Men Wah Bing Teng relives the taste of 1970s HK with AI and rap fusion

Men Wah Bing Teng, a restaurant brand under the Tai Hing Group, has unveiled an innovative new campaign that fuses artificial intelligence (AI), dynamic music, and treasured heritage to resurrect the golden era of 1970s Hong Kong.  

Originating from a standalone “bing sutt”, meaning traditional Hong Kong-style café, in Kowloon, Men Wah Bing Teng’s legacy spans over five decades, enchanting diners with authentic, comforting flavours that evoke the warmth of bygone days. 

Men Wah Bing Teng’s story began in a humble Kowloon café, embodying the lively spirit of Hong Kong’s “bing sutt” tradition. Featuring an extensive menu of local favorites and Western-style snacks, Men Wah Bing Teng quickly became a cherished community gathering spot.  

Today, the brand pays homage to its storied cultural heritage by leveraging AI technology to restore and animate vintage archival footage from the 1970s—reigniting fond memories and speaking to the modern diner’s craving for fresh, creative experiences.  

Adding a contemporary twist, Men Wah Bing Teng collaborated with local hip-hop artist “Heyo” to create a vibrant rap track that bridges generations, demonstrating that history and innovation can thrive in harmony. 

In a conversation with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, a spokesperson from Men Wah Bing Teng said Heyo's previous work spotlights Hong Kong culture and nostalgia. Known for weaving classic references into modern rap beats, his style perfectly aligns with the campaign's mission to blend the old and the new. 

"By capturing the essence of a bygone era and translating it into a dynamic, contemporary sound, Heyo's involvement amplifies the campaign's goal of connecting generations through shared culture pride," added the spokesperson.

Central to the brand's marketing strategy is the belief that tradition can be revitalised through new technology. By employing advanced AI techniques to recreate historical moments, from vintage street scenes to classic cafe interiors, the brand bridges the gap between the past and the present, said the spokesperson. 

"This interplay of nostalgic imagery and modern platforms not only preserves the essence of 1970s Hong Kong culture, but also resonates with digital-savvy audiences who value authenticity served in a novel way. In doing so, Men Wah Bing Teng continues to cultivate its legacy while remaining firmly in step with current trends," added the spokesperson.

From the iconic red bean with ice to the fragrant Men Wah BBQ pork with egg and rice, each dish at Men Wah Bing Teng tells its own story—now enhanced by immersive visuals and an energising hip-hop soundtrack. This imaginative approach transforms a simple meal into a cultural celebration, welcoming diners of all ages to rediscover the joy and heritage of Hong Kong’s “good old days” through a fresh, contemporary lens. 

Done in partnership with local creative agency Uth Creative, the year-long campaign will run from mid-April across multiple media channels, including television, print, digital, and social platforms. An array of interactive elements—such as pop-up events showcasing live rap performances and AI-driven visuals—will allow audiences to experience this fusion of nostalgia and modernity firsthand. 

“The new brand campaign aims to establish Men Wah Bing Teng as the definitive name for authentic Hong Kong-style café dishes,” said Desmond So, CEO of Uth. “By leveraging AI technology and archival footage, we’ve recreated the nostalgic charm of old Hong Kong. To add a contemporary twist, we even composed a rap song—blending tradition with modernity. This fusion of creativity is designed to set Men Wah Bing Teng apart from competitors in the category.” 

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