Shopping at wet markets is a quintessential part of Hong Kong living. So, follow our guide and master it in no time.
While the cost of living in Hong Kong is notoriously high, there are many ways to live your best life while on a budget. Apart from engaging in free things to do in the city and dining at affordable restaurants, another way to save is to get your groceries from wet markets. Famed for their massively discounted prices compared to supermarkets, these markets have everything from fresh produce to kitchen utensils to cupboard staples. So, read on for our handy guide to wet markets in Hong Kong and start saving as you spend.
Your ultimate guide to wet markets in Hong Kong
Wet markets in Hong Kong: What’s in stock?
You’ll find outdoor and indoor wet markets across Hong Kong and they usually cluster around residential neighbourhoods. Wet markets specialise in fresh goods, but you’ll also find dry goods like sauces, rice, flour, and other cupboard staples on offer. Some markets may even have traditional bakeries, incense shops, and stalls selling a variety of household items. This means you’ll get everything you need in one place!
Shopping etiquette in Hong Kong wet markets
Prices, discounts, and how to ask for goods
Most vegetables and fruits are sold by the catty (斤, around 0.6 kg). You’ll find the price per catty label among or behind the mount of produce. Some stalls may sell produce by the basket; in that case, you’ll find a tag for price per basket instead. Here’s a tip: many produce stalls will sell their goods at discounted prices after 3pm until everything is sold out.
Seafood is also usually sold by the catty, while whole fish, crabs, and lobsters are more commonly priced by item weight. Meats are a little more complicated and require some Cantonese speaking. While butchers usually label their meats by the catty, it’s more common to ask for “$30 of pork,” and so on. If you’re not sure how much meat you need, you can ask for “beef for three,” and so on. What’s more, you can also choose the type and cut of meat you want for whatever you’re cooking.
Cash, card, or octopus?
While some wet market stalls take Octopus cards as payment, many remain cash-only businesses. So, remember to have your currency exchanged before grocery shopping.
Touch with your eyes
Keep in mind that some shopkeepers don’t like customers touching their produce, even if you’re going to buy it in the end. It’s best to see what other regulars are doing around the stall before making a move to inspect the goods.
Hong Kong wet markets with the best deals
1. Tung Yik Market
Some of Hong Kong’s cheapest wet markets are located in the New Territories. Tung Yik Market is one of the most popular Yuen Long wet markets, its low prices and quality products even attract shoppers living in other parts of the city. You can expect common fruits and vegetables to be priced under $15 per catty, while premium fruits like Japanese peaches and Australian cherries go around $50-70 depending on seasonality and demand.
What’s more, Tung Yik Market is surrounded by street food stalls selling mouth-watering treats, so you can fuel up as you shop.
Tung Yik Market, 1 Hop Choi Street, Yuen Long, Hong Kong
2. Mong Kok Traditional Market
Walk past famous markets like the Flower, Goldfish, and Ladies’ Markets, and you’ll come across the Mong Kok Traditional Market. Numerous stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and veg, meats, seafood, traditional pastries and breads are tucked between residential buildings along Canton Road. Keep in mind that this outdoor market gets rather crowded throughout the day, so be prepared to wade through crowds of shoppers on your next visit.
While you’re in the area, explore with our neighbourhood guide to Mong Kok.
Mong Kok Traditional Market, 15 Argyle Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
3. Siu Sai Wan Wet Market
Renovated in 2015, Siu Sai Wan Wet Market is a great place for first-time wet market shoppers. Not only is the market indoors and located steps away from a shopping mall, but its interiors are also brighter, cleaner, and – most importantly for the summer months – air-conditioned. You’ll find all the usual suspects here, including fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, and dry goods, as well as a variety of international foodstuffs.
Siu Sai Wan Wet Market, G/F, Siu Sai Wan Plaza, Siu Sai Wan, Hong Kong
4. Chun Yeung Street Wet Market
If you’re looking for an authentic wet market shopping experience, make your way to Chun Yeung Street. This North Point wet market sells everything from fresh fruit and veg to meats and live seafood at affordable prices. You’ll also find plenty of local condiments, sauces, traditional breads and pastries alongside clothing and jewellery here.
What’s more, since Chun Yeung Street Wet Market has a tram track running right down its centre, it’s easy to make your way here. Simply follow our tram tour and you’ll get there in no time.
Chun Yeung Street Wet Market, 91-103 Chun Yeung Street, North Point, Hong Kong
5. Tsuen Wan Wet Market
Tsuen Wan Wet Market has some of the best deals in the city. With prices for produce, meats, seafood, and other household goods available at lower than market prices, this wet market in Hong Kong attracts a sizable crowd on a daily basis. If you’re planning a visit, prepare to walk shoulder-to-shoulder with your fellow shoppers!
Tsuen Wan Wet Market, 25 Chung On Street, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong
