Top 10 Most Popular Hong Kong Souvenirs, Curated by Netizens

A recent social media post asked what unique souvenirs Hong Kong has to offer beyond Tempo tissues, Calbee Hot & Spicy potato chips, and Vita lemon tea. The post drew an enthusiastic wave of responses, and after compiling the suggestions, here are the top 10 local souvenirs curated by Hong Kong netizens.

Shrimp roe noodles topped many netizens’ lists. Several noodle factories offer small packs and even individually wrapped noodle blocks. Japanese travellers are especially fond of them, much like how Hongkongers feel compelled to try local cup noodles when visiting Japan.

Shrimp roe noodles. Photo source: online image

Another food item that has won over travellers is palmiers (butterfly pastries). Gift boxes from various local brands are widely adored, praised for being both impressive and delicious, perfect for gifting.

Palmiers (butterfly pastries). Photo source: online image

In the biscuits and instant noodles category, Hongkongers often recommend Garden’s Family Assorted Biscuits. The sealed tin keeps them well-preserved, and many visitors from Taiwan and Japan buy them to try; some even stock up on them as “emergency food.”

Garden’s Family Assorted Biscuits. Photo source: online image

Nissin Demae Iccho is another popular pick, as the Hong Kong version comes in a huge variety of flavours, some with distinctly local characteristics, allowing travellers to bring a taste of Hong Kong home to share with family and friends.

Nissin Demae Iccho. Photo source: online image

Among snacks, Calbee Hot & Spicy potato chips are a Hong Kong favourite: spicy, crispy, and full of flavour.

Calbee Hot & Spicy potato chips. Photo source: online image

McDonald’s Shake Shake seasoning powder also made the list. While Shake Shake fries are not unique to Hong Kong, each region has its own distinctive seasoning flavours, making the powder a convenient, lightweight souvenir.

McDonald’s Shake Shake seasoning powder. Photo source: online image

In the health supplements category, Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa Herbal Cough Syrup is deeply loved and recommended by many celebrities at home and abroad. American singer Ariana Grande and Hollywood actor Matthew Modine have both praised its effectiveness, drawing in fans eager to buy it.

Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa Herbal Cough Syrup. Photo source: online image

Condiments also made the cut. Knorr Mala Liquid Seasoning Sauce is frequently recommended by netizens as a pairing for plain boiled eggs, and a bottle costs just over HK$10. What was assumed to be a humble local condiment turns out to be a hit with visitors as well, with Japanese travellers especially fond of it, simply because “a dash of it instantly creates a malatang flavour.”

Knorr Mala Liquid Seasoning Sauce. Photo source: online image

For drinks, many visitors make a point of going to cha chaan tengs for iced lemon tea. Since a cup cannot be taken away, travellers shift their focus to packaged Vita lemon tea, risking overweight luggage just to bring it home.

Vita lemon tea. Photo source: online image

As for Tempo tissues, although not technically a local Hong Kong brand, its products incorporate many local elements, such as Hong Kong-exclusive packaging and scents, and have long been beloved by visitors to the city.

Tempo tissues. Photo source: online image

EPD alerts public to fraudulent recycling subsidy scheme

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has recently received public enquiries regarding a recycling subsidy scheme purportedly jointly launched by an enterprise and the EPD. The publicity poster claimed that subsidy would be provided for recycling under the "Renewable Resource Recovery Incentive Scheme". The EPD today (November 9) urged members of the public to stay alert and not to believe in that circulating publicity poster and relevant information.

The EPD clarified that the Department has never jointly launched any project named the "Renewable Resource Recovery Incentive Scheme" with any organisations, nor has it authorised any individual or entity to use the name and logo of the EPD for such publicity. Upon review, the logos of the EPD and the related enterprise on the poster are false. The EPD has reported the case to the Police.

A spokesperson for the EPD reminded the public not to trust posters, links, or messaging software from unknown sources and not to participate in suspicious recycling subsidy activities. Members of the public should also refrain from disclosing personal data or financial information to unknown sources. Anyone who has provided personal information or conducted transactions in connection with the fraudulent recycling subsidy scheme is advised to contact the Police as soon as possible.