Forget the usual tourist haunts—Hong Kong’s supermarket aisles are now the hottest destination for savvy shoppers hunting for authentic, affordable, and delicious souvenirs.
As the 5.1 Golden Week travel surge approaches, a new trend is reshaping how visitors stock up on local treats. Instead of queuing for the same iconic cookie tins and egg rolls, travelers are increasingly turning to Hong Kong’s sprawling network of supermarkets—from century-old chains like Wellcome and ParknShop to specialty retailers like DON DON DONKI, Marks & Spencer, and “Upstairs” (樓上). A recent report by UFood editors has compiled a comprehensive guide featuring over 60 must-buy snacks and beverages across eight major supermarket chains, complete with money-saving tips for the savvy shopper.
Why Supermarkets Are the New Souvenir Destination
For decades, visitors to Hong Kong have gravitated toward the same handful of iconic brands: Jenny Bakery’s butter cookies, the legendary hand-rolled egg rolls from Tak Sun, and the ubiquitous Nin Jiom herbal lozenges. But a shift is underway. As the 5.1 Golden Week travel boom approaches, a growing chorus of voices on social platforms like Xiaohongshu is urging travelers to look beyond the obvious. The real treasure trove, they argue, lies in the aisles of Hong Kong’s diverse supermarket landscape.
From the historic Wellcome (founded in 1945, now with over 280 outlets) and ParknShop (established in 1973, operating around 250 to 345 stores under banners like Taste and fusion) to specialty retailers like Marks & Spencer, DON DON DONKI, 優品360, 大生, and the beloved 樓上 (Upstairs) dried goods chain, these stores offer an unparalleled window into the city’s everyday culinary life. The result is a curated list of over 60 items that promise to satisfy cravings, fit any budget, and make for genuinely unique gifts.
The Classics That Never Fail
For those seeking the taste of authentic Hong Kong, the local giants Wellcome and ParknShop remain indispensable. A standout is 大排檔 instant tea mixes, a brand dating back to 1933 that perfectly captures the robust flavor of cha chaan teng-style milk tea and yin yeung (coffee-tea). Another essential is the Hong Kong edition of 出前一丁 instant noodles, which boasts over 16 flavors—far exceeding the selection available in Japan. Varieties like black garlic oil pork bone and spicy XO sauce seafood have even been reverse-exported to Japan, a testament to their popularity.
Other staples include the iconic 丹麥藍罐曲奇 (Danish butter cookies), a perennial favorite for gifting, and 維他奶, the beloved local soy milk brand that now offers everything from chocolate to black bean and almond variants. For a nostalgic crunch, 嘉頓朱古力手指餅 (Garden chocolate fingers) remain a childhood classic, while Calbee chips and Kinder Bueno satisfy more modern cravings.
Specialty Stores: Where the Real Finds Are
Beyond the big two, specialty retailers offer a curated experience. 優品360, with over 170 locations, is a treasure trove for international chocolate lovers, featuring affordable finds like Milka bars and ORIHIRO konjac jelly—a low-calorie, chewy treat that comes in flavors from grape to matcha. The store also stocks local classics like 華園沙嗲牛肉片 (satay beef slices) and 金莎朱古力 (Ferrero Rocher), which remain perennial favorites for gifting.
Marks & Spencer in Hong Kong has developed a cult following of its own. The star of the show is undoubtedly the Percy Pig soft candy, a beloved British import that has won over local hearts with its fruity, gelatin-free recipe. Another viral hit is the Shortbread tea—a black tea bag infused with the aroma of butter cookies, perfect for making a rich, creamy milk tea at home. Savory options like the lobster bisque and the sea salt pistachio dark chocolate have sparked dedicated fan groups, with some shoppers even queuing to secure a bag.
The Viral Appeal of “Upstairs” and DONKI
Perhaps the most surprising trend comes from 樓上 (Upstairs), a chain traditionally known for dried seafood and health products. Its snack aisle has become a viral sensation on Xiaohongshu, with items like 八爪魚芥辣絲 (octopus wasabi shreds) and 泰國脆山竹 (crispy mangosteen) drawing crowds. The $5 Dubai pistachio chocolate bar and $3 pistachio crispy sticks have become legendary for their unbeatable value.
Meanwhile, DON DON DONKI continues to captivate with its Japanese imports. The 雞蛋拌飯醬 (egg rice sauce), a viral TikTok sensation with over 11 million views, mimics the flavor of raw egg on rice without the safety concerns. Other highlights include the 烤番薯 (roasted sweet potato), a customer favorite praised for its caramelized sweetness, and the Mukumi anti-bloating drink, a functional beverage packed with vitamin C and citrus flavonoids.
A Shopper’s Guide to Savings
Navigating this bounty requires strategy. Many chains offer loyalty programs and weekly specials. For instance, Wellcome and ParknShop frequently run promotions on local staples, while DONKI is known for its competitive pricing on Japanese imports. 優品360 and 大生 are go-to destinations for budget-friendly bulk buys, with items like the $5 Dubai pistachio bar and $4 OISHI crispy toast proving that great taste doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
For health-conscious travelers, Market Place has introduced a range of organic and plant-based products from Australia’s Woolworths, including organic coffee beans, frozen fruits, and vegan milk alternatives. Meanwhile, M&S offers high-protein yogurts and ricotta cheese perfect for DIY café-style toast.
The Bigger Picture: A Culinary Democracy
This shift toward supermarket shopping reflects a broader democratization of Hong Kong’s food culture. No longer are souvenirs reserved for specialty shops with long queues. Instead, the city’s supermarkets offer a more authentic, accessible, and often more affordable way to take a piece of Hong Kong home. Whether it’s a packet of instant noodles with a uniquely local flavor, a tin of cookies that has graced every family gathering, or a quirky Japanese import that sparks conversation, the humble supermarket has become the ultimate souvenir stop.
As the 5.1 Golden Week draws near, travelers are encouraged to plan their shopping routes. Many stores offer online platforms for price comparison, and loyalty apps can unlock additional discounts. For those looking to explore further, related guides on Hong Kong’s best egg tarts, burger joints, and late-night eats provide a comprehensive culinary roadmap.
In a city that never stops reinventing itself, even the act of buying a souvenir has been transformed. The next time you visit Hong Kong, skip the queue for the cookie tin. Grab a shopping cart instead—you might just discover the city’s true flavor.