At Hong Gourmet Hypermarket in Satwa, Dubai. ARCHIVE

Walking into Hong Gourmet Hypermarket does not feel like entering a typical supermarket. It feels more like stepping into a lively Asian food playground. The aisles are filled with colourful snacks, trending drinks and rare ingredients from Japan, Korea, the Philippines and China. But what really sets this Dubai spot apart is something many supermarkets don’t offer: an expansive dining area where shoppers can sit down and enjoy freshly cooked hot meals. For many visitors, it quickly becomes a two-in-one experience. You come to shop. You end up staying to eat.

Hot new dish: Seafood Tom Yum Fried Rice

One of the newest items drawing attention at the in-store restaurant is the Seafood Tom Yum Fried Rice, a generous platter packed with seafood and the signature tangy Thai flavour. Priced at Dh36, it is quickly becoming a favourite among customers looking for a satisfying meal after browsing the aisles. The dish blends spicy, sour and savoury notes that make Tom Yum such a beloved Asian classic, now served in comforting fried rice form.

Limited-time food deals worth checking out

Visitors who love discovering food bargains will find several limited-time offers currently available at the dining section. Among the highlights: • Fried seafood platter for Dh46.9 (regular price Dh68) • Cashew chicken for Dh26.9 • Octopus warship for Dh18.9 (regular price Dh27) • Shrimp dumplings, five pieces for Dh13.9 (regular price Dh18) These dishes are served fresh and hot, making the dining area feel closer to a casual Asian food hall than a supermarket café. Dessert lovers can end the visit on a sweet note with a Dh10 ice cream sundae in mango, strawberry or chocolate.

A foodie hunter’s paradise

Beyond the hot food counters, the hypermarket shelves are stacked with items that food explorers love to hunt down. Visitors can spot Japanese and Korean snacks that frequently go viral online, colourful fruity drinks trending on social media, and unique Lay’s chip flavours rarely seen elsewhere in the UAE. One of the most talked-about treats is the famous mango ice cream that has been circulating across TikTok and Instagram feeds. Shoppers with adventurous tastes will also notice exotic fruits like durian, along with specialty ingredients such as century eggs and rice paper for those inspired to make Vietnamese spring rolls at home. Fans of Asian hotpot cooking will appreciate a dedicated section filled with thinly sliced meats, fresh vegetables and flavourful sauces. It is the kind of place where shoppers can easily gather everything needed for a DIY hotpot night. Look carefully around the shelves and you may also find blue sticker tags, which indicate sale items throughout the store. Some lucky shoppers even stumble across Dh1 deals hidden among the aisles.

Beyond food: beauty, toys and lucky charms

The experience does not stop with groceries. Hong Gourmet Hypermarket also carries Korean, Japanese, Chinese and Filipino beauty products, along with trending toys such as Labubu that have gained popularity among collectors. Traditional trinkets believed to bring good fortune are also available, adding a festive feel for shoppers preparing for celebrations. Gift sets starting from Dh99 and Lunar New Year themed items can also be spotted across the store. Hong Gourmet Hypermarket is slowly becoming one of those places people visit not just to shop, but to explore. With its mix of trending snacks, rare ingredients, affordable food offers and a full dine-in area serving hot meals, it offers a different kind of grocery experience in Dubai. For curious food lovers, it might just be the kind of place where a quick grocery run turns into a mini food adventure. PIA/Expat Media
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