After a brief closure that disappointed dessert lovers across Hong Kong, the celebrated cheesecake shop 21LABO is making a triumphant return in a new, expanded location this month.
The small-batch bakery, which earned a passionate online following for its artisanal cheesecakes and was widely hailed by netizens as serving some of the best cheesecakes in Hong Kong, shuttered its Yau Ma Tei outpost in May 2025. The announcement sent waves of sorrow through its dedicated customer base. However, on July 19, the brand will reopen its doors at a larger venue in Mong Kok, this time offering dine-in seating for the first time.
A Comeback Driven by Demand
21LABO first captured the city’s attention through social media platforms like Threads, where photos of its dense, creamy cheesecakes went viral. Fans praised the bakery’s commitment to quality ingredients and precise technique. When the original location closed, many speculated that the brand might be gone for good.
“We were overwhelmed by the support and messages from customers asking us to come back,” a representative from 21LABO shared on social media. The reopening at U Corner, G4, 32B Shan Tung Street, Mong Kok, marks a new chapter. The space is significantly larger than the previous shop, allowing for a sit-down experience that was absent at the original takeaway-only counter.
What’s on the Menu?
The bakery will continue to offer its signature lineup of four core cheesecake flavours:
- Original – A classic, velvety baked cheesecake.
- 70% Extra Rich Chocolate – For serious cocoa lovers.
- Marukyu Koyamaen Hojicha – Featuring roasted Japanese green tea for a toasty, slightly sweet profile.
- Marukyu Koyamaen Matcha – A vibrant, earthy option using premium matcha powder.
In addition to these staples, 21LABO will serve a daily selection of rotating special cakes. Customers can also place orders for whole cakes, making the shop a go-to for celebrations and gatherings.
At the Yau Ma Tei location, two slices were priced at just HK$58—an exceptional value for handmade, high-quality cheesecake. Whether prices will change at the new Mong Kok store has not yet been confirmed, but fans are already bracing for queues.
Why the Hype?
The buzz around 21LABO is not merely social media noise. Food bloggers and dessert critics have noted the bakery’s meticulous attention to texture and flavour balance. Unlike many mass-produced cheesecakes in Hong Kong, 21LABO’s versions are dense without being heavy, and their sweetness is carefully calibrated to complement the earthy notes of matcha or the bitterness of dark chocolate.
The use of Marukyu Koyamaen tea, a prestigious Japanese brand, signals a commitment to premium sourcing. This dedication resonates with Hong Kong’s discerning dessert connoisseurs, who increasingly seek out small producers over chain bakeries.
Practical Information for Visitors
- Name: 21LABO
- New Address: Shop G4, G/F, U Corner, 32B Shan Tung Street, Mong Kok
- Reopening Date: July 19, 2025
- Dine-in: Yes, for the first time
- Ordering: Walk-in; whole cake pre-orders available
- Social Media: Follow @21labo on Instagram for updates
Looking Ahead
The reopening of 21LABO is more than a nostalgic revival—it reflects a broader trend in Hong Kong’s F&B scene. Small, independent dessert shops that build genuine communities online are thriving, even as larger chains struggle. The addition of dine-in seating may also signal the brand’s ambition to evolve from a viral sensation into a lasting local institution.
For those who missed the original Yau Ma Tei shop—or never got the chance to try its famed cheesecakes—the Mong Kok reopening offers a fresh start. But be prepared: with a reputation this strong, lines are almost certain.
Further Reading: Explore more of Hong Kong’s best bakeries and hidden dessert gems with our guide to neighbourhood food finds across the city.