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 flavors. Instead of queuing for the iconic Jenny Bakery cookies or the legendary Tak Shing Hing egg rolls, a growing number of travelers—fueled by viral recommendations on Xiaohongshu—are turning to Hong Kong’s supermarket chains for their souvenir hauls. UFood reporters have curated a comprehensive guide spanning eight major supermarket chains, including Wellcome, ParknShop, Don Don Donki, Marks & Spencer, and more, revealing over 60 must-buy snacks, drinks, and gifts. The guide also includes money-saving tips for savvy shoppers.
Why Supermarkets Are the New Souvenir Hotspots
For decades, visitors to Hong Kong have gravitated toward iconic specialty shops for treats like Jenny Bakery’s butter cookies or Tak Shing Hing’s hand-rolled egg rolls. But a shift is underway. As the 5.1 Golden Week travel boom approaches, a growing number of tourists are discovering that the city’s supermarkets offer an unparalleled variety of authentic, affordable, and portable souvenirs. From classic local brands to exclusive Japanese imports, these stores provide a one-stop shopping experience that often beats the queues and markups of tourist-centric shops.
UFood’s editorial team has compiled a comprehensive guide covering eight major supermarket chains—Wellcome, ParknShop, Don Don Donki, Marks & Spencer, “Upstairs” (樓上), Best Mart 360, Tai Sang, and Market Place—featuring over 60 recommended items. The guide also includes money-saving tips to help shoppers maximize their haul.
Wellcome and ParknShop: The Local Giants
Wellcome, founded in 1945, is Hong Kong’s oldest supermarket chain, with over 280 locations across the territory. ParknShop, established in 1973 and part of the A.S. Watson Group, operates roughly 250 to 345 stores under various banners including Taste, fusion, and Gourmet. Both chains are treasure troves of local favorites.
Top Picks at Wellcome and ParknShop:
- Da Pai Dong Instant Milk Tea and Yuanyang: A heritage brand dating back to 1933, these instant mixes replicate the robust flavor of cha chaan teng beverages. The premium 3-in-1 versions use top-grade black tea for an extra-rich taste.
- Demae Itcho Instant Noodles: The Hong Kong edition offers over 16 flavors—far more than the Japanese original. Varieties include pork bone, spicy sesame, black garlic oil, and even yuzu pepper pork bone. Some flavors have become so popular that they have been exported back to Japan.
- Danish Blue Can Cookies: A classic gift choice, these butter cookies are made with premium ingredients and come in various sizes. Shoppers should be aware of counterfeit versions; authentic tins feature specific packaging details.
- Hello Kitty Instant Noodles: These cute, lightweight cups come in Japanese flavors like soy sauce, curry, and pork bone soup, each including a Hello Kitty sticker.
- Vitasoy: Hong Kong’s iconic soy milk brand offers original, chocolate, malt, and low-sugar options, made with non-GMO soybeans.
- Garden Chocolate Finger Biscuits: A nostalgic local favorite, these individually wrapped biscuits feature a crispy interior coated in rich chocolate.
- Calbee Snacks: Popular varieties include barbecue, hot and spicy, and pizza-flavored chips, along with shrimp crackers and corn snacks.
- Kinder Bueno: A beloved chocolate bar with a crispy wafer shell and creamy hazelnut filling.
Best Mart 360: Affordable Indulgences
Founded in 2013, Best Mart 360 now operates over 170 stores across Hong Kong and Macau, offering a wide range of chocolates, nuts, dried fruits, beverages, and frozen foods.
Top Picks at Best Mart 360:
- Milka Chocolate: Varieties include Milka Chips Ahoy, hazelnut milk chocolate, and Alpine milk chocolate, all known for their creamy texture.
- Black & White Evaporated Milk: Made from 100% fresh Dutch whole milk, this iconic brand has been a staple for making silky Hong Kong-style milk tea since the 1940s, with over 1.25 billion cans consumed.
- Orihiro Konjac Jelly: A low-calorie, chewy snack available in grape, apple, matcha, and milk tea flavors.
