This unexpected attention came after Kendrick Lamar mentioned the eatery in his diss track aimed at Drake, titled “Euphoria.”
In the song, Kendrick Lamar sarcastically references dining at New Ho King, describing enjoying fried rice with a dipping sauce and a sidearm, playfully using local Ontario slang.
Since the release of the track, New Ho King has experienced a significant increase in popularity, with many curious diners seeking to experience the restaurant mentioned by the renowned rapper.
Since the track’s release on April 30th, New Ho King, situated in Toronto’s Chinatown district, has experienced a remarkable surge in business, as owner Johnny Lu shared with MarketWatch. He noted that their business has skyrocketed by an astounding 300 percent.
“It’s busier than ever,” he remarked. “Thanks to Drake and Kendrick, there’s now even more buzz and excitement.”
A viral video posted by food blogger @insta.noodls showcased the influx of customers flocking to New Ho King to indulge in the newly named “Kendrick Lamar special.”
This unique offering features a generous serving of fried rice accompanied by deep-fried shrimp seasoned with chili and crispy garlic, spicy fried chicken wings, and savory beef and broccoli.
The total cost for the four dishes amounted to $66, offering customers a substantial meal. For an authentic Kendrick Lamar experience, diners have the option to enjoy the fried rice with the “dip sauce.”
New Ho King has been a fixture in Toronto’s Chinatown for nearly five decades, as reported by The Guardian on May 10th.
While the “Kendrick Lamar special” has garnered attention as the restaurant’s latest attraction, its Ho King Special Fried Rice remains a crowd favorite, boasting a delightful combination of shrimp, pork, eggs, peas, and lettuce.
In a swift response to Kendrick Lamar’s “Euphoria,” Drake released his own diss track titled “Family Matters” just days after its debut.
The music video for “Family Matters” even features New Ho King, showcasing Drake and his entourage gathered around a table filled with various dishes, including the signature fried rice.
Drake, whose real name is Aubrey Graham, and Kendrick Lamar have been making headlines due to their ongoing feud, which has escalated with personal attacks exchanged through a series of diss tracks.
The animosity between the two stars began about a month ago when Lamar criticized the Canadian rapper and J Cole in his song “First Person Shooter.”
SEE ALSO: Ross Advises Drake After Kendrick Lamar Diss
In response, Drake released a diss track accusing Lamar of domestic violence, while Lamar retaliated by alleging that Drake has a secret daughter. In another track titled “Not Like Us,” Lamar went as far as calling Drake a “certified paedophile” and made several references to alleged interactions with younger women.
However, tensions escalated further on May 7th when a drive-by shooting occurred outside Drake’s residence. A security guard was shot in the chest, and upon arrival, police officers found him unconscious at the scene.
According to Toronto police, the security guard was shot outside the gates of Drake’s property by an unidentified attacker. He sustained serious injuries and was rushed to a hospital for treatment.
Additionally, there have been three separate incidents of intruders attempting to break into Drake’s mansion, with the most recent one occurring on May 11th.
In response to these security breaches, the rapper took to social media to express his frustration, pleading for discussions regarding helicopter flight schedules over his residence. He humorously added, “I won’t lie, I’m trying to sleep. Anytime after 3pm works great for me.”
Source: independent.co.uk