Cute or ugly? It’s still an ongoing debate, Labubu doll, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and produced by Pop Mart, is no longer just a collectible, it’s a global sensation. With celebrities like BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and Ananya Panday spotted flaunting them, Labubu has turned Pop Mart founder Wang Ning into one of China’s richest billionaires.
Labubu isn’t just a fleeting trend, it’s a global phenomenon that has helped turn a Chinese entrepreneur into one of the world’s wealthiest individuals in what feels like an overnight success story.
The character traces its roots back to 2015, when Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung introduced Labubu in his picture book series ‘The Monsters’. Drawing inspiration from European elf folklore and his own childhood spent sketching fairy tales in the Netherlands, Lung crafted an entire whimsical world populated by characters like Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky and Pato.
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In Mumbai, this toy-turned-phenomenon has jumped from shelves to plates. Two popular eateries, Mercii (Santacruz West) and All Saints (Khar West), now feature exclusive Labubu-themed prix fixe menus. Spending around ₹5,000 gets you whimsical dishes—sneaky avocado, secret-stash puffs, carrot salads, mushroom bowls, cloud-like desserts and, yes, a real Labubu doll on the side.
A digital creator named Catherine Hellings recently released a video showing her crafting a Labubu Toast using kitchen basics like mashed bread, yoghurt, olives for eyes, grated cheese, salami ears—and it instantly went viral with over 4.1 million views
It doesn’t stop at toast, Instagram is overflowing with edible Labubu versions. In one clip, broccoli was fashioned into a Labubu and grilled on a skewer, dubbed "Brocobubu," sparking playful reactions online.
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This shift from accessory to edible icon reflects modern fandom’s playful, immersive nature. People don’t just want to own Labubu, they want to experience it in every form. This trend also shows the power of cross-industry collaborations: toys, F&B and influencer-driven social media combining to drive virality.
Labubu’s journey from quirky toy to food inspiration highlights a broader shift: the mash‑up of fandom and flavor. Like fashion foodscapes of unicorn‑themed lattes or cookie‑cutter bread bakes, Labubu Toast—and its broccoli and cookie cousins are more than novelty they're cultural touchpoints. They fuel engagement, conversation, social sharing, and yes, dining foot traffic.
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From collectible blind boxes to boutique-themed meals and viral recipes, Labubu has wedged itself into the intersection of fashion, food, and entertainment. It’s playful, it’s shareable—and frankly, it’s everywhere.
