Forget the cookie tins and egg rolls—savvy travelers are now filling their suitcases with HK$5 chocolate bars, Japanese instant noodles, and retro snacks from local supermarkets.
HONG KONG — As the May Day Golden Week approaches, a new wave of travel wisdom is circulating on Xiaohongshu, and it has nothing to do with the city’s famous bakery queues. Instead, mainland Chinese tourists are flocking to the fluorescent-lit aisles of Hong Kong’s supermarkets, from the twin titans Wellcome and ParknShop to specialty chains like Don Don Donki and the cult-favorite dried goods retailer Sheung Shun. In a comprehensive survey, UFood reporters have compiled over 60 must-buy items across eight major supermarket chains, revealing a parallel universe of souvenirs that are often cheaper, more varied, and deeply beloved by locals.
Wellcome & ParknShop: The Classics That Define Hong Kong
Wellcome has been a household name since 1945, now operating over 280 stores across the territory. Its perennial rival, ParknShop, launched in 1973 under the Hutchison Whampoa umbrella, runs roughly 250 to 345 outlets, including upscale sub-brands like Taste, fusion, and Gourmet. These two giants dominate the local grocery landscape, stocking the essentials that every Hong Kong pantry holds dear.
Dai Pai Dong Instant Milk Tea leads the list. Established in 1933, this heritage brand captures the soul of a cha chaan teng in a sachet. The upgraded 3-in-1 versions offer double-concentrated tea and coffee blends, delivering that signature velvety richness without queuing for a table. Doll Noodles (出前一丁) present a surprising edge: the Hong Kong edition boasts 16 flavors—including yuzu pepper pork bone and black garlic oil tonkotsu—far exceeding Japan’s domestic selection. Japanese tourists have been spotted buying these Hong Kong-exclusive varieties to bring home, a testament to their unique appeal.
Other essentials include Danish Blue罐 Butter Cookies, a perennial festive gift that requires careful authentication (counterfeit versions are common), and Vitasoy, the iconic soy milk brand now offering over a dozen flavors from malt to red bean. Garden Chocolate Finger Biscuits and Calbee shrimp crackers complete the nostalgic lineup, while Kinder Bueno and Hello Kitty instant noodles add a playful, collectible twist.
Marks & Spencer: The British Invasion with a Cult Following
M&S Food Halls in Hong Kong have developed a devoted local fanbase, and for good reason. Percy Pig soft candies remain the breakout star—these gelatin-free, fruit-flavored piggy-shaped treats are adored by children and adults alike. The viral Shortbread Tea has taken social media by storm: a box of 40 tea bags infused with the aroma of butter cookies, perfect for steeping with milk to create an intensely fragrant “biscuit tea latte.”
Savory fans swear by the Lobster Bisque, a 500ml jar of deeply concentrated shellfish flavor that doubles as a pasta sauce base. The Sea Salt Pistachio Dark Chocolate has triggered near-hysteria among pistachio enthusiasts, with some shoppers reportedly calling stores to reserve stock. For DIY cafe-style meals at home, Ricotta Cheese transforms sourdough toast into an Instagram-worthy breakfast, while the Tiramisu—with its generous mascarpone layer and boozy coffee-soaked ladyfingers—offers restaurant quality at supermarket prices.
Sheung Shun (樓上): The Dried Goods Kingdom That Xiaohongshu Loves
No list of Hong Kong supermarket discoveries would be complete without Sheung Shun, a vertical retailer specializing in dried seafood, snacks, and imported provisions. The chain has become a pilgrimage site for bargain hunters, particularly for items like Octopus Wasabi Shreds—thin, chewy strips with a gentle horseradish kick—and Toasted Coconut Chunks, which deliver pure, sweet coconut flavor in a crunchy bite.
The viral Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Bar at just HK$5 has taken social media by storm. Filled with pistachio paste, cheese, and nuts enrobed in thick chocolate, it offers luxury flavor at street-food prices. Similarly, the HK$3 Pistachio Crispy Sticks have become a budget-friendly sensation. For adventurous palates, Freeze-Dried Durian made from Thai golden pillow variety offers the fruit’s signature punch in a shelf-stable, crispy format, while Freeze-Dried Mangosteen provides a sweet-tart alternative without the mess of fresh fruit.
Don Don Donki: Japan’s Discount Empire Hits Hong Kong
Since opening its first Hong Kong store in 2019, Don Don Donki has expanded to roughly ten locations, stocking around 15,000 products ranging from fresh produce to cosmetics. The retailer recently published its 2025 Product Awards, with the Tamago Kake Gohan Sauce claiming the Viral Hit crown. This ingenious condiment combines soy sauce and egg yolk sauce in a single packet—simply fold, squeeze, and pour over rice to recreate the Japanese raw egg rice experience without using actual raw eggs. Its TikTok introduction racked up 11 million views in two months.
Donki’s Roasted Sweet Potatoes have earned the top spot in customer satisfaction surveys, thanks to a month-long aging process that concentrates natural sugars. The Mochi Ice Cream by Imuraya, a century-old confectioner, offers chewy rice cake layers over red bean or matcha ice cream. Ichiran Ramen kits, KitKat in flavors like sweet purple sweet potato and Hojicha, and Pokka Sapporo Mukumi—a carbonated lemon drink claiming to reduce facial bloating—round out a selection that taps directly into Japanese convenience culture.
Tai Sang & Marketplace: The Value Hunters’ Paradise
Tai Sang Living Supermarket positions itself as a price-conscious alternative, sourcing imported foods at aggressive price points. Its star items include OISHI Crispy Toast from the Philippines at just HK$4, and Nongshim Croissant-Shaped Crackers in sea salt butter and chocolate variants. The HBAF Mint Chocolate Almonds from Korea offer a refreshing twist on the classic nut snack, while Beryl’s Mint Dark Chocolate from Malaysia adds popping candy for a textural surprise.
Market Place, the upscale arm of ParknShop, has partnered with Australia’s Woolworths to introduce over 90 exclusive products. Highlights include Organic Medium Roast Coffee Beans from Peru’s Andes, a line of 99% Fruit Juice with no added sugar, and Frozen Fruit harvested at peak ripeness. For plant-based shoppers, the Dairy-Free Milk Range delivers high calcium without lactose.
Insider Tips for the Savvy Shopper
Seasoned Hong Kong supermarket shoppers recommend visiting during weekday mornings for the freshest stock and best promotional offers. Many chains run loyalty programs and weekly discounts—Wellcome’s YUU card and ParknShop’s MoneyBack rewards can add up significantly. For bulk purchases, Sheung Shun and Tai Sang offer volume discounts on dried goods. And for authenticity, always check packaging for the “Hong Kong製造” (Made in Hong Kong) label, particularly on items like Danish cookie tins, which are frequently counterfeited.
As the Golden Week travel surge begins, these supermarket aisles offer more than just snacks—they provide a flavor of everyday Hong Kong life, packaged in convenient, affordable, and often surprising forms. The only challenge? Fitting it all in your luggage.
For more Hong Kong food discoveries, explore our guides to the city’s best egg tarts, burger joints, and late-night eats in Tuen Mun.