Specialty ingredients stores in Sai Wan for Ethnic delicacies cooking
The fragrant harbor of Hong Kong is woven with dynamic odors and an eclectic mix of migrant cultures. Although the restaurants of Hong Kong cause people to flock and froth, sometimes the palate craves the bold flavors of a home-cooked meal. Looking for ingredients that remind you of home? We have your back!
Let us tell you for starters that most of the big supermarket chains nowadays stock a some basic international cuisine ingredients. The basic essentials could be found in your neighbourhood Wellcome, Parknshop or Fusion. Other than that, your Local Wet Market would also be a place to get some basic products for Asian cooking (Thai, Vietnamese...) so keep an eye out.
For a richer selection of these speciality products we have curated a list of dedicated grocery stores of some popular international cuisines in HK.
AUSTRALIAN
Pacific Gourmet
When you’re in the mood for a bite from Down Under, grab a snag from Pacific Gourmet in the Mid-Levels. Here you can find premium beef sausages from Australia . There are also a variety of cuts of Australian beef, poultry and fish available for home delivery. The back section of the store houses French wines, which make a great accompaniment to any meal. For any questions, speak to the friendly butcher, Brian, who is always happy to have a chat.
Details:
53 Caine Rd, Mid-Levels
Hours: 10am-8pm
http://www.pacificgourmet.com.hk/
A-Tao’s Vegetables
Not Your Average Avo. If, like me, you have been swept up in the smashed avocado (avo for short) fad and find yourself endlessly searching for the perfect fruit, look no further! In the center of the Sai Ying Pun, A-Tao’s Vegetables boasts fresh seasonal Aussie avos among other fine produce. Please note that, A-Tao has moved out of the SYP wet market.
Simon the grocer is skilled in directing you to avocados that are ripe and ready to eat. Through controlled air transport and ripening methods, A-Tao’s ensures that from March to November (Australian avo season), you can satisfy your craving for that creamy slice on toast ASAP. Bored of the original Avocado? Try these variations 😊.
Details:
88 Third street, Hours: 9am-8 pm
Tel: 9269 1239
FILIPINO
Free Market:
Free Market, in Kennedy Town, is a shop dedicated to Filipino products in Hong Kong. Free Market's sells Filipino products such as Canned Foods, Bottled Foods, Snacks, Noodles, Condiments, Alcohol, Beverages, Skin Care and Hair Care products, etc.
Details:
G/F, 50 Praya,Kennedy Town, Hours: 9:30am to 7:00pm
Tel: (852) 3162-3931
Quezon Pinoy Xpress
Newly opened on Second Street, the store stocks a range of Filipino snacks both sweet and savory, including cassava cake and homemade hardinera.
Details:
30 Second St, Sai Ying Pun
Hours: 9am-8 pm
FB: Quezon Pinoy Xpress Mart
INDIAN
Asian & Indian grocery store
No more going all the way to TST for Indian grocery shopping. This small cute store touts itself as being the one and only Asian grocery store in kennedy town. They sell Asian grocery products such as rice, lentils, snacks, dairy, spices & Indian festivities decorations, Mithai (sweets) and much more. A very polite and friendly Nepali is the shopkeeper and will assist you in case you have queries.
Details:
49 Smithfield, Kennedy Town( town mtr- A)
FB: Asian & indian grocery store Hours 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
4 Season Store
Find the fresh flavors of India right on your doorstep at the 4 Season Store, an Indian-Nepali grocery. Here you can buy fresh produce, such as parwal or bottle gourd (packed with vitamins and minerals), okra...delivered regularly by air direct from India. Curry leaves, coconuts and fresh herbs are available, as are basmati rice in bulk, assorted pulses and a myriad of spices and seasonings.
Feeling inspired to try cooking this cuisine? Here is a north Indian take on cooking parwal.
Spice Box Organic Market and Cafe
Spice Box offers a variety of organic produce in two Sai Wan locations, with an option to eat a healthy lunch in-store.
If you’re unsure how to mix spices correctly, Spice Box has some amazing premixed seasonings so you can save on buying many different spices and get the blend right every time. The stores also have fresh almond milk available the next day and a range of Tulsi teas to help with ailments.
Details:
164 Queen’s Rd West, Sai Ying Pun
Hours: 10am-10pm
https://4seasonstore.business.site/
ISRAEL
Koshermart
Nestled into the Jewish Community Centre of Robinson Road is KOSHER mart, a fully stocked supermarket for all of your kosher needs! With a selection of over 2000 products, ranging from dairy, deli, and dry groceries, not to mention premium meats & poultry -- KOSHERmart is your one stop shop for hummus, brisket, lentils. NOTE: To enter the Jewish compound, where the super maret is located, you will need to bring ID/passport and go through security.
Details:
70 Robinson road
Hours: Mon-Thur 10.30am-7pm/Fri and Sun: 9am-5pm/ Sat: Closed
http://www.jcc.org.hk/koshermart.html
Top Tip: Israeli food is very similar to most Mediterranean foods. I actually really like to buy all my beans at the Chinese medicine shops along queens road west they have a great verity if you look closer. This is a local “whole in the wall” shop right out side of Sheung Wan MTR exit A2 where I buy all different kinds of raw and roasted nuts. I tried many shops and find their goods to be the freshest.
JAPANESE
Yata Supermarket
Yata Saiwan, part of the YATA super market chain, is located at Hong Kong Plaza. It is massive with all kinds of imaginable products with a shopping area over 9,000 ft. It is a prestigious, clean, beautiful grocery store. The meats are especially nice and the fun part about the store are the samples foods they give out in each section😊.
Cherry on the cake: you can also order on-line through their e-shop on their website.
Details:
G/F-1/F, Hong Kong Plaza, 188 Connaught Rd. W
Monday to Sunday : 09:00am - 09:30pm
https://www.yata.hk/eng/default.aspx
2nd Street Food Store
This small food store, owned by the very local and shy Mr. Yeung, is located in front of the second street MTR exit of Sai Ying Pun, selling Japanese products. You can get quality fresh veggies, drinks and other specialty Japanese products.
Details:
30 Second St, Sai Ying Pun
Hours: 9am-8 pm
FB: Quezon Pinoy Xpress Mart
