Wellcome, Hong Kong

What to buy here: "Garden" biscuits and candies.

The staple Chinese diet has evolved from rice to more portable baked items introduced by the West. From early colonial times, Hong Kong has had a chance to develop its baking prowess, as such certain specialty items have become must-tries when visiting. While you may have been thinking of a pineapple bun or egg tart while reading the last 50 so-odd words, I am

actually referring to the airy breads and highly preserved Pop Pan Crackers from Garden. A household name since 1926, Garden biscuits and candies are staples in many Hong Kong homes and lunchboxes. Best known for their Pop Pan Crackers and caramel candies, the Garden Company has branched to other food products, which are popular to varying degrees. Garden also specialises in bread, which can be found in many Hong Kong cafés. Very soft and airy, the bread is an affordable staple for students and travellers, although the nutrition content is minimal as a processed carbohydrate. Their famous Pop Pan Crackers have remained popular with children and adults throughout the years. Pop Pan Crackers now come in a variety

of flavours but their original, spring onion flavour still flies off the shelves. The crackers come in two rows of crispy goodness that have the magical ability to remain crisp for weeks, especially the more magical given Hong Kong’s humidity. A box of Pop Pans typically retail for HK$12.90. Invest in a few boxes for the flight home or there may not be any left for souvenirs.

Found in every supermarket, convenience store, canteen and mom-and-pop shop, Pop Pans and most Garden items are easy to purchase. The most economical place to buy them would be in supermarkets. Wellcome is the most economical supermarket in Hong Kong and its 257 locations can be found throughout Hong Kong. Opening hours are typically 8am-10/11pm, depending on the branch.