TikTok’s latest travel obsession embraces the joy of the mundane, swapping sightseeing and iconic landmarks for aisle adventures in grocery stores.

In an unexpected twist, the humble grocery store has become the hottest new tourist attraction, thanks to a viral flash trend sweeping TikTok.

“Grocery store tourism” is seeing travellers swap traditional sightseeing for aisles of exotic snacks and unfamiliar brands, offering a unique glimpse into local cultures through their everyday foods.

Videos featuring colourful foreign supermarkets, quirky packaging and taste tests of unusual products are racking up millions of views.

From Korea’s convenience stores stocked with outrageous flavours of instant noodles, to the cheese paradises of French hypermarchés, these mundane spaces are being reframed as culinary adventure lands.

“This may be controversial, but I think that the best thing to do while traveling is going to the grocery store,” TikTok user marissainchina said in a now-viral TikTok about her experience traveling through Malaysia, visiting grocery stores along the way. “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.”

The commenters clearly agreed, with one saying, “I always always always go to grocery stores when traveling overseas. It’s different kinds of souvenirs, which we can enjoy afterward.” Another added, “Grocery shopping is my favourite sport. It’s one of the first things I do when I travel. And the last thing I do, too, to replace my favourite discoveries.”  (Food & Wine)

A quintessential example of a “flash trend”,  whether grocery store tourism has staying power remains to be seen, but for now, it’s transforming the way many view both travel and their weekly shop.

So next time you’re abroad, don’t be surprised to see TikTokers filming in the frozen food aisle – they’re not lost, they’re just making content.

by Olivia Palamountain | GLOBETRENDER