself on a date next week with the same dance partner from your night out.