Hong Kong is buzzing with anticipation as the annual Standard Chartered Marathon approaches, bringing with it a torrent of celebratory food promotions. Concurrently, global energy bar brand SNICKERS has announced a massive free giveaway near the race route, while local dim sum legend Tim Ho Wan is rolling out an innovative new pastry alongside festive, auspicious Lunar New Year offerings, ensuring both athletes and gourmands have plenty to look forward to this January.
Fueling the Marathon: SNICKERS’ 10,000-Bar Giveaway
In a major bid to energize runners and spectators alike for the highly anticipated Hong Kong Marathon on January 18, 2026, SNICKERS will distribute an impressive 10,000 chocolate bars across key areas in Causeway Bay. The event, scheduled from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM (subject to change based on conditions) near Victoria Park and Paterson Street, aims to provide a much-needed boost to participants crossing the finish line and supporters cheering them on.
The handout will feature two specific varieties. Returning by popular demand is the Half-Sugar Almond Dark Chocolate Bar, a favored choice among athletes. This reduced-sugar formulation combines intense dark chocolate with crunchy almonds, offering approximately 101 calories per individually wrapped portion—a precise and relatively low-calorie source of post-exercise fuel. Adding a touch of novelty, the brand is also debuting a brand-new Strawberry Chocolate Bar, infusing the classic rich chocolate taste with a sweet, fruit-forward profile. Brand ambassadors will be on the ground distributing the free treats and associated coupons.
Tim Ho Wan Introduces Black Truffle Twist to Classic Dim Sum
Meanwhile, culinary enthusiasts are focused on Tim Ho Wan, the globally recognized Michelin-starred dim sum establishment. Famed for its iconic Baked BBQ Pork Buns (Snowy Char Siu Pao), the restaurant is shaking up the menu with the limited-edition ‘Dual Delight’ Crisp Pastry Set just in time for the new year.
This innovative set, which melds tradition with luxury, presents two distinct flavors in one box. One half is the beloved classic酥皮叉燒包 (Crispy Char Siu Pao), boasting its signature flaky crust and savory pork filling. The second piece is the opulent Crispy Black Truffle Chicken Bun, which substitutes the conventional pork filling with tender chicken breast and highly aromatic black truffle, creating a visually striking and palate-pleasing dark pastry. The launch is being promoted by popular local duo FAMA (C Chun and Luk Wing), and even features custom black-and-white dining sets designed by local artist Queenie Wong.
Opportunities to Snag Free and Discounted Treats
Tim Ho Wan is celebrating the launch with substantial customer giveaways and promotions.
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Initial Weekend Giveaway: On January 17 and 18, the restaurant will host a limited giveaway at four selected locations: Sha Tin New Town Plaza, Tsim Sha Tsui K11, Taikoo Shing, and the newly opened Yuen Long Yoho. 100 free portions of the ‘Dual Delight’ set will be distributed daily at each store with any purchase.
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Weekday Tea Time Promotion: For those who miss the weekend rush, a week-long promotion runs through January 23, during the afternoon tea period (3:00 PM to 5:00 PM) on weekdays. All Hong Kong branches will participate in a special “Couple/Twin Exclusive” activity, details of which are available in-store, typically involving a minimum spend of HK$50 and a social media check-in for a complimentary item.
Beyond the new pastry, Tim Ho Wan is ushering in the Lunar New Year (starting January 19) with a selection of culturally significant dishes, including the golden Salted Egg Yolk Scallop Crispy Puff (shaped like ingots), the fragrant Wine-Infused Steamed Chicken with Rice, and the crisp New Year Cake Slice, all designed to symbolize good fortune and prosperity in the coming year. These simultaneous food promotions highlight Hong Kong’s vibrant intersection of global sports, local culinary heritage, and seasonal celebration.