Every time I go shopping in Hong Kong, I tell myself “Don’t over-shop.” And every time, I fail.
There’s just something about this city or maybe it’s the mix of old and new, or how even the smallest shops are packed with character. Whether you’re into food, fashion, or one-of-a-kind curios, Hong Kong is a souvenir hunter’s paradise.
From iconic pastries and herbal balms to custom-tailored suits and artisan crafts, we’ve rounded up 10 things that are actually worth buying… not some tacky fridge magnets here.
These make great gifts for friends, or keepsakes you’ll genuinely want to keep for yourself.
Let’s dive into the best of Hong Kong shopping and explore the best things to buy in Hong Kong!
Kee Wah & Wing Wah Pastries
I used to think these old-school pastries were just for the aunties. That was until I took a bite of a warm wife cake from Wing Wah in Mong Kok.
Flaky, sweet, and filled with this soft winter melon paste. It caught me off guard. Simple, but so comforting. I bought one to eat on the spot… and ended up leaving with a box of six for my mum. And another box for the office. They didn’t last long.
These pastries aren’t just treats. They’re a piece of Hong Kong you can actually taste.
📖 About Kee Wah & Wing Wah Pastries
Kee Wah and Wing Wah are two of Hong Kong’s most iconic bakeries. Think of them like Bengawan Solo meets old-school Chinese tradition.
Kee Wah does beautiful gift tins filled with almond cookies, pineapple pastries, and egg rolls, while Wing Wah is known for its traditional lo po beng (wife cakes) and mooncakes that older folks in HK grew up eating.
The packaging is part of the charm. Polished, festive, and very gifting-friendly.
👨👩👧👦 Is It Family-Friendly? Totally. These are safe bets for family members, especially if they enjoy snacks with tea.
Not too sweet, easy to chew, and even kids like the almond cookies or pineapple rolls. Plus, the boxes look impressive if you’re giving them to relatives or clients.
📋 Kee Wah & Wing Wah Pastry Buying Guide
| Detail | Information |
| Best For | Gifts for relatives, teachers, colleagues, or as a tea-time souvenir |
| Where to Buy | Kee Wah: IFC Mall, Elements, HK Airport Wing Wah: Mong Kok, CWB, HK Airport |
| Address | Various outlets citywide; airport branches are most convenient before flying |
| Opening Hours | Most stores open daily, around 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Cost | Most boxes start from around HK$60. If you’re going for the fancier tins or variety sets, budget closer to HK$200. (~S$10–S$35). I usually spend about S$20+ when picking up a couple to bring home. |
💡 Pro Tips
✅ If you're flying back to Singapore, ask the staff for vacuum-sealed packaging and they’ll know what you mean. Makes packing so much easier.
✅ During certain months (especially around Mid-Autumn or Lunar New Year), you might spot flavours you don’t usually see like yuzu egg rolls or coffee wife cakes.
✅ One time I bought three boxes and they gave me a slight discount so it never hurts to ask, especially at the airport or mall outlets.
Goods of Desire (G.O.D.) Tote Bags
Source: Goods of Desire
The first time I walked into a G.O.D. store, I wasn’t planning to buy anything. But then I saw a tote with the old-school red-white-blue plastic bag design… you know. It’s the kind that every Hong Konger’s grandma used to carry to the wet market?
It was nostalgic, but stylish. A mix of local culture and design that felt clever, not touristy.
I ended up grabbing two: one for me, one for a friend back home who loves artsy stuff with meaning. These aren’t just bags but they’re little stories of Hong Kong you can sling over your shoulder.
📖 About G.O.D. Tote Bags
Source: Goods of Desire
G.O.D. (short for “Goods of Desire”) is a homegrown Hong Kong brand known for turning everyday local culture into fashion and homeware.
Their canvas tote bags are especially popular featuring prints inspired by HK’s street signs, mahjong tiles, neon lights, and even vintage household packaging.
It’s playful, practical, and very Hong Kong minus the cliché.
👨👩👧👦 Is It Family-Friendly? Yes. The designs range from cheeky to classic, so there’s something for everyone. I’ve seen kids picking out cute dim sum ones, while adults go for the more minimalist or nostalgic prints. Lightweight, washable, and folds flat into your suitcase.
