Whats the Deal With Hong Kong’s Wet Markets

Andrea Lo

Ever felt curious about traditional “wet markets” in Hong Kong, where poultry dangles from shopfronts, live seafood swim in tanks, and fresh vegetables are displayed in plastic baskets – all in a no-frills setting? Well, be curious no more – we’ve made it easy to shop at Hong Kong’s wet markets with a handy guide on goods you can buy and how to go about it. Put off by the pungent smells? Just remember: this is your chance to buy some of the freshest produce possible. Happy Hong Kong food shopping!

What is a wet market?

A wet market is essentially a food market that sells fresh produce, poultry, seafood and pork as opposed to “dry” markets, which offer packaged or frozen meats. Just how fresh are we talking? It is possible to choose a fish and for the vendor to kill and scale it before you take it home. This used to be the case with poultry but avian flu scares mean the practice is now largely obsolete.

Stepping into a Hong Kong wet market is like entering a symphony of colours, aromas, and sounds. Rows of stalls overflow with delicious seafood, fresh meat and a kaleidoscope of vibrant fruits and vegetables, from exotic dragon fruits to humble bok choy. 

Why is it called a wet market?

The name was dubbed to distinguish it from “dry” markets, AKA supermarkets and other shops where you don’t see a whole pig hanging in a shop window. You get the drill.

Where are Hong Kong’s wet markets?

Hong Kong’s wet markets are traditionally spread out on the street, although in recent years, many of these have been moved into purpose-built structures managed by the government. Some of these are housed in the same buildings as traditional food stalls in what are known as “cooked food centres” – a building combining wet markets and eateries.

In these instances, these wet markets are not exclusively limited to selling “wet” goods – sometimes, you can find produce like spices and sweets in small shops. Nonetheless, you’ll still find open-air wet markets, like Hong Kong’s Canal Road market on the Causeway Bay/Wan Chai border.

What can we buy at wet markets in Hong Kong?

They all offer similar goods, but some markets are more well-known than others for certain produce. If you’re looking for locally grown produce, Tai Po Hui Market is your pick – shops here stock food from farms in the New Territories. For seafood, Bowrington Road market in Wan Chai (located a stone’s throw from Canal Road market) is one of the best. 

North Point’s Chun Yeung Street, known as “Little Shanghai” due to an influx of migrants who moved into the area following the war in the 20th Century, features standard fare like fresh fruits and veg and an open-air bazaar that offers other goods like household supplies.  

How to make a purchase at a food market?

It’s not as straightforward as you think – but it’s not difficult either, once you figure things out. The traditional Chinese measurement, catty (斤, pronounced gun), is used in most food markets in Hong Kong. One catty is equivalent to 600 grams. The tael (兩, pronounced leung), on the other hand, is 1/16 of a catty. You do the maths!

So why should we go to a wet market – versus a supermarket?

Hong Kong wet markets have a reputation for fresh produce and often unbeatable cheap prices. For locals who love their foods alive and kicking just before being cooked and served – and a good bargain – it’s a no-brainer. That’s why despite rapid modernisation in Hong Kong, these traditional wet markets remain well-loved by housewives and bargain hunters. And for travellers, Hong Kong’s wet markets offer the ultimate local experience. So go ahead: don’t be intimidated, and don’t miss out!

Visit the oldest wet market in Hong Kong

As the oldest surviving open-air wet market in Hong Kong, Graham Street Market in SoHo, Central is definitely worth a visit. The market is conveniently located just 5 minutes from Ovolo Central and offers a range of fresh produce, live seafood, flowers and more.

Alternatively, Ovolo Southside offers the perfect hotel stay for those enjoying an authentic Hong Kong experience at Aberdeen Wet Market!

Visiting a wet market in Hong Kong is not just about shopping; it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. From the animated haggling to unique ingredients and the sharing of recipes, a wet market shopping expedition offers visitors the chance to explore a variety of culinary delights while journeying into the heart and soul of Hong Kong.

Andrea Lo is a freelance journalist and translator based in Hong Kong. After cutting her teeth in the industry as a staff writer at a lifestyle magazine, she embraced the freelance life in 2015 and hasn’t looked back. She spends her time exploring the best of Hong Kong’s dining and nightlife scene, trialling new fitness trends, and travelling to exotic locales – all in the name of “research”.