Young Dabang brings Korean premium tteokbokki experience to HK

Korea’s restaurant chain Young Dabang has brought the premium tteokbokki experience to Hong Kong by opening its first local store at Sha Tin’s New Town Plaza on 30 June.

Since its founding in 2015, Korea’s premium tteokbokki pot restaurant chain has taken the world by storm, expanding to over 400 outlets across the US, Australia, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan. Now, Hong Kong’s vibrant culinary scene welcomes Young Dabang’s unique and premium take on Korean soul food.

Beyond a Korean restaurant, Young Dabang is a cultural phenomenon that has redefined tteokbokki pot, also known as Korean rice cakes pot, as premium comfort food.

The name itself spells out the brand’s philosophy: “young” represents its youthful energy and passion that transcends age, while “dabang” pays homage to the popular Korean coffee shops of the 1980s that served as neighbourhood gathering spots. Locally in Hong Kong, the name has also been thoughtfully translated, with “Young Dabang” resonating as “Youth Nation,” further emphasising its vibrant spirit.

Spanning over 2,000 square feet and accommodating 98 guests, Young Dabang's interior evokes the charm of 1980s Korean coffee shops with retro furnishings, walls adorned with vintage posters, and warm, earthy-toned wooden decor accented by the brand’s signature teal. With lively music and dim lights as the backdrop, this creates an uplifting, vibey and inviting atmosphere ideal for casual gatherings and celebratory meals.

Young Dabang’s signature offering is its customisable "Tteokbokki pot", featuring 35cm rice cakes that redefine the traditional tteokbokki experience. Each pot is a shareable feast, brimming with fish cakes, quail eggs, yaki mandu (fried dumplings), mixed vegetables, and ramen noodles.

Guests can personalise their pots with a choice of up to six distinct sauce bases, including the classic Korean spicy “YDB Signature” and cream-enriched Rosé as well as Hong Kong exclusives such as corn cream and carbonara created for local palates with a lower spice tolerance.

To celebrate its arrival in Hong Kong, Young Dabang is rolling out a collection of exclusive, limited-edition merchandise, featuring special Hong Kong-themed aprons, tote bags and t-shirts. Fans can show their tteokbokki love with fun items such as beach towels, umbrellas, cushions and additional t-shirt designs.

To engage a wider audience, starting from 30 June, the first 50 customers who spend HK$1,200 or more at Young Dabang will receive a complimentary tteokbokki umbrella or beach towel.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Young Dabang for more information.

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