📋 G.O.D. Tote Bag Buying Guide
| Detail | Information |
| Best For | Design lovers, fashion-forward travellers, or anyone who loves meaningful gifts |
| Where to Buy | G.O.D. stores at The Peak Galleria, PMQ (Central), or their online store |
| Address | The Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Rd / PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central |
| Opening Hours | Daily, around 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Cost | Most totes are around HK$120–180. I paid about S$25 for mine, and it still looks new after years of use. (~S$20–S$30) |
💡 Pro Tips
✅ If you’re visiting PMQ (we have a section on PMQ below!), the G.O.D. store there usually has the widest selection and it’s less crowded than the one at The Peak.
✅ Some designs are limited edition or collabs, so if you see one you like, grab it. It might not be there next trip.
✅ They often have bundle deals where I once got a small pouch free just by buying two bags.
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NO.1
Po Sum On Healing Balm
Source: Po Sum On
The smell of Po Sum On instantly brings me back to my grandmother’s house, a mix of peppermint, herbs, and a little magic.
When I saw the tiny gold tin at a Sheung Wan pharmacy, I had to get one for myself. And one for Mum. And one for my colleague who always complains about neck pain.
It’s the kind of thing that feels old-school, but it works. Locals swear by it for headaches, sore muscles, mosquito bites even just to clear your head on a crowded MTR ride.
📖 About Po Sum On Healing Balm
Source: Po Sum On
First made in the 1950s, this herbal balm is a true Hong Kong classic. It’s blended with peppermint oil, cinnamon, and other Chinese herbs, and is still produced locally.
Small, portable, and packed in that unmistakable gold tin, it’s a no-frills but very real part of HK’s everyday medicine cabinet.
You’ll find it in old pharmacies, Chinese medicine halls, and sometimes in boutique stores as a “retro Hong Kong” gift.
👨👩👧👦 Is It Family-Friendly? Yes, it’s gentle and multipurpose, but probably more appreciated by adults. Makes a thoughtful gift for older relatives or anyone who appreciates natural remedies. It’s also great for
📋 Po Sum On Balm Buying Guide
| Detail | Information |
| Best For | Wellness lovers, nostalgic gifts, practical souvenirs |
| Where to Buy | Chinese medicine shops in Sheung Wan, Yue Hwa Department Store, Mannings |
| Address | Yue Hwa: 301–309 Nathan Rd, Jordan · Mannings stores citywide |
| Opening Hours | Most stores open daily, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Cost | One small tin usually goes for HK$40 to HK$70. I brought home a few on my last trip — they made surprisingly popular gifts. (~S$7–S$12). It’s a hit with older folks and anyone who travels a lot. |
💡 Pro Tips
✅ If you're shopping at Yue Hwa or a local pharmacy, ask the staff to recommend other old-school remedies. Some places still carry herbal lozenges or medicated oils you won’t find in Singapore
✅ The balm is compact and leak-proof, so it’s safe to toss into your carry-on without worrying
✅ Fun fact: I once pulled it out mid-flight for a headache, and the person next to me recognised it from their childhood in Hong Kong. Instant bonding moment!
Man Wa Lane Custom Name Chops
Source: Things To Do In HK
I stumbled onto Man Wa Lane while walking through Sheung Wan after lunch. It’s one of those “let’s just see where this leads” kind of detours.
The lane itself is narrow, lined with tiny shops barely wider than a bedroom, and yet every corner is packed with smooth stones, red ink pads, and intricate little carvings on display.
One of the shopkeepers asked if I wanted a name chop. I hesitated, but he showed me a few samples. Each one hand-carved, some with dragons, some with little rabbits or tigers on top.
I gave him my name, and he scribbled down a few Chinese character options for me to pick from.
Fifteen minutes later, I walked out with a seal that had my surname engraved in this beautiful, flowing script and honestly, it felt way more meaningful than the usual keychain or magnet.
📖 About Man Wa Lane Name Chops
Source: Things To Do In HK
This little lane in Sheung Wan has been around for decades. Locals used to come here to get official chops for work or personal documents.
