As the Golden Week holiday nears, visitors to Hong Kong often seek keepsakes that go beyond the usual cookies and egg rolls. A newly released guide from UFood has assembled over 60 recommended snack items spanning eight major supermarket chains—Wellcome, ParknShop, Don Don Donki, Marks & Spencer, and others—offering travelers a reframed approach to local gifts that reflect the territory’s diverse culinary landscape.
Icons of Local Taste
Wellcome, which opened in 1945 and now runs more than 280 outlets, and ParknShop, established in 1973 with as many as 345 stores, anchor the everyday shopping experience for residents. Chains such as these stock emblematic items like Dà Pái Dàng instant tea mixes, a brand dating back to 1933 that captures the flavor of classic tea houses, and Demae Itcho noodles, which offer 16 locally crafted varieties that have even influenced products sold in Japan. The enduring appeal of Danish butter cookies in their signature blue tins continues to make them a festive staple.
The Global Flair
Don Don Donki, which entered Hong Kong in 2019, has expanded to roughly ten locations, stocking around 15,000 products. One standout is its egg rice sauce—a shelf-stable alternative to raw eggs—which garnered 11 million views on TikTok shortly after launch. The store’s roasted sweet potatoes, aged for deepened sweetness, consistently earn high marks from customers. Marks & Spencer contributes a British touch with Percy Pig gummy candies and shortbread-infused tea bags, the latter often used by locals to prepare home-style milk tea.
Affordable Eats
For budget-conscious shoppers, UO (樓上) and Dasheng deliver value with bold flavors. UO is known for dried offerings such as octopus mustard strips and freeze-dried durian, frequently priced under HK$10. Dasheng imports goods from multiple countries, including Japanese fried toast snacks and Korean croissant-shaped cookies, making it easy to assemble a varied assortment without overspending.
A New Shopping Experience
This compilation not only expands souvenir possibilities but underscores a rising trend of supermarkets becoming travel destinations in their own right. The products included are evaluated for taste, packaging, and affordability, helping visitors make informed choices. Health-focused options—such as organic canned vegetables from Market Place and high-protein yogurts from Marks & Spencer—also appear, reflecting shifting dietary preferences.
To make the most of a Hong Kong trip, consider setting aside time to explore these grocery chains. Their combination of convenience and variety allows travelers to bring home authentic flavors of the city while discovering items rarely found in typical souvenir shops.