This 'Lanunu' Is Free When You Order Drinks At Riyadh's Whoa Tea

In what can only be described as Toy Story meets late capitalism, the Labubu - an aggressively cute, sharp-toothed fur gremlin that looks like a raccoon who's inhaled multiple cortados - has taken the Gulf by storm. Originally spotted in Hong Kong (and definitely not the ancient Egyptian cat god’s intern, despite what ChatGPT might suggest), the Labubu has found a second home dangling from luxury bags and haunting the dashboards of G-Wagons everywhere.

But now, Riyadh’s Whoa Tea has entered the chat. Unable (or perhaps unwilling) to casually hand out $300 collectible dolls with every mango yakult, they’ve birthed a pocket-sized local variant: Lanunu. She’s pink, she’s perplexing, and she comes free with your order - because nothing says “refreshing tapioca treat” like a sentient puffball with fangs.

Originally dismissed as a "fricative fashion statement" (which, honestly, sounds like something you'd need antibiotics for), the Labubu is now crossing into F&B territory. Next stop: Michelin-star kitchens? Petting zoos?

Until then, sip carefully. Your drink might come with a side of tiny chaos - and a plush toy that looks like it might bite you in your sleep.