Now, it’s more of a cultural gem. The chops are custom-carved by hand, and you can choose everything from the size of the stamp to the type of stone and even the font.
Some stalls will even help you translate your English name into Chinese or suggest characters that mean things like "wisdom" or "luck."
👨👩👧👦 Is It Family-Friendly? Sure, it’s great for both adults and kids. Watching someone carve your name into stone is unexpectedly calming, and kids get a kick out of seeing their name in Chinese characters.
It’s also a great way to introduce a bit of culture without it feeling too formal.
📋 Man Wa Lane Chop Buying Guide
| Detail | Information |
| Best For | Personal souvenirs, cultural gifts, creative keepsakes |
| Where to Buy | Man Wa Lane, Sheung Wan |
| Address | Just off Wing Lok Street, near Sheung Wan MTR Exit A2 |
| Opening Hours | Most stalls open Mon–Sat, from 10:00 AM to around 6:00 PM |
| Cost | A simple chop can cost around HK$60–80 (~S$10–14). If you want a decorative stone or a gift box, you’re looking at HK$120–200 (~S$20–35). I paid about HK$100 (~S$17) for mine. It came with a wooden box and ink pad, and felt like a steal for something handmade. |
💡 Pro Tips
✅ If you don’t know your name in Chinese, just ask. Many shopkeepers are happy to help and can suggest characters with lucky meanings
✅ Pick a smaller stamp if you want something easy to travel with. It fits right into a pouch or carry-on
✅ Want to make it extra special? Some stalls offer zodiac-themed designs, so you can match
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PMQ Creative Bazaar
PMQ wasn’t even on my original itinerary. I ended up there because it started raining and I ducked into the nearest building in Central.
Two hours later, I was still there, wandering through floors of independent studios, sipping a small-batch cold brew, and talking to a local ceramic artist about glaze temperatures.
It’s one of those places that doesn’t feel like a typical shopping mall. More like an old-school campus that’s been taken over by designers, illustrators, and small local brands.
You’ll find quirky jewellery, home décor, risograph prints, and even furniture… all made or designed in Hong Kong.
And the vibe? Super chill.
No pressure to buy, just lots of interesting people doing creative work. That, to me, was the real souvenir.
📖 About PMQ
PMQ stands for “Police Married Quarters”. The building used to house police families before it was revamped into a design and art space.
Today, it’s a home for local creatives who set up shop inside the old flats. You’ll find everything from fashion studios and bookbinding stalls to lifestyle brands selling handmade soaps or upcycled furniture.
It’s not your usual shopping experience and that’s what makes it memorable.
👨👩👧👦 Is It Family-Friendly? Yes. The building is spacious and stroller-friendly, with lots to look at and explore.
Kids might enjoy the bright murals, small interactive exhibits, and workshops. There's even a rooftop café to take a break.
Plus, if you're travelling with someone who doesn't like shopping, there's plenty of space to chill.
📋 PMQ Shopping Guide
| Detail | Information |
| Best For | Art lovers, curious travellers, meaningful gift hunters |
| Where to Buy | PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central |
| Address | Short walk from Central MTR Exit D2, or take the Mid-Levels Escalator up |
| Opening Hours | Most shops open around 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM; varies by studio |
| Cost | Prices range quite a bit. Small art prints start around HK$80 (~S$13), while handmade fashion or leather items can go up to HK$300+ (~S$50+). I picked up a handmade incense holder for HK$160 (~S$27). Though not the cheapest thing, it came with the artist’s story and a hand-stamped box. |
💡 Pro Tips
✅ If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a weekend market — these pop-ups feature rotating vendors and limited-edition pieces
✅ Some studios let you peek behind the scenes or chat with the designers so don’t be shy
✅ There’s a small open-air terrace upstairs where you can unwind with a coffee and admire the skyline
Custom-Tailored Clothing
Source: Sam’s Tailor
I walked into Sam’s Tailor just to “take a look.” Half an hour later, I was being measured for a blazer.
The staff were fast, friendly, and somehow knew exactly what I wanted — even when I didn’t. It wasn’t just about the fabric or cut (though they have hundreds to choose from), it was the whole vibe. You’re part of a story. Presidents, actors, and regulars all come here. And they treat you like you belong.
