Hong Kong’s street food brand Mammy Pancake will launch its first international franchise in London this May, opening in Portobello Road. Known for its award-winning bubble waffles and six consecutive years of Michelin street food recognition in Hong Kong, the business, which was founded in 2009, has more than 20 branches in Asia.
The UK launch is led by franchise partners Brendan Ho and Donald Lai, long-time friends with complementary business backgrounds and a shared commitment to “bringing authentic Hong Kong flavours to a broader audience”.
Donald, who previously worked as a consultant on campaigns for brands such as Costa Coffee and Wagamama, left a six-figure role in March 2024 to commit full-time to Mammy Pancake. Ho was previously in investment banking and has grown up in a family that runs multiple restaurants in Hong Kong and mainland China.
Ho told Propel that the company plans to open ten-plus sites in the UK over the next three years. He said: “We want to give Londoners and the wider UK market access to genuine Hong Kong street food, executed with the same quality and heart that made it a staple of our childhood.”
The UK flagship will feature signature products such as Earl Grey bubble waffles, alongside UK exclusives including crème brulee, sticky toffee pudding and pistachio.
Seasonal specials and drinks like strawberries and cream special and Hong Kong-style milk tea will round out the offering. Where possible, core ingredients will be sourced directly from Asia to maintain authenticity, while select UK produce will be used to develop regionally exclusive flavours.
The pair said they see high potential for Hong Kong street food in the UK market, especially among younger consumers seeking unique, globally inspired food experiences.
Lai said: “We’re not just bringing a product over, we’re bringing a culture and a legacy, and this is just the beginning. We hope to open additional locations and make Mammy Pancake a household name across the UK.”