- Wah Yuen Satay Beef Slices: A nostalgic Hong Kong snack with a sweet satay flavor and chewy texture.
- Wah Yuen Spicy Braised Fish Fillet: A savory, slightly spicy seafood snack.
- Ferrero Rocher: A perennial favorite for gifting, with its layered hazelnut and chocolate core.
- Zhen Dian Hong Kong-Made Palmiers and Almond Biscuits: 100% locally made, these are affordable and beautifully packaged.
- Familie Butter Cookies: Another Hong Kong-made option, featuring cute bear packaging and flavors like matcha, coffee, and Earl Grey.
Best Mart 360: Budget-Friendly Bites
Top Picks at Best Mart 360:
- Black & White Evaporated Milk: Essential for making authentic Hong Kong-style milk tea at home.
- Orihiro Konjac Jelly: A low-calorie, chewy treat in various fruit flavors.
- Wah Yuen Satay Beef Slices: A traditional savory snack with a sweet satay aroma.
- Wah Yuen Spicy Braised Fish Fillet: A spicy, savory seafood snack.
- Ferrero Rocher: A classic gift choice.
- Zhen Dian Palmiers and Almond Biscuits: 100% Hong Kong-made, these are affordable and elegantly packaged.
- Familie Butter Cookies: Another local favorite, available in multiple flavors.
Marks & Spencer: British Classics with a Local Twist
M&S is renowned for its high-quality British and European food products, and its Hong Kong stores are no exception.
Top Picks at M&S:
- Percy & Penny Pig Gummies: These iconic pink pig-shaped gummies are made with real fruit juice and no artificial colors or sweeteners.
- Shortbread Tea: A viral sensation, this black tea has a buttery biscuit aroma. A box of 40 tea bags offers excellent value, and many fans add milk for a rich, creamy brew.
- Lobster Bisque: A rich, savory soup perfect for pasta or risotto.
- Sea Salt Pistachio Dark Chocolate: A cult favorite among pistachio lovers, this chocolate-covered nut snack has sparked buying frenzies.
- Ricotta Cheese: Ideal for making trendy ricotta toast with sourdough, honey, and berries.
- Tiramisu: Available in box and individual cup formats, this dessert features a thick mascarpone layer and coffee-soaked ladyfingers.
- High-Protein Yogurt: With 25g of protein per cup, available in vanilla, strawberry, mango, and passion fruit.
- Assorted Cookies: Flavors include pistachio almond, triple chocolate, and oat fruit.
“Upstairs” (樓上): The Viral Sensation
The “Upstairs” chain has become a phenomenon on Xiaohongshu, with tourists flocking to its stores for affordable, unique snacks.
Top Picks at “Upstairs”:
- Original Cheese Bites: Rich, savory, and convenient for on-the-go snacking.
- Octopus Wasabi Shreds: Thin, chewy octopus strips with a mild wasabi kick.
- Sesame Fish Strips: Soft, savory fish strips coated in fragrant black sesame.
- Korean Roasted Seaweed Rice Crackers: Crispy and slightly sweet.
- Spicy Scallop Skirt Strips: Thin, chewy, and mildly spicy.
- Squid Tempura: Soft and flavorful; some recommend baking for extra crunch.
- Thai Crispy Mangosteen: Freeze-dried for a tangy, crunchy treat.
- Thai Crispy Durian: Made from pure Thai golden pillow durian using vacuum freeze-drying technology.
- Roasted Coconut Chunks: Sweet and crunchy.
- Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Bar (HK$5): A budget-friendly viral hit with a rich pistachio filling.
- Pistachio Crispy Sticks (HK$3): An incredibly affordable pistachio-flavored snack.
Don Don Donki: A Japanese Treasure Trove
Since opening its first Hong Kong store in 2019, Don Don Donki has expanded to about 10 locations, offering roughly 15,000 products. Its 2025 Product Awards highlight the most popular items.
Top Picks at Donki:
- Tamago Kake Gohan Sauce: The No. 1 viral internet product, this sauce mimics the flavor of raw egg on rice without using actual eggs. Simply fold and squeeze for an instant savory topping.
