Food influencer Jaeki Cho makes a bold statement by blending the vibrant atmospheres of New York and Seoul into a single, exciting pop-up event in Hong Kong. But here’s where it gets controversial: such cultural mashups often spark debates about authenticity and the boundaries of culinary fusion. On November 15, this Korean-American content creator arrived in Hong Kong for an exclusive, one-night-only gathering hosted at Shop B in Sai Ying Pun, offering a unique taste of his diverse background.
This event was the product of a partnership with a contemporary Cantonese restaurant, transforming Cho’s well-known ‘Righteous Eats’ platform—originally rooted in the digital world—into an immersive, real-life experience centered around community and cultural exchange through food and live music.
The curated menu was a creative mixture of Cho’s Korean heritage, his upbringing in New York City, and traditional Cantonese flavors from Hong Kong. It was illustrative of his goal to use cuisine as a bridge that connects different communities and cultures.
Highlights from the night included inventive takes such as a Hong Kong-style bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich fashioned from a pineapple bun, topped with char siu pork and honey butter—an unexpected twist on a classic comfort food. Another standout was a loaded baked potato filled with K-BBQ ingredients, including crispy pork belly and a spicy gochujang sour cream. Additionally, guests enjoyed a ceviche featuring cured hamachi, scallops, pickled red onions, and mala oil, served alongside prawn crisps for added crunch.
It’s worth noting that Cho, who once worked as a music journalist for well-known hip-hop publications like XXL and Complex, isn’t a traditional restaurateur. Instead, he has established himself as a culinary curator and passionate advocate for small and independent food businesses across the United States. The Hong Kong pop-up was a reflection of his wider mission to support and promote emerging food entrepreneurs globally, extending this ethos to an international audience.
This event demonstrates how food can serve as a powerful tool for cultural dialogue and community building, especially across different parts of the world. But does this kind of cultural fusion risk losing authenticity, or does it create new, enriching experiences? That’s the question many food enthusiasts and critics are debating.
What are your thoughts? Do you believe such culinary crossovers enhance cultural appreciation, or do they dilute traditional identities? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments—your perspective might spark a lively discussion!