Hong Kong’s dessert landscape just got a major shakeup. Bubble tea heavyweight HeyTea (喜茶) has officially opened the doors to its first-ever Gelato Lab+ concept store in Kwun Tong’s APM mall. Rather than a quiet debut, the brand is celebrating with a surprise three-day pop-up: anyone who completes a simple in-store check-in task can walk away with a complimentary mini gelato and an exclusive sticker set. The giveaway runs daily starting this morning through November 5th, with just 600 cups allocated per day.
Sweet Rewards and Limited Swag
HeyTea has long been a go-to for Hong Kong’s tea and soft-serve fans, but the Gelato Lab+ marks a deliberate step into artisanal Italian-style frozen desserts. The soft opening pop-up serves as both a tasting menu and a thank-you to loyal customers. Participants simply follow the staff’s brief social media task (打卡) at the new APM shop, and in return, they receive a smooth, refreshing mini gelato served on the spot.
But the free scoop is only half the draw. Each successful participant will also snag a limited-edition sticker sheet designed exclusively for the APM location. These collectibles carry the distinct branding of the Gelato Lab+ launch and are expected to become sought-after memorabilia among HeyTea enthusiasts.
The Fine Print
To enjoy this offer without disappointment, a bit of strategy is required.
- What: One free mini cup of Gelato Lab+ Italian-style gelato per person
- Where: Shop C-35, APM Mall, 418 Kwun Tong Road
- When: From now until November 5th, starting daily at 11:00 AM
- Daily Limit: 600 cups — strictly first-come, first-served
- Bonus: Complimentary limited-edition sticker set
For office workers in the bustling Kwun Tong business district, this makes for one of the best lunchtime errands this week. The midday rush at APM is notoriously heavy, so earlier arrivals stand the best chance of securing a cup. Gather a few colleagues, set an alarm, and make a quick dash to the queue.
Why This ‘Lab’ Matters
This pop-up is more than a sugary promotion. It functions as a live test run for a concept that signals HeyTea’s ambition to compete in the premium dessert space. By bridging the gap between classic milk tea culture and the artistry of Italian gelato, the brand is betting on a fusion that feels both fresh and familiar.
The sleek “lab” aesthetic and experimental menu format suggest this could be the blueprint for future locations across Hong Kong. The reception of this three-day event will almost certainly influence permanent menu offerings and store expansion plans. For dessert lovers, this is a trend worth watching closely.
Whether you are a die-hard HeyTea collector, an APM regular, or simply someone who appreciates a well-timed freebie, the Gelato Lab+ pop-up offers a rare chance to taste the future of the brand—literally and figuratively—while the ice cream is still on the house.