The arrival of K-pop powerhouse BLACKPINK for their highly anticipated DEADLINE world tour at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Venue on January 24th ignited fervor across the city. Beyond the thrilling performances by members Jennie, Lisa, Rosé, and Jisoo, the concerts delivered a unique cultural exchange, notably through Rosé’s now-famous tradition of sampling local delicacies. Over the course of the multi-day residency, Rosé systematically highlighted iconic Hong Kong street snacks, transforming the concert into a viral culinary journey for her global fanbase, affectionately known as Blinks.
The initial performance saw the quartet displaying massive energy and vocal prowess, augmented by localized fan service. To the immense delight of the crowd, the members showcased their efforts to connect culturally, using impressive Cantonese phrases like “Hello everyone!” (大家好!), “I’ve missed you all so much!” (我好掛住你哋!), and the rallying cry, “Blink is Number One!” (Blink世一), effectively sending the arena audience into raptures.
Rosé’s Culinary Homage to Hong Kong
A recurring highlight of the DEADLINE tour has been Rosé’s dedicated “mukbang” (eating broadcast) segment, where she tastes signature foods specific to each tour stop. Hong Kong proved no exception, providing a platform to celebrate the city’s vibrant street food scene.
On the opening night, Rosé delighted fans by appearing with a bag of Hong Kong-style Eggettes (Gai Daan Jai). She enthusiastically sampled the popular waffle snack on stage, capturing widespread attention with her visibly positive reaction.
For the second show, Rosé switched allegiance to a beverage classic: Hong Kong-style Milk Tea (Lai Cha). She was pictured backstage enjoying the rich, creamy beverage, underscoring the universal appeal of this local staple.
The culinary tour culminated on the final night of the Hong Kong leg, where Rosé appeared with Curry Fish Balls—a snack highly anticipated by online fans who had previously speculated on her next choice. Her reaction to the famous spicy street food was one of genuine surprise and appreciation, reportedly flashing a thumbs-up gesture to confirm its deliciousness.
Expanding the Global Palate
Rosé’s food sampling tradition has become a powerful form of soft diplomacy, shining an international spotlight on local cuisines worldwide. Her gastronomic itinerary during the DEADLINE tour illustrates this pattern, moving from classic North American treats to European comforts and Asian street essentials:
**Selected *DEADLINE* Tour Culinary Stops:**
- Chicago: Garrett Popcorn
- New York: Pizza and Bagels
- London: Scones and Fish and Chips
- Taiwan: Pineapple Cake and Fried Chicken Cutlets
- Hong Kong: Eggettes, Milk Tea, and Fish Balls
By incorporating these distinctive local flavors into a global performance platform, BLACKPINK successfully merged high-energy entertainment with an authentic salute to Hong Kong’s culinary identity. The move reinforces the deep connection between the group and the global culture surrounding them, inspiring fans—and potential tourists—to seek out these now-celebrated street food icons.