One of the biggest things you miss when you move abroad is being able to easily buy your favourite grocery brands. The good news? There’s a huge range of imported brands available in Hong Kong. However, you’ll need get used to the idea that your groceries may have to be sourced from several different outlets. It’s likely your regular shop will include some online deliveries, too.
Supermarkets
There are two main supermarkets, both chains, Wellcome and ParknShop, and both offer online shopping and delivery (in certain areas). This is useful for the weekly shop and for bulky items.
ParknShop has a few other sub-branches: Fusion, Taste and International. These supermarkets cater more for expats. They have a larger range of imported brands from the US, the UK and Australia. ParknShop’s flagship food hall GREAT in Pacific Place is a foodie paradise. It has possibly the largest range of gourmet produce in HK.
Wellcome operates two other noteworthy supermarkets. The first is Oliver’s The Delicatessen in the Prince’s Building. This is an upmarket supermarket with a good selection of imported fruit and vegetables, meat and branded goods. ThreeSixty is located in Elements, Kowloon; offers arguably the largest range of organic and natural products in the city. The brand’s smaller chain, Market Place by Jason, also offers a decent range of Asian and Western products – it even stocks Sainsbury’s products to great fanfare.
Other supermarkets include City’Super, with branches in Causeway Bay, Sha Tin and IFC. This stocks a range of imported brands and speciality Japanese food. For American families, many popular brands can be found at A&M stores (Central and Stanley) and Gateway. U Select, also known as U Select by Tesco, is operated by China Resources Vanguard in partnership with Tesco, and about a third of its stock is Tesco products. You’ll also see a retailer called 759 Store around Hong Kong; there’s bargains to be found in there too.
Online Grocers and Specialty Stores
iHerb: There’s been a lot of buzz about this online grocery retailer from the US. It has a large range of natural and organic food products, as well as health and baby items. hk.iherb.com
British Essentials: British Essentials is the official online retailer of Morrison’s own label groceries in Hong Kong. It also offers other popular UK brands. britishessentials.hk
Spicebox Organics: Not only does it offer a wide range of organic products, Spicebox also has numerous gluten-free items. Most importantly, you’ll also find this is a a source of some traditional Eastern medicines. spiceboxorganics.com
The Fresh Supply Company: This premium online grocer is offering top-quality imported and farm-fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as meat and seafood. All produce is sourced from international and local high quality suppliers. thefreshsupplycompany.com
Jou Sun: This website stocks groceries from quality retailers, farmers and importers all over Hong Kong. It’s great because the products range from the largest exporters to the smallest wet market stall. It also includes household items such as sustainable cleaning products. jousun.com
Green Common: A brand with a mission: to empower the community with wholesome and sustainable plant-based choices. It has five shops across Hong Kong and, above all, they now have an e-shop offering delivery. greencommon.com
Fresh Grower: Stocks seasonal fresh veg from Perfect Produce Farm in New Zealand. Online and two stores, at Wan Chai and Sai Wan. freshgrower.com.hk
Zero waste supermarkets
Live Zero: Try shopping for pantry items in one of the city’s zero waste stores. Live Zero in Sai Ying Pun was Hong Kong’s first zero waste stores.
Slowood: This is a huge store in Kennedy Town with everything you need to go zero waste. slowood.hk
Edgar: If you’re over Kowloon side, try Edgar at TST’s K-11 Art Mall. edgar.hk
Quality meat suppliers
Farmer’s Market: If you’re looking for Australian meats, this retailer sells them direct from an Aussie farm to Hong Kong and delivers them to your door. www.farmersmarket.com.hk
Pacific Gourmet: Specialises in fresh meat and fish from Australia, New Zealand and Norway. pacificgourmet.com.hk
Jett Foods: Online delivery of gourmet meat, fish, sausages and vegetables. jettfoods.com
South Stream Market: This brand stocks a great range of fresh and frozen meat, seafood and other groceries. You’ll find everything from bread, dairy, baby food, pantry items and eggs. It also has organic fruit and veg. southstreammarket.com
Feather & Bone: This butcher and delicatessen is hugely popular with expats because it offers premium meats, artisanal preserves, seasonal cheeses and quality kitchen wares. With locations in Central, Happy Valley, Sai Ying Pun, Wanchai and Clearwater Bay. You can even pick up grab-and-go meals. featherandbone.com.hk
Find out more about the city’s food scene:
Where to eat out in Hong Kong
Super-cool Hong Kong bars
Best places for Sunday brunch
This article appears in Expat Living’s City Guide. Get your free copy now!
