The popular mainland Chinese tea brand Heytea is set to launch its debut Gelato Lab+ in Hong Kong this summer, transforming its signature tea-based beverages into handcrafted Italian gelato at a new outlet in Kwun Tong’s APM shopping mall.
The announcement has sparked excitement among local food enthusiasts, with construction hoardings already spotted at the mall’s Unit C-34 on Kwun Tong Road. This marks the brand’s first foray into the frozen dessert space in the city, following a successful pilot at its Shenzhen location in欢乐海岸 (OCT Harbour).
From Bubble Tea to Frozen Delights
Heytea, known for its cult-followed cheese teas and fruit-infused brews, is venturing beyond beverages. The Gelato Lab+ concept – previously launched as “喜拉朵實驗室” (Xiladuo Laboratory) in Shenzhen – focuses on small-batch, daily-made gelato using fresh fruits and premium tea leaves as core ingredients.
Unlike mass-produced ice cream, Heytea’s gelato emphasises a dense, silky texture that allows the natural flavours of tea and fruit to shine. Each batch is crafted by hand, ensuring consistency and quality that mirrors the brand’s beverage ethos.
Must-Try Flavours Inspired by Iconic Drinks
The Hong Kong menu draws directly from Heytea’s most beloved tea-based creations. Early previews highlight several standout options:
- Mango Coconut Sticky Rice Gelato – A dessert-inspired flavour combining tropical mango, coconut milk, and glutinous rice notes
- Cheese Tea Golden Phoenix (芝芝金鳳) – A savoury-sweet interpretation of the brand’s signature cheese-topped oolong tea
- Berry Yoghurt (莓莓酸奶) – A tangy, creamy blend of mixed berries and yoghurt
Additional flavours from the Shenzhen lab, such as Nine-Steep Jasmine White Sticky Rice and Starfruit Olive, may also appear on the Hong Kong menu as seasonal offerings.
Location and Opening Details
The first Hong Kong branch will be situated at:
- Address: Shop C-34, APM Mall, 418 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong
- Phone: To be confirmed
- Opening Hours: To be announced
Social media users have already begun sharing photos of the outlet’s renovation progress, with many expressing anticipation on local food groups like “觀塘食好嘢” (Kwun Tong Eats Well). The choice of APM – a major shopping hub in Kowloon East – signals Heytea’s strategy to capture high foot traffic from both office workers and young shoppers.
Why Gelato? The Growing Trend in Hong Kong
Heytea’s move into gelato reflects a broader shift in Hong Kong’s dessert market. Over the past year, international brands like Thailand’s Blendies (which opened in Tsim Sha Tsui) and Italy’s Venchi have expanded their frozen dessert offerings in the city. Artisanal gelato, with its lower fat content and more intense flavour profile compared to standard ice cream, has found a loyal following among health-conscious consumers.
For Heytea, the Gelato Lab+ also serves as a brand extension – allowing fans to experience familiar tastes in a new format. “It’s a natural progression,” notes a food industry analyst. “Tea and fruit are already central to Heytea’s identity. Translating that into gelato creates a new touchpoint without diluting the brand.”
What to Expect Next
While an official opening date has yet to be confirmed, industry insiders suggest a launch within the coming weeks. The brand is expected to offer both single-scoop cups and cones, with prices likely to align with premium gelato competitors in the region.
For those eager to sample the range, the Shenzhen store remains a reliable benchmark – where queues often stretch well beyond the counter. Whether Hong Kong’s outlet will replicate that demand remains to be seen, but early signs suggest it will be a sweet addition to the city’s ever-evolving food scene.
Stay tuned for updates on operating hours and potential launch promotions. For now, mark your calendars and prepare for a taste of Heytea – frozen.