Hello Kitty birthday pop-up brings Showa-era cafe to Hong Kong
Hello Kitty's birthday celebration at Choubo Kissaten in Hong Kong features a Showa-era themed menu, exclusive merchandise, and a character meet-and-greet, running until 3 January 2027.
Sanrio character Hello Kitty is marking her birthday in Hong Kong with a culinary and lifestyle collaboration at Choubo Kissaten, transforming the Japanese restaurant at K11 Art Mall into a retro retreat running through 3 January 2027, according to The Standard.
The celebration, titled the Showa Romantic Celebration, draws inspiration from Japan's Showa-era kissaten cafe culture of the 1970s, the decade Hello Kitty was first introduced. The dining venue in Tsim Sha Tsui has been styled with vintage furnishings and warm colour palettes to evoke the ambiance of a traditional Japanese coffeehouse.
The limited-time dining programme introduces several exclusive multi-course options. Among the headline offerings is the Hello Kitty Pink Ribbon Celebration Set, priced at HK$288, which centres on a spicy mentaiko pasta dish paired with bowtie cream soup, ribbon-themed sandwiches, and a specialty apple soda. Diners can also opt for the Hello Kitty Showa Romance Sweet Dreams Set for HK$188, including a retro strawberry parfait layered with jam, biscuits, cream, and apple mousse cake, alongside sweet red bean milk.
For guests planning personal celebrations, the restaurant has introduced a dedicated birthday set priced at HK$308. The package includes a mini strawberry cake, themed table arrangements, and instant commemorative photography, requiring advance reservation via messaging at least three days prior.
Beyond regular dining, the collaboration features a one-day character meet-and-greet event scheduled for 1 November 2026. Hello Kitty is slated to make in-person appearances dressed in vintage Showa-style attire across two afternoon sessions. Admission is priced at HK$680 per guest, covering the signature meal set, personalised instant photos, and a commemorative gift package containing an exclusive ceramic plate, tote bag, and silk twilly scarf.
Fans can also purchase a collectible afternoon tea gift box priced at HK$398, available for advance order through late November ahead of on-site pickups extending into January. The package features a branded vintage teacup and saucer set, a custom spoon, cookies, and Earl Grey drip coffee bags. Visitors ordering themed sets can write celebratory messages on custom cards to hang on an in-store wishing tree or participate in a retro gumball capsule game offering surprise promotional merchandise with qualifying meal purchases.
