Discovering the Wet Markets of Hong Kong

Whether you need fresh apples and pears, want to see what a star fruit looks like, or need to pick up some fresh chicken, the wet markets of Hong Kong remain the best places to find quality produce and meat.

Where to Find Wet Markets

Situated in the heart of various districts, wet markets are still the primary shopping destination for many Hong Kong residents. However, most wet markets have relocated from their traditional street locations into unimpressive concrete buildings that resemble parking lots more than markets. Inside, you’ll experience a lively atmosphere.

Dozens of independent market stalls line the walls, while fish splash on butcher’s blocks and keen-eyed patrons select the best chickens from their cages. Additionally, you’ll discover an extensive variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and stalls bursting with colorful flowers.

The majority of meat, particularly poultry and fish, is sold live and often butchered on-site; therefore, wet markets might not be for the faint-hearted. Most stallholders may not speak English, but you can usually find someone available to assist with translations. Moreover, many signs inside the markets are in English.

Prices typically undercut supermarkets, and you might snag a good deal on a pound of apples or a freshly caught lobster as the markets begin to close around 7 pm. However, opening times can be quite erratic and ever-changing.

Graham Street Wet Market

Undoubtedly the most atmospheric wet market in Hong Kong, the stalls on Graham Street in Central have been in operation since before the turn of the last century. This market is one of the rare few still situated on the street. You can watch as buckets of ice are rolled down the street, while market traders skillfully maneuver baskets of fruit uphill, and tourists capture it all with their cameras. While it doesn’t resemble a typical Hong Kong wet market, it represents one of the best opportunities for English communication.

Kowloon City Market

As the largest wet market in the city, Kowloon City Market is a regular destination for many of the region’s top chefs seeking premium quality meat. This market is a maze of alleys flanked by stacks of fresh fruit and tanks teeming with seafood.

In addition to the excellent range of butchers and grocers, it’s also an outstanding place to enjoy cheap and delicious Chinese food. You don’t need to dine in fancy restaurants to enjoy top-notch Cantonese food-the emphasis is on freshness, and nothing is fresher than what you find at the wet market. The food stalls are arranged around a communal seating area where you can enjoy meals among both stallholders and locals on their lunch breaks. The food served here is not only delicious but also surprisingly affordable and quick.

North Point, Chun Yeung Street

This market is among the more famous street markets in Hong Kong, operating at street level and boasting strong ties to the area’s immigrant community. North Point has traditionally been a haven for immigrants from China, earning the nickname Little Shanghai. Although the Shanghainese influence has lessened over the years, it has been replaced by a more varied collection of cultures and cuisines, particularly from Fujian. The area’s diverse influences result in a selection of intriguing foods and spices.