Best wet markets in Hong Kong

Wet markets can seem intimidating to newcomers, particularly if you don’t speak Cantonese. But if you can spare a little time, you could land some great bargains. You’ll also be doing the environment a huge favour as the city’s markets tend to use much less plastic wrapping than its supermarkets. Check out our favourite wet markets in Hong Kong, and get exploring!

Kowloon City Market

This huge government wet market offers a great range of fresh seafood, as well as meat, fruit and vegetables. It also houses a Thai restaurant on the upper floor. Visitors report the prices can seem a little higher than some wet markets, but the quality and variety of food from China and Asia remains impressive. Explore the area’s infamous history by taking a walk to neighbouring Kowloon Walled City Park.

102 Nga Tsin Wai Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon, 2383 2224

Chun Yeung Street

All the sights and sounds of Hong Kong can be found at this market in North Point. Some of its stores sell more unusual food from the province of Fújiàn in China, as many sellers originate from there, as well as Shanghai. Visitors report you can sometimes even hear some Fújiàn dialect being spoken between the stalls. Some butchers and fishmongers will kill and carve up live animals in front of you, so this is definitely not a place for vegetarians or the faint-hearted.

91-103 Chun Yeung Street, North Point, Hong Kong Island

Wan Chai Market

This is one of the largest government-housed wet markets, providing all major fresh foods from 6am to 8pm daily. It’s in a convenient location if you live on the north side of Hong Kong island. Mornings are generally busiest as that’s when much of the food is first delivered, but you can still pick up a good deal later in the day.

Queens Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island, 2575 0192

Siu Sai Wan Market

This privately owned, air-conditioned wet market was recently renovated and offers a separate section entirely for seafood. It has been re-designed to incorporate elements of old Hong Kong market culture in a more modern setting. Shoppers can even order fresh poultry via a screen and enjoy free WiFi. But you may find prices comparatively higher here.

10 Siu Sai Wan Road, Chai Wan, Hong Kong Island, 2898 2330

Bowrington Road Market

Come here for the food and stay for the atmosphere. Nestled next to Times Square, butchers will carve up your choice of meat in front of you amid the glare of Causeway Bay’s designer shops. As well as the normal foodstuffs, this market offers an enticing selection of dai pai dongs serving up traditional Cantonese dishes. The eateries in the cooked food centre are open from 6am until late, Monday to Sunday.

21 Bowrington Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island

Feature image courtesy of Shutterstock.