Shoppers can earn food vouchers, snag a limited-edition “Mala Wife Cake” tea set, and collect McDonald’s-inspired ceramic餐具sets in a month-long spending spree across Hong Kong.
Hong Kong residents with a penchant for bargain dining have a new reason to celebrate. Starting August 17, 2026, Link Real Estate Investment Trust (Link REIT), in partnership with Octopus Cards Limited, is rolling out the “Taste Rewards” promotional campaign across 24 designated Link REIT malls and wet markets. The initiative allows all Octopus cardholders—including those using the JoyYou Card for seniors—to earn food cash vouchers simply by making everyday purchases. Adding to the excitement, popular noodle chain TamJai Yunnan Mixian is marking its 30th anniversary with an exclusive collaboration with century-old bakery Hang Heung, introducing the city’s first-ever “Mala Wife Cake” as part of a HK$28 tea set deal.
What’s on Offer: Octopus Rewards and Spending Tiers
The “Taste Rewards” programme is designed to reward habitual spending at Link REIT properties. All Octopus card users can accumulate total spending at any of the 24 participating locations—including major hubs like Lok Fu Plaza, Wong Tai Sin Centre, Tsz Wan Shan Shopping Centre, and TKO Spot—to qualify for instant food voucher redemption at customer service counters.
For JoyYou Card holders, an exclusive “JoyYou Festival” runs concurrently from August 28 to September 10, offering additional privileges during the promotional window. Vouchers can be claimed daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the designated customer service desks of participating malls.
Alongside the cash voucher scheme, a stamp collection programme sweetens the deal. For every HK$60 spent at any of the 24 malls, customers receive one stamp. Collecting a target number of stamps allows redemption of a limited-edition set of McMug and McTau ceramic tableware—a nostalgic tie-in beloved by Hong Kong families. Quantities are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
A Twist on Tradition: TamJai and Hang Heung’s “Mala Wife Cake”
Perhaps the most eye-catching element of the promotion is the fusion snack hitting menus now. TamJai Yunnan Mixian, the spicy noodle powerhouse that has become a local institution over three decades, has teamed up with Hang Heung—a brand synonymous with traditional Chinese pastries since 1920—to create the “TamJai Mala Wife Cake.”
This daring hybrid replaces the classic sweet winter melon filling with the signature mala (numbing spicy) seasoning that made TamJai famous. Available exclusively at TamJai outlets located within Link REIT malls, the cake is not sold as a standalone item. Instead, diners can snag a full tea set for just HK$28, which includes one Mala Wife Cake, a double combo of curry fish balls and fish tofu, plus a hot beverage of choice. For Hong Kong’s budget-conscious foodies, this represents exceptional value, fusing two beloved culinary traditions into one affordable meal.
Fresh Market Fun: The “Rejuvenation Project”
Beyond the malls, nine Link REIT wet markets are hosting a separate “Rejuvenation Project” every weekday (excluding public holidays) throughout September 2026. Shoppers who spend a minimum amount using electronic payment methods on the same day can participate in the “Food IQ Challenge”—an interactive game testing market knowledge. Winners will receive either a “Beauty & Wellness Herbal Tea Pack” or an artfully arranged “Fresh Vegetable Bouquet,” blending healthy living with whimsical reward.
Broader Impact and How to Join
The campaign, running from August 17 to September 16 for all Octopus users, is a strategic push by Link REIT to drive foot traffic during the traditionally quieter late-summer period. With over 24 properties participating, ranging from neighbourhood malls to bustling wet markets, the programme aims to support local merchants while giving consumers tangible incentives to spend.
For those looking to maximise savings, plan your shopping trips around the designated malls and consider using a single Octopus card to track cumulative spending more easily. Stamp collectors should visit early, as promotional items are likely to run out quickly. As for the Mala Wife Cake—this limited-time offering is expected to be a viral hit, so early birds will be rewarded.
Written by Ma Wing Chi for U Food. For full terms and conditions, visit Link REIT’s official website or Octopus’ campaign page.