Bakery Hoko Opens in London, Blending Hong Kong Brutalism with Egg Tarts

Hoko, the latest café venture by co-founder Nicole Ma, has debuted at 152-154 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 6DG. Collaborating with Justin Melican from Block One Design—who also crafted the Brick Lane outlet—Ma designed the café to reflect the post-war public housing estates of Hong Kong through a minimalist brutalist approach. The interior showcases mosaic tiles, terrazzo, concrete, vibrant colors, and a Ketley brick counter reminiscent of the Barbican. Personal elements include photos of Hong Kong estates, vintage blue melamine plates sourced by Ma's mother, and bakery tools. The menu features items made with Japanese flour and a sponge dough technique, including seaweed egg salad buns and Hong Kong egg tarts, which Ma describes as having a silky filling and a buttery crust. The original Hoko on Brick Lane draws inspiration from a cha chaan teng, while Hoko Wonton Noodles in Seven Dials specializes in hand-wrapped noodles, with all locations merging Hong Kong aesthetics with a London vibe.