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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Sian Baldwin

What is grocery store tourism? TikTok travel trend explained

Sightseeing is a normal part of going on holiday, involving activities such as visiting landmarks, a stunning beach, or art galleries.

However, a new trend has taken TikTok by storm with holidaymakers abroad enjoying visiting unconventional places — supermarkets.

Users have posted videos of themselves perusing foreign shopping aisles to see what goodies there are.

The trend began with TikTok user marissainchina (Marissa), who went viral after visiting a Malaysian supermarket.

She said in the video: "This may be controversial, but I think that the best thing to do while travelling is going to the grocery store.

@marissainchina

First time in a Malaysian supermarket 🛒 #travelabroad #malaysia #tourists

♬ original sound - Marissa - Marissa

"Going to a grocery store could technically be counted as sightseeing, right? Because not only is it a cultural experience, but you can also find lots of stuff to bring back as souvenirs.”

Other users have since posted videos of their shopping experiences.

One user called Krysta Alexa posted a video showing her food shopping at a store in Norway.

@krystaalexa

How expensive is Norway? 🇳🇴 Come grocery shopping with me! Prices are in NOK & USD. 🤑 #lifeinnorway #norway #lifeabroad #groceryshopping #costofliving

♬ original sound - Krysta Alexa | Life in Norway

She showed where the recycling points were and the different foods you can get in Norway that she enjoys.

She also displayed the prices for goods such as apples, butter, eggs and cheese so viewers could compare them to the prices in their countries.

Others have also delightedly shown their purchases while living in places such as Thailand, Cambodia and America.

@zakattackcalii

Come to the store with me in thailand #movingabroad #thailand #bangkok #leavingusa #groceryshopping

♬ original sound - Zakattackcali

One user said: "Grocery shopping is my favourite sport. It's one of the first things I do when I travel.”

Another added: “Yes, this is the first thing I do when I go abroad! I love having a look at all the snacks and crisps other countries have. I found fried egg flavoured crisps in Spain and I think about them every single day.”

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