If you’ve ever wanted something custom-made but thought it’d be too expensive or intimidating, Hong Kong is the place to try it.
📖 About Custom Tailoring in Hong Kong
Source: Classic Shoes For Men
Hong Kong has a long tradition of tailoring, and shops like Sam’s Tailor and Mayer Shoes are part of that legacy. Sam’s is famous for made-to-measure suits and jackets, often done in just 48 hours.
Mayer is where locals and tourists go for custom leather shoes. Think exact fit, colour, sole, and even initials stamped inside.
It’s personal, fast, and surprisingly affordable compared to big-brand off-the-rack pieces.
👨👩👧👦 Is It Family-Friendly? More for adults, but some tailors do offer custom shirts or matching outfits for parent-child sets. Just ask! It’s also a unique bonding experience if you’re travelling as a couple or with your dad.
📋 Tailor Shopping Guide
| Detail | Information |
| Best For | First-time tailoring, quality wardrobe upgrades, milestone souvenirs |
| Where to Buy | Sam’s Tailor (TST), Mayer Shoes (Central) |
| Address | Sam’s: 94 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui · Mayer: 16 Stanley St, Central |
| Opening Hours | Mon–Sat, usually 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Cost | Basic tailored shirts start around HK$400–600 (~S$70–100). A full suit can range HK$2,000–4,000 (~S$340–680). Shoes from Mayer typically start at HK$1,200 (~S$200) |
💡 Pro Tips
✅ Bring a reference photo and they can usually recreate it
✅ If you’re in HK for a few days, let them know your travel dates so they can fit in a second fitting
✅ Ask about courier delivery. Some shops can ship it to you after your trip if needed
Temple Street Night Market
I reached Temple Street just as the sun dipped and suddenly, the entire place came alive.
Rows of stalls were buzzing with neon signs, sizzling woks, and shopkeepers calling out deals in Cantonese.
You’ll find everything from T-shirts and jade bracelets to quirky socks and phone cases. I bought a mini Mahjong keychain, got my fortune told under a tarp, and had claypot rice at a roadside table.
It’s loud, chaotic, and a little messy but that’s the charm.
📖 About Temple Street Night Market
Located in Jordan, this is one of the last remaining night markets in Hong Kong.
Popular with both locals and tourists, it’s known for cheap fashion, old-school knick-knacks, and street food stalls that have been around for years.
You’re not coming here for high-end shopping… you’re coming for the atmosphere.
👨👩👧👦 Is It Family-Friendly? Yes but keep an eye on kids since it gets crowded. There’s a lot to see and smell (literally), and older kids will love the quirky souvenirs.
Try a few street snacks, but maybe avoid the exotic stuff unless you’re feeling brave!
📋 Temple Street Market Guide
| Detail | Information |
| Best For | Budget-friendly souvenirs, night owls, food and fun seekers |
| Where to Buy | Temple Street, Jordan |
| Address | Near Jordan MTR Exit A · Market spans Temple St between Jordan & Yau Ma Tei |
| Opening Hours | Around 4:00 PM – midnight daily |
| Cost | Most items are around HK$20–60 (~S$3.50–10). I got three gifts for under HK$100 (~S$17). Don’t forget to haggle (nicely) as it’s part of the experience |
💡 Pro Tips
✅ Go after 6:00 PM for the full market vibe
✅ Bring small change as many stalls are cash only
✅ Some stalls may seem repetitive, so walk the whole stretch before buying
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What’s Going Into Your Suitcase?
I’ll be honest… every time I go to Hong Kong, I tell myself I’ll just “look” and not shop too much. But somehow I always end up squeezing in an extra box of pastries, a cheeky G.O.D. tote, or a little something from PMQ that I convince myself is “practical.”
There’s just something about shopping here that pulls you in.
Maybe it’s the mix of old and new, the energy of the night markets, or the fact that you can walk into a tiny shop in Sheung Wan and walk out with a one-of-a-kind keepsake.
So bring home something that makes you smile when you unpack, even if it’s just a tiny ink-stained chop with your name on it.
What would you pick?