As Hong Kong gears up for the bustling 5.1 Golden Week travel surge, the UFood editorial team has released a game-changing report that is reshaping how visitors shop for souvenirs. The definitive guide reveals a growing trend among savvy travelers and Xiaohongshu users: bypassing the long queues at traditional bakeries and heading straight for the aisles of the city’s eight major supermarket chains. Spanning over 60 curated snack recommendations, this report positions the local supermarket as the new frontier for authentic, affordable, and wildly diverse Hong Kong treats.
The Rise of the Supermarket Souvenir
The shift represents more than convenience—it is a deep dive into Hong Kong’s everyday food culture. Wellcome, the city’s oldest supermarket chain established in 1945, and its rival ParknShop, founded in 1973, collectively operate hundreds of locations across the territory. Together, they stock the nostalgic staples that have fueled local pantries for generations. The guide highlights classics such as Da Pai Dong instant tea mixes, a household name since 1933, and the local edition of Nissin’s Demae Ramen, which boasts over 16 exclusive flavors—some of which have gained such a following that they have been reverse-exported to Japan.
For those seeking variety, iconic brands like Calbee chips, Garden chocolate finger biscuits, and Vitasi soymilk in flavors ranging from classic red bean to almond offer a taste of authentic local life. The takeaway: these shelves hold the edible history of the city.
Viral Japanese Favorites and Global Flavors
Don Don Donki remains a powerhouse of viral food moments. The report highlights its famous roasted sweet potatoes, which earned the top spot in the chain’s 2025 “Maji Voice” customer satisfaction survey. The innovative “Tamago Kake Gohan” sauce—a clever shelf-stable substitute for raw egg and soy sauce—became a social media phenomenon after its TikTok demonstration garnered over 11 million views in just two months. Special KitKat and Pocky varieties found exclusively here make for perfect quirky gifts.
Across the city, Marks & Spencer offers a slice of British comfort with its beloved Percy Pig gummies and the wildly popular Shortbread-flavored tea bags, which create an intensely creamy milk tea. Savvy shoppers also flock to M&S for its affordable lobster bisque and high-protein yogurts. Meanwhile, Best Price 360 and DS Groceries (大生) provide incredible value on international imports, from Korean mint chocolate almonds to the Philippines’ OISHI crispy toast snacks at prices as low as four Hong Kong dollars.
The Unique Appeal of 樓上 (Upstairs)
No supermarket audit is complete without Upstairs (樓上), a chain that has exploded in popularity on social media for its massive selection of dried goods. The guide gives top billing to items like crispy durian and mangosteen, which use vacuum freeze-drying to preserve intense tropical flavor. Savory options abound with squid jerky, spicy scallop skirts, and wasabi octopus shreds offering deeply umami profiles. Viral $5 pistachio chocolate bars and $3 pistachio crisp sticks have created genuine buying frenzies among bargain hunters.
Practical Takeaways for the Modern Traveler
The report functions as a critical tool for anyone looking to diversify their luggage. The key strategy is to mix and match: source nostalgic cookies and tea mixes from Wellcome and ParknShop, hunt for viral Japanese exclusives and trendy sauces at Donki, stock up on British comfort foods at M&S, and finish with the exotic dried fruits of Upstairs. Many of these stores offer loyalty programs or multi-buy promotions that allow savvy travelers to buy premium snacks at wholesale prices.
This trend signals a broader shift in Hong Kong tourism toward authentic, everyday local experiences. By expanding the souvenir portfolio to include these supermarket aisles, visitors engage with a deeper, richer slice of life in the city. Before packing for your next trip, consult these curated lists—your suitcase will thank you for the upgrade in diversity, value, and taste.