Ho Lee Fook

The Retro Revival: Vintage, Markets, and the Unexpected Star of the East End

We find ourselves in a new trend wave—once again, the old is becoming new. Vintage is back. Second-hand, pre-loved, and used have been welcomed once again into our fashion vocabulary. This revival has breathed new life into car boot sales and markets that existed long before trends even began. They’ve stood strong through the years, watching the youth come and go, knowing they would find their place in modern culture once again. And here we are—the retro era.

Amidst these trends, one place has become an iconic image in Glasgow: The Barras. Standing the test of time since 1921, the market stalls are full of character, selling all sorts of random keepsakes. Though The Barras has seen some modern touches over the years, the culture and working-class roots have remained the same.

However, just across the road, you’ll find something that hasn’t been around for generations—something that’s far from your standard bite to eat while browsing the East End market. Taking inspiration from Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, and various styles of Asian street food, we welcome: Ho Lee Fook.

Ho Lee Fook has quickly become an East End powerhouse, serving up a range of Asian goodness—from Japanese gyozas to bang-bang chicken, and their ultimate sando.

The Tonkatsu Sando has become their viral signature dish. Pork belly is brined, braised, and breaded over a meticulous three-day process, then served on soft white bread with creamy Kewpie mayo and crunchy raw cabbage. The way the sandwich is sliced and arranged in its packaging reveals a perfect cross-section of food symmetry—guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

Next year marks the one hundredth anniversary of The Barras iconic shed that kept out the elements. Not many places can stand the test of time the way these market stalls have. But if God does exist, I hope he ensures that Ho Lee Fook sticks around for at least the rest of my lifetime.

---