Labubu Is Watching You Eat – And You Might Get to Take Him Home (Images: Instagram)
Once upon a time, not too long ago, mind you – A wide-eyed, toothy little rascal crawled out of a Nordic fairy tale, captured the imagination of collectors, and soon after, crept into the high-gloss handbags of Rihanna, Dua Lipa and Lisa of BLACKPINK. Fast-forward to now, and this so-called ‘ugly-cute’ gremlin named Labubu isn’t just living in display shelves or tote bags anymore—it’s showing up next to your risotto, in your dessert plate, and occasionally, inside your shopping bag as a surprise takeaway.
Yes, you read that right. The cult toy that began as a hand-drawn figment by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung has now taken over the menus of Mumbai’s trendiest restaurants. It’s no longer enough to just eat good food; you must earn a Labubu while you’re at it. And while some might call it a marketing gimmick, others are willingly parting with Rs 5,000 (or more) for a doll that looks like it just crawled out of a dark wood with a mischievous plan.
Curious? Hungry? A little FOMO kicking in? Welcome to Mumbai’s new limited-edition culinary craze.
All Saints, Khar West
Tucked into the leafy lanes of Khar West, All Saints has always been about polished vibes and perfectly plated meals. But now, it’s added a twist—Labubu’s Table, a set menu that gives you more than just culinary satisfaction. Picture this: chipotle-smacked paneer, ravioli that hides its secrets, and a caramel cloud that might just make you believe in dessert again.
The clincher? Spend Rs 5,000 on the curated menu and walk away with a Labubu. But before you start plotting a group dinner with four friends to snag five dolls, hold your fork. One table, one bill, one doll. Sharing is caring, but apparently not when it comes to collectables.
Mercii, Santacruz West
If All Saints is your Instagrammable Parisian dream, Mercii in Santacruz is your breezy, European brunch fantasy—with a twist. Their Labubu Prix Fixe menu is all about that playful fusion. Think Smashed Avocado that refuses to behave, Curious Carrots that seem suspiciously self-aware, and a Vanilla Cloud that promises sweetness but has Labubu’s signature smirk.
Here too, the rules are the same: spend enough, dine well, and you might leave with a doll tucked into your arms. The offer ran till July 10, according to Curly Tales, but knowing the demand, extensions aren’t off the menu either.
Zima
Just when you thought Mumbai had peaked on Labubu-mania, walk-in Zima with its seven-course tribute to the cheeky monster. This isn’t just dinner—it’s theatre. Every dish on this set menu is inspired by Labubu’s curious personality. From earthy mushroom bites to eccentric dessert courses, each plate tells a story. And yes, guests walk away with a doll. Reservation only. Seats? Vanishing faster than a trending reel.
Bonus: There’s even a Labubu-inspired grey cake. Yes, grey. Who knew gloom could taste so good?
The Tale Behind the Teeth: Why Everyone Wants a Labubu
Let’s circle back to how we even got here. Labubu was born in the imagination of Kasing Lung, who debuted the character as part of his illustrated book series The Monsters. In 2019, Pop Mart, a Chinese pop-culture toy company, gave Labubu its vinyl form—and the rest is resale history.
At the heart of Labubu’s design lies a contradiction: it’s part-mischievous elf, part-forgotten forest creature, with a grin that says, “Trust me” while hiding something behind its back. And perhaps that’s why people are drawn to it—it’s the uncanny valley of cute. You’re not sure why you like it. You just do.
Fun fact? According to Forbes’ Real Time Billionaires List 2025, Pop Mart’s founder Wang Ning saw his net worth skyrocket from $7.59 billion in late 2024 to $22.1 billion by mid-2025. All thanks to Labubu and its pop-culture siblings.
From Hong Kong to Handbags to Haute Cuisine
What’s fuelling this hysteria? In a word: celebrities. Lisa kicked things off with an unboxing, Rihanna was next, and soon, everyone from Ananya Panday to Dua Lipa was flaunting their Labubu on red carpets and selfies alike. The domino effect was inevitable. From limited-edition figurines to Labubu-themed cakes in bakeries like Whisk Cake Studio and Kookie Cake Crumble, the monster had officially gone mainstream.
Across the globe, even London’s Sakura-Do bakery launched a line of Labubu cakes in strawberry, matcha, oreo and even yuzu. What began as a fandom has snowballed into a global aesthetic.
So, Should You Dine for a Doll?
Let’s face it—there’s something deliciously absurd about pairing a Rs 5,000 meal with a figurine. But if anything, the Labubu food collab tells us how deeply entangled our cravings are—with taste, trend, and the tangible thrill of exclusivity.
Will Labubu end up in a drawer by next year? Maybe. But right now, it’s the guest of honour at some of Mumbai’s finest tables. Whether you want a doll, a decadent dinner, or both, these restaurants are giving you the chance to be part of a moment that’s as edible as it is Instagrammable.
And if Labubu does vanish into the shadows again—well, that’s just how fairy tales work.
Human footnote: If you’ve ever found joy in something a little off-kilter, a little uncanny, and totally unexpected—Labubu might just be your spirit animal. Or at least your next dinner date.
Fun Fact to Leave You With:
Labubu may look like a tiny terror, but Pop Mart officially describes it as “kind-hearted,” despite often making things worse while trying to help. In short—it’s the friend who means well but accidentally sets the kitchen on fire. Who wouldn’t want a dinner companion like that?
Stay hungry. Stay quirky. And if you’re lucky, stay Labubu-ed.