Forget the usual tourist traps—Hong Kong’s supermarkets are now treasure troves of local snacks, instant noodles, and cult-favorite treats that savvy travelers are stocking up on.
As the 5.1 Golden Week travel rush approaches, a new wave of visitors is discovering that the most authentic souvenirs aren’t found in branded pastry shops but on the brightly lit aisles of chains like Wellcome, ParknShop, Don Don Donki, and specialty retailer 樓上. UFood reporters have combed through eight major supermarket chains to compile a definitive guide to over 60 must-buy items, complete with insider tips on where to find the best deals and which products have gone viral on Xiaohongshu.
The Big Two: Wellcome and ParknShop
Hong Kong’s duopoly of mainstream supermarkets offers the most accessible entry point for souvenir shopping. Wellcome, established in 1945 and now operating over 280 locations across the territory, remains a cornerstone of local daily life. Its shelves are stocked with nostalgic classics that define Hong Kong snacking culture.
ParknShop, founded in 1973 and part of the CK Hutchison conglomerate, runs approximately 250 to 345 outlets under sub-brands like Taste, fusion, and Gourmet. Together, these two chains carry items that are practically synonymous with Hong Kong.
Among the standout picks is Dai Pai Dong instant milk tea, a brand dating back to 1933 that captures the essence of cha chaan teng-style beverages. The premium 3-in-1 versions use top-grade black tea, offering double-thickness flavor in a convenient sachet. Nissin Demae Ramen deserves special mention—the Hong Kong edition offers 16 varieties, including flavors like yuzu pepper pork bone and black garlic oil that have become so popular they’ve been exported back to Japan.
Other essentials include Danish Blue罐 Cookies, a Chinese New Year gift staple, and Hello Kitty instant noodles from Doll, which come with collectible stickers and have become a quirky favorite among younger shoppers. Vitasoy, the iconic local soy milk brand, offers everything from original to red bean and almond variants, all made with non-GMO soybeans. Rounding out the list are Garden chocolate fingers, Calbee shrimp crackers and chips, and Kinder Bueno—all household names that pack easily into luggage.
The Cult Following: 樓上 and 優品360
For travelers willing to venture beyond mainstream chains, 樓上 (Sheung Shung) has become a Xiaohongshu phenomenon. This specialty retailer has built a reputation for affordable, unusual snacks that have achieved near-legendary status online.
The original cheese cubes are a savory, calcium-rich favorite, while octopus wasabi shreds deliver a unique combination of chewy texture and gentle heat. Sesame fish strips offer a soft, savory chew, and Korean brown rice seaweed snacks provide a satisfying crunch. Adventurous eaters should seek out spicy grilled scallop skirts, squid tempura (which reportedly becomes extra crispy after a brief toasting), and the standout Thai crispy mangosteen—a freeze-dried treat that captures the fruit’s sweet-tart essence without the mess.
For the truly bold, ** 樓上’s crispy durian**, made from pure Thai golden pillow durian using vacuum freeze-drying, is a must for fans of the divisive fruit. More approachable options include *original roasted coconut chunks* and the viral $5 Dubai pistachio chocolate bars from Mr.Bite GROANI, which combine pistachio, sugar, cheese, and nuts for an unexpectedly sophisticated bargain.
Best Livelihood 360, with over 170 locations across Hong Kong and Macau, is the go-to for international brands at discount prices. Milka chocolates—including the Alpine milk chocolate and Chips Ahoy sandwich variants—are perennial favorites. The chain also stocks Black & White evaporated milk, a 1940s-era product that remains the gold standard for making proper Hong Kong-style milk tea, with over 1.25 billion cans consumed to date. Orihiro konjac jelly, Kwao Wan satay beef slices (a pioneering local creation), spicy braised fish fillets, Ferrero Rocher, and locally made Jan Dim palmiers and almond sticks round out the selection.
The UK Touch: Marks & Spencer
The British department store’s food hall has developed a fiercely loyal Hong Kong following. Percy Pig gummies, the company’s iconic pink pig-shaped sweets, come in multiple versions including holiday specials and are made without artificial colors. The shortbread tea—black tea bags infused with buttery cookie flavor—has become a viral sensation, with fans using them to create extra-strong milk tea.
Other essentials include lobster bisque, praised for its deep umami and versatility in pasta dishes, and sea salt pistachio dark chocolate, which sparked buying frenzies and waitlists at multiple locations. The Ricotta cheese allows home cooks to recreate café-style ricotta toast, while the Tiramisu, available in both box and individual cup formats, is praised for its coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone. Health-conscious shoppers gravitate toward the high-protein yogurt, offering 25g per cup in flavors like vanilla, strawberry, and mango.
The Japanese Invasion: Don Don Donki
Since opening its first Hong Kong store in 2019, the Japanese discount giant has expanded to roughly 10 locations, each carrying approximately 15,000 products. The chain has become a destination in itself.
Tamago kake gohan sauce—a viral sensation with 11 million TikTok views in just two months—recreates the experience of raw egg over rice without the safety concerns, using processed egg yolk and soy sauce in a clever dual-compartment packet. The roasted sweet potato, aged for a month to maximize sugar content, has earned the top customer rating on Donki’s Maji Voice platform. Imuraya mochi ice cream, from the 100-year-old dessert specialist, comes in red bean, matcha, and sesame varieties.
Unique offerings include limited-edition KitKat flavors like sweet purple sweet potato, Hojicha, and strawberry cheesecake, plus multiple Pocky and Meiji chocolate varieties. The Nissin Donbei kitsune udon, Japan’s bestselling instant udon, is a pantry staple, while 一兰 ramen and SUKIYA beef bowl kits let fans recreate restaurant favorites at home. For wellness-focused shoppers, POKKA SAPPRORO Mukumi—a sparkling lemon drink containing monoglucosyl hesperidin and 1,350mg of vitamin C—claims to reduce facial and body bloating by strengthening capillary walls.
The Budget Hunter: 大生 (DS Groceries)
This local chain specializes in affordable imported goods. Standouts include OISHI crispy toast snacks from the Philippines, available at prices as low as HK$4, Nissin assorted crispy bean snacks in convenient multi-packs, Ritz baked crisps (non-fried), and Nongshim croissant-shaped crackers in sea salt butter and chocolate variants. The HBAF mint chocolate almonds use a low-temperature dry-roasting technique, while Meiji pistachio chocolate offers whole nuts for maximum crunch.
The Premium Option: Market Place
For those seeking organic and health-oriented options, Market Place has introduced over 90 products from Australia’s Woolworths brand. Highlights include organic medium-roast coffee beans from Peru’s Andes mountains, organic canned vegetables free from artificial additives, 100% natural frozen fruits flash-frozen at peak ripeness, 99% juice without added sugar, and a plant-based milk series that is lactose-free and calcium-fortified.
Expert Tips for Smart Shopping
Savvy shoppers should check for ongoing promotions—Wellcome and ParknShop frequently run buy-one-get-one deals, while Donki offers periodic sales on items like AVATAKE chicken breast (as low as HK$20 per piece when bought in bulk). The Danish Blue罐 cookie authentication guide has become essential reading, with six distinguishing features separating genuine products from counterfeits.
As the 2025 Golden Week travel boom approaches, Hong Kong’s supermarkets are poised to become the city’s most dynamic souvenir destination. The trend reflects a broader shift among travelers toward everyday local experiences—and a recognition that the best memories often come in resealable packaging.