Places to shop for a stress-free picnic
Karen Chan
The weather forecast’s looking good and none of your friends are flaking out. Your picnic plans are up and running, so it’s time to move on to the most difficult step: buying your food, drinks and supplies.
You can find most basics, such as paper plates, utensils and snacks at most local supermarkets and grocery stores, but if you’re looking for pre-made food and sandwiches, you might want to visit higher-end supermarkets or specialty stores. Here’s a list of shops to satisfy your picnicking needs:
Marks & Spencer Food Hall
You’ve got to face the facts: nobody does picnics better than the Brits. That’s why Marks & Spencer Food Hall is a great place to stock up for your picnic! They have a wide selection of classic picnic sides and platters, such as coleslaws, cheese platters, roast chicken and even quintessential British favorites, like Scotch eggs. The drink selection is equally impressive, and you can pick up a decent bottle of wine for just a few hundred bucks.
Locations:
- Shop B, G/F, 88 Gloucester Road, China Underwritter’s Centre, Wanchai
- 1 Kimberley Road, Miramar Shopping Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui
- 5 Canton Road, Ocean Centre
- 1/F, Hollywood Road, Kinwick Centre, Central
- Shop E07-08, 1/F, Lab Concept, Queensway Plaza, 93 Queensway, Admiralty
- 168-200 Connaught Road, Shun Tak Centre, Sheung Wan
Money-saving tip:
The non-MTR shops all have reduced price items daily after 4pm daily. If your picnic’s not till the next day, fear not, that half-priced sandwich will be just as good tomorrow!
Oliver’s The Delicatessen
Brimming with imported foods and snacks, Oliver’s is the go-to supermarket for expats craving for a taste of home. You’ll be able to find a much wider selection of cheeses, cold cuts, and salad ingredients than in your local supermarket, and the in-store bakery has a large offering of freshly baked goodies. If you’re feeling lazy, you can also buy most of your picnic food from the hot deli, which is manned by helpful and knowledgeable staff.
Location:
- Shop 201-205, 2/F Landmark Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central
Monsieur Chatté
Keeping things classy? Step things up a notch with a shopping trip to Monsieur Chatté. This intimate French deli has a well-curated selection of French foods and wines, mainly sourced directly from artisan stores. Impress your friends with exotic fare such as chestnut porc pate or honey black truffles. Online ordering is also available if you’re too busy to shop during the week!
Location:
- 121 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan
Invisible Kitchen
Zero time and/ or zero cooking skills? Fake it with a picnic basket from Invisible Kitchen. Simply specify the number of people in your party, and a 7-course meal packed in an elegant wicker basket will arrive on the day. You also get to keep the basket after the meal!
Read more HERE
Karen Chan is a local English copywriter who churns out social posts and taglines for a living. Inspired by her fellow copywriter, she has discovered the joy of working out, and is currently on a quest to live as healthily as her sweet tooth allows. In her spare time, she also loves trying new cafés and restaurants around the city.