There are places in every city that feel like a home away from home—where familiarity entwines with nostalgia, and the simple act of shopping takes on the comforting cadence of ritual. For me, that place is IFC City’Super. Nestled in the heart of Hong Kong’s financial district, this high-end gourmet supermarket is more than a mere marketplace; it is a sanctuary for food lovers, a microcosm of the world’s finest produce, and a portal through which the flavours of my travels come alive.
The moment I step through its glass doors, a quiet sense of belonging washes over me. The store is a treasure trove of culinary wonders, its aisles brimming with delicacies from across the globe—artisanal cheeses from France, teas from Kyoto, hand-crafted chocolates from Belgium, and pantry staples from Britain and beyond. Here, foods that once seemed exclusive to the cobbled streets of Paris or the bustling markets of London stand neatly arranged on gleaming shelves, waiting to be rediscovered.
I always find myself drawn towards the seafood and meat sections, where the freshest catches and the finest cuts await. The seafood display is a spectacle unto itself—rows of glistening oysters, plump and briny, nestled beside thick fillets of Norwegian salmon, their delicate marbling a promise of rich, buttery indulgence. The selection rivals that of any European fishmonger, a testament to City’Super’s unwavering commitment to quality.
Beyond the treasures of the ocean lies an equally tantalising spread of premium meats. Wagyu beef, its deep ruby hue marbled with intricate veins of fat, is a luxury I can rarely resist. Whether it is an A5-grade Japanese cut for a weekend celebration or a simple yet exquisite Australian ribeye, the choices are impeccable. The butchers, meticulous in their craft, handle each order with the precision of artisans, ensuring that every selection is nothing short of perfection.
No visit to City’Super is complete without a stop at the wine enclave, where bottles from Bordeaux’s rolling vineyards, Tuscany’s sun-drenched estates, and Napa Valley’s storied cellars await. Whether I seek a robust red to accompany a chargrilled steak or a crisp white to pair with a seafood feast, the options never disappoint. I can lose myself for hours here, reading labels, contemplating vintages, and revelling in the quiet pleasure of selecting the perfect bottle.
Adjacent to the wine section lies another corner of temptation—the cheese counter. Here, wheels of brie ooze their creamy centres, wedges of comté exude a warm nuttiness, and blocks of stilton tempt with their sharp, blue-veined allure. The variety is staggering, conjuring memories of Parisian fromageries and the bustling cheese markets of Borough. Each visit presents an opportunity to explore new flavours, to sample old favourites, to bring home a taste of somewhere far away.
Of all the delicacies that City’Super offers, few captivate me as much as the Spanish hams. The Iberico ham, carved from the famed Iberian pigs of Spain, is a marvel of patience and tradition. Rich, nutty, and intensely savoury, each delicate slice melts on the tongue, a testament to the centuries-old craftsmanship behind its curing. Whether it is a prized jamón ibérico de bellota or a more understated serrano, the selection is unrivalled, making it impossible to leave empty-handed.
City’Super is more than just a place to shop; it is an experience, a culinary journey through the world’s finest markets distilled into a single, beautifully curated space. It is where I unearth ingredients I thought I had left behind in my travels, where I reconnect with flavours that bring comfort and joy.
Each visit is a quiet affirmation that home is not merely a place, but a feeling—one that lingers in the taste of a perfectly ripe wheel of cheese, a bottle of well-aged Bordeaux, or a platter of fresh oysters on ice. And in the heart of Hong Kong, amidst the skyscrapers and the city’s frenetic pace, City’Super is where I always find my way back home.
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