The celebrated Korean cheese cake brand Golden Cheese, often hailed as the “Hermes of cheese cakes,” has launched its first official pop-up store outside Korea at AIRSIDE in Kai Tak. Starting September 24, 2026, the pop-up will offer only 100 pieces daily, with each cake imported directly from Korea to guarantee freshness and authenticity.
A Brand Built on Experience and Quality
Golden Cheese has cultivated a devoted following in Korea largely due to its signature live torching service. When customers opt for the caramelized crust option, staff perform an on-the-spot ritual: sprinkling sugar over the cake and using a high-temperature iron to create a golden, brittle layer. This theatrical process transforms the cheese cake into a dessert reminiscent of crème brûlée, blending visual appeal with a crunchy texture.
The brand’s nickname is reinforced by its distinctive Hermes orange color scheme, which extends from store design to packaging. This luxurious aesthetic has made the cakes a popular souvenir among travelers visiting Korea.
Flavors That Blend Tradition and Innovation
Golden Cheese offers three flavor variants, each incorporating elements of Korean culinary tradition:
- Golden Cheese Cake (HK$228): The classic option featuring a creamy, melt-in-the-mouth texture topped with a caramelized sugar crust.
- Golden Red Bean Cheese Cake (HK$238): Whole red beans add a sweet, textured layer to the smooth cheese cake base.
- Golden Mugwort Red Bean Cheese Cake (HK$238): Subtle earthy notes from Korean mugwort combine with red bean filling for a unique twist on the original.
Pop-Up Details and Availability
The pop-up is situated at Shop 227B on the second floor of AIRSIDE, facing the Office Lobby. It will operate from September 24, 2026, to March 24, 2027, with opening hours from 11:30 am to 8:30 pm daily. Given the strict limit of 100 cakes per day, early visits are recommended for those eager to experience the brand.
Implications for Hong Kong’s Dessert Scene
The arrival of Golden Cheese reflects Hong Kong’s growing appetite for premium Korean desserts. This pop-up not only grants local access to a product previously confined to Korea but also signals a potential shift in how luxury dessert brands approach international expansion. For food enthusiasts, it offers a rare chance to enjoy a product that marries artisan ingredients with an immersive service experience.
Broader Impact
As Hong Kong continues to absorb global dessert trends, the success of this pop-up may encourage other Korean gourmet brands to enter the market. Prospective visitors should anticipate queues due to the exclusive daily supply. Whether drawn by the live caramelizing performance or the rich, traditional flavors, Golden Cheese delivers a memorable experience that could inspire a new wave of interactive dessert concepts in the city. For those unable to visit in the early weeks, the pop-up’s six-month run provides ample opportunity to sample what many consider a benchmark in Korean cheese cake craftsmanship.