Labubu madness hits Houston with a pop-up cafe
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Celebrity sightings — from Blackpink star Lisa to Rihanna — have helped the Labubu dolls take off worldwide. Photo: Shafaq Patel/Axios
Labubu, the mischievously cute monster with fangs, is all the rage. And you can be surrounded by these little creatures at Lucky Box Cafe, a pop-up cafe this summer at Popfancy Dessert Bar.
State of play: The "cute horror" character from Chinese toy giant Pop Mart has gone viral worldwide.
- The toys are becoming tough to find nationwide. But in Houston, you can try the local Pop Mart locations — or score one at this Asiatown pop-up.
Vibes: At Lucky Box Cafe, Labubu dolls are dangling from clouds, on display stands, and ready to be dressed up in a Build-A-Bear-esque setup.
Dig in: The menu leans into kawaii (cute) Japanese aesthetics with character-themed treats.
- Though their mystery surprise gift drink — which hinted at a mini Labubu prize — was sold out Monday evening.
My experience: I tried the Lychee Mango Secret Booster ($7) and Ube-Cereal I Love You So Matcha ($8). I got them with the Bubu-Jelly Cake ($6) add-on.
- The jelly — shaped like the monster — came on the side (not in the drink as expected and hoped), but it was fun to eat.
- The lychee drink was refreshing, with a fun mango star jelly and a pretty cup. The matcha was heavy on the ube cereal and a bit too sweet.
The bottom line: The pop-up is more about the aesthetic and experience than the food.
- It's a fun outing, especially if you're into the hype. And even if you're not, by the end, those monsters start to grow on you.