Hong Kong Grocery Guide: Where to Shop and What Things Cost (2026)
Food in Hong Kong spans two worlds: air-conditioned supermarkets and chaotic, wonderful wet markets (街市). Knowing which to use for what will cut your grocery bill dramatically.
The big two supermarkets: PARKnSHOP vs Wellcome
- PARKnSHOP (百佳) — Hutchison-owned; slightly more international selection.
- Wellcome (惠康) — Dairy Farm/Jardine-owned; similar prices, similar range.
They're near-duplicates on price for everyday items. Both run weekly promotions — check the app before you shop. Their premium siblings (Taste, Great, City'super) cost 30–100% more for imported goods.
Wet markets (街市): the real Hong Kong
Every neighbourhood has a wet market — covered markets selling fresh meat, live seafood, vegetables, and fruit. Vegetables and fruit are typically 30–50% cheaper than supermarkets, and fresher. Go before closing (around 7–8pm) for end-of-day discounts.
How it works: prices are per 斤 (kan, ~604g) — always confirm the unit. Vendors expect you to point and pay; bargaining is mild (rounding down, not haggling wars). Bring cash; many stalls now take Octopus too.
Where to start: Central's Graham Street Market, Wan Chai Market, and the Bowrington Road Cooked Food Centre area are the most newcomer-friendly.
Where expats actually shop
- City'super / Great Food Hall — the expat temples: Japanese wagyu, French cheese, sourdough. Beautiful, and priced accordingly (2–3× local prices).
- Sogo / Yata / AEON — Japanese-style department supermarkets; great for Japanese groceries and ready meals.
- DSV / 759 Store (759阿信屋) — the discount chain for snacks and imported groceries; genuinely cheap.
- Costco-style bulk: Hong Kong has no Costco, but Sam's Club (Walmart) opened in Shenzhen-adjacent shopping — most Hongkongers bulk-buy across the border instead.
Delivery and online
- HKTVmall — Hong Kong's biggest online grocery/marketplace; same-day delivery in most areas.
- PandaMart / Keeta — 15–30 minute grocery delivery, slightly marked up.
- Yuu / MoneyBack apps — the two supermarket loyalty programmes (Dairy Farm's yuu, AS Watson's MoneyBack); sign up on day one for the discounts.
Price norms (2026, rough)
| Item | Supermarket | Wet market |
|---|---|---|
| Leafy greens (1 斤) | HK$12–18 | HK$6–10 |
| Pork (1 斤) | HK$40–55 | HK$30–40 |
| Eggs (10) | HK$25–35 | HK$20–28 |
| Milk (1L) | HK$25–32 | — |
| Rice (5kg) | HK$70–110 | — |
Eating at home with wet-market shopping is genuinely cheap; the same basket at City'super can cost triple.
Frequently asked questions
Are wet markets hygienic?
Licensed wet markets are regulated by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. Cook meat and seafood thoroughly, wash produce — the same rules as anywhere.
Can I use Octopus at wet markets?
Increasingly yes at the bigger stalls, but cash is still king. Keep small bills.
What's the cheapest way to eat well?
Cook with wet-market ingredients + 759 Store for pantry staples + HKTVmall for bulk. Save City'super for treats.
Sources
- Hong Kong Tourism Board, local markets guide: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/shop/where-to-shop/markets.html
- Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, public markets: https://www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pleasant_environment/tidy_market/