
Labubu madness hits Houston with a pop-up cafe
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.
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While often hidden behind euphemisms, apps, and unmarked doors, the industry is deeply embedded in the fabric of urban life, business culture, and even tourism. To understand Korean adult services is to examine a country caught between conservative traditions and modern freedoms, between repression and reform. As South Korea continues to grapple with its identity, the conversation about sex work and 韓国 風俗 will remain a powerful and revealing part of its social landscape. TIME BUSINESS NEWS