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Some travelers plan trips around monuments, others chase Michelin stars or Instagram-famous cafes. However, a growing number are quietly building their itineraries around grocery stores. From spotless Japanese convenience chains to chaotic Middle Eastern hypermarkets, in the age of grocery tourism, supermarket aisles are increasingly becoming an unexpected window into local life.
Grocery tourism means visiting local supermarkets, convenience stores, and neighborhood food stores to see what people actually eat, cook, and snack on. For many travelers this ritual has become as essential as sightseeing.
Chef and baker Shivesh Bhatia admits that the price of groceries cannot be compromised when he travels. “Something about discovering grocery stores in new cities makes me so happy. On a recent trip to Japan, I became obsessed with 7-Eleven. I kept picking up sweets and snacks I’d never seen before. These stores help me understand what people really enjoy eating,” he says. His main memory of the trip is not of sushi counters or temple visits but of the cold cheesecakes, seasonal Kit Kats and neatly packed rice balls eaten along the way.
Numbers that tell a story
This shift from souvenir shops to supermarket aisles is supported by data. SkyScanner’s Travel Trends 2026 report sees a rise in ‘shelf discovery’, with travelers discovering grocery stores to experience destinations. Bringing this trend to a close, SkyScanner’s Snack Transit pop-ups in Delhi and Mumbai showcased over 3,000 snacks from 16 countries, underscoring Indian travelers’ growing curiosity about global pantry culture.
Booking.com’s Travel Predictions 2026 echoes this, highlighting the rise of ‘shelfie souvenirs’ where grocery trumps traditional gifts. In fact, 84% of Indian travelers are ready to purchase design-based kitchen or pantry items, and 79% would consider choosing destinations known for unique grocery experiences.
traveling like a local
For Mumbai-based marketing professional Alisha Patel, grocery stores often become the highlight of the holidays. “In Thailand, my husband, Neil, and I spend more than an hour every day searching for a 7-Eleven,” she confesses.
For him, trips to Dubai involve long detours through Carrefour and Waitrose. Patel says, “We consume spices, sauces and canned meats that are impossible to get back home. It seems practical, but also emotional. You cook with these things later, and the trip comes back to you.”
Even Bangalore-based marketing professional Deepika Maheshwar echoes this sentiment, saying, “We’ve been married for almost two years, and one of the funniest things we’ve discovered about ourselves while traveling is how much we love those huge grocery stores. Sure, we see the souvenirs, but the real fun is in wandering those aisles — seeing what people actually buy, what’s trending, and what to take home. Picking up small groceries has somehow become a part of our travel story.”
Travel coordinators are also noticing this change. Nasira Senoue, travel coordinator at Sun Trails, says she sees this behavior across all age groups. “Travelers want souvenirs that feel genuine and useful. Spices, olive oil, tea, biscuits or even breakfast cereals offer an honest look at everyday life. It’s no longer just about luxury, but about connection,” she says.
The charm is in the simplicity. Unlike restaurants or curated food tours, grocery stores give travelers an unfiltered snapshot of local life. You see what’s popular, seasonal, cheap, affordable and common.
Content creator Anmol Sachar says, “The simplest but best part of my trips is exploring local grocery stores and markets. I always look for a grocery store or supermarket within walking distance of wherever I’m staying. This is usually the first thing I do after checking-in and dropping off my bags.”
Internet-famous grocery store
7-Eleven – Japan
It is known for its fresh egg sandwiches, bento boxes, ramen selection, and limited-edition KitKat flavors. A national institute for convenience-store snacks.
Don Quixote/Donkey – Japan and Singapore
It’s famous for viral snacks like innovative drinks, shiitake mushroom crisps, konjac jelly and yaki-imo.
Emart and GS25 – South Korea
Emart is popular for budget basics and dried seaweed, while GS25 is popular for its viral pouch drinks and trending items like Minari-flavored Yakult.
Trader Joe’s – USA
It’s a cult favorite for items like Mandarin Orange Chicken and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.
Marks & Spencer – UK
It is popular for its Percy pigs, shortbread biscuits and seasonal dishes such as strawberry and cream ‘sando’, which provide British pantry essentials.
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