- Roasted Sweet Potato: A customer favorite, these sweet potatoes are aged for a month to enhance sweetness. A medium-sized potato (180g) contains about 163 kcal.
- Imura Mochi Ice Cream: A Japanese classic with red bean, matcha, and sesame flavors.
- KitKat Special Flavors: Includes sweet purple sweet potato, red bean sandwich, and strawberry cheesecake.
- Pocky Special Flavors: A wide range of Japanese and Korean varieties.
- Nisshin Donbei Kitsune Udon: Japan’s top-selling instant udon, featuring fried tofu.
- Sukiya Gyudon: Ready-to-eat beef bowls for home cooking.
- Avatake Chicken Breast: High-protein, budget-friendly options often on sale.
- Donki Mint Chocolate Donut: A limited-time favorite for just HK$10.
- Ichiran Ramen: A popular instant tonkotsu ramen.
- POKKA SAPPRORO Mukumi: A sparkling lemon drink designed to reduce temporary bloating, containing monoglucosyl hesperidin and high-dose vitamin C.
- Iyemon Matcha Snacks: Exclusive matcha cakes, chocolate, and cookies.
- Premium Eggs: Includes Ran-oh and Yume no Tamago, with three times the folic acid and vitamins of standard eggs.
Tai Sang: Budget-Friendly International Finds
Tai Sang offers a wide range of imported snacks at competitive prices.
Top Picks at Tai Sang:
- OISHI Crispy Toast (from HK$4): A Filipino snack available in butter, garlic, and cheese onion flavors.
- Tenroku Assorted Crispy Beans: A Japanese mix of flavored crispy beans in individual packs.
- Ritz Baked Crisps: A non-fried, crunchy snack.
- Nongshim Croissant-Shaped Cookies: Available in sea salt butter and chocolate flavors.
- HBAF Mint Chocolate Almonds: Dry-roasted almonds coated in mint chocolate.
- Meiji Pistachio Chocolate: Whole pistachios encased in smooth chocolate.
- Pocky: Japanese and Korean varieties including strawberry, blueberry, and matcha.
- Lotte ZERO Sugar-Free Lemon Mint Candy: A refreshing, sugar-free option.
- GODIVA Pistachio Milk Chocolate: A premium Belgian chocolate with pistachio paste.
- CLUB Mint Chocolate Biscuits: A British classic with a crisp biscuit, milk chocolate, and mint cream.
- BERYL’S Mint Dark Chocolate: A Malaysian chocolate with popping candy for a unique texture.
Market Place: Premium and Organic
Market Place, a premium supermarket chain, has introduced over 90 products from Australia’s Woolworths brand.
Top Picks at Market Place:
- Organic Medium Roast Coffee Beans: Sourced from the Peruvian Andes, these organic Arabica beans offer a smooth, chocolatey flavor.
- Organic Canned Vegetables: No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
- 100% Natural Frozen Fruits: Flash-frozen at peak ripeness to lock in nutrients.
- 99% Juice Range: No added sugar, preserving natural flavor.
- Vegan Plant Milk Range: High in calcium, lactose-free, and creamy.
A Shopper’s Guide to Savings
To maximize value, shoppers should look out for weekly promotions, multi-buy discounts, and membership programs. Many stores offer loyalty cards that provide exclusive deals. For example, Wellcome’s MoneyBack card and ParknShop’s YUU rewards program can yield significant savings over time. Additionally, visiting stores later in the evening may yield discounts on perishable items.
The Bigger Picture: A New Era for Hong Kong Souvenirs
This shift toward supermarket shopping reflects a broader change in travel behavior. Tourists are increasingly seeking authentic, everyday experiences rather than just iconic landmarks. By venturing into local supermarkets, they discover the flavors that Hong Kong residents actually enjoy—from a quick cup of instant noodles to a bag of nostalgic biscuits. As the 5.1 Golden Week approaches, this trend is expected to grow, reshaping the souvenir landscape and offering visitors a more genuine taste of the city.
For those planning a trip, the message is clear: skip the long lines at specialty shops and head to the nearest supermarket. Your suitcase—and your taste buds—will thank you.