# [Portfolio Spotlight] Tasting the Future of K-Desserts at Anghodu’s New Vietnam Flagship At **The Invention Lab**, we love seeing our portfolio companies grow on paper, but there is nothing quite like experiencing that growth in person. This week, our team had the pleasure of visiting the newly opened **Anghodu** flagship store in Ho Chi Minh City to see their strategic expansion into Vietnam come to life. Here is a look at the business behind the brand, and more importantly, what we experienced on-site! # 1. Introduction of Anghodu Founded in June 2022 by **CEO Heewon Wi**, **Anghodu** is an innovative F&B franchise that has successfully modernized _hodu-gwaja_ (traditional Korean walnut cakes). Instead of positioning these cakes as simple local souvenirs, Anghodu has transformed them into a trendy, highly scalable dessert franchise built for the modern consumer. What makes the Anghodu experience so unique? - **A Modernized Menu:** They utilize a "Menu In-and-Out" system to stay ahead of trends, offering nine distinct walnut cake fillings that range from classic to contemporary, alongside 30 different beverage options. ![Image](https://upload.cafenono.com/image/slashpagePost/20260305/193635_6WkCoE6IWiVdURTU96?q=80&s=1280x180&t=outside&f=webp) ![Image](https://upload.cafenono.com/image/slashpagePost/20260305/193722_PCw4XHTDvOlkuZyjjD?q=80&s=1280x180&t=outside&f=webp) - **Streamlined Operations:** Built for high-traffic areas, delivery, and take-out, Anghodu operates on a compact, highly efficient footprint. Quality control and unit economics are maintained across all locations through a centralized, HACCP-compliant manufacturing process for both dough and fillings. - **Interactive Branding:** The brand is built around their adorable mascot, "Angi," and features an ingenious "Eat-and-Play" packaging concept. Their boxes include built-in mini-games like Yutnori and Bingo, turning a simple snack into a highly shareable social experience. ![Image](https://upload.cafenono.com/image/slashpagePost/20260305/193801_Kid20zfMc1YxXQ6SAr?q=80&s=1280x180&t=outside&f=webp) ![Image](https://upload.cafenono.com/image/slashpagePost/20260305/193801_MxZGgVbOzavOYh9iNC?q=80&s=1280x180&t=outside&f=webp) # 2. Recent Success Anghodu's blend of operational rigor and cultural appeal has turned them into a true K-dessert powerhouse. In South Korea alone, the brand has achieved an impressive 137% year-over-year revenue growth and secured 46 franchise agreements, steadily marching toward their goal of 250 domestic locations. ![Image](https://upload.cafenono.com/image/slashpagePost/20260305/193855_RpFvqUzXAfmnH2XWo5?q=80&s=1280x180&t=outside&f=webp) Their global momentum is equally strong. Recently, Anghodu signed its first overseas Master Franchise (MF) contract to open in the Makati region of the Philippines, and recorded the highest number of business consultations at the 2025 Philippines Asia Franchise Expo. Now, they are bringing that same winning formula to Vietnam. # 3. Expansion in Vietnam **Anghodu’s **entry into Vietnam was meticulously planned, starting with market testing at the **2025 Incheon Youth Global Launchpad** pop-up, followed by an MOU with local partner **C-LAPS**. But all that work truly comes to life when you walk through the doors of their new Ho Chi Minh City location. ![Image](https://upload.cafenono.com/image/slashpagePost/20260305/194322_wpyCrjQoroK26MJwPr?q=80&s=1280x180&t=outside&f=webp) Our team visited during their soft opening phase, and the energy was fantastic. Here is what you can expect if you visit: **What's on the Menu (And What We Ate!) **The menu is perfectly tailored to pair K-desserts with Vietnam's vibrant café culture. We ordered a spread of their signature walnut cakes and coffee. - We highly recommend trying a mix of flavors. We sampled the **Classic Red Bean** and the **Ang-Custard** flavors. Paired with their freshly brewed iced coffee, the combination of the warm, crispy cake exterior and the sweet or savory fillings is incredible. ![Image](https://upload.cafenono.com/image/slashpagePost/20260305/194710_6mvY0iPNgILaZ7MT6b?q=80&s=1280x180&t=outside&f=webp) To celebrate their soft opening, Anghodu is currently running some fantastic on-site promotions to build their local community: - **Review & Receive:** Leave a quick review on Google Maps while at the store, and you'll receive an exclusive Anghodu badge or keychain. - **Social Media Perks:** Follow them on social media to grab an ultra-cute "Angi" screen cleaner. - **Bring the Team: **They are currently offering a "Buy 3, Get 1 Free" drink promotion, making it the perfect time to bring your colleagues or friends. We are incredibly proud to support Anghodu as they scale their vision across Southeast Asia. If you are in Ho Chi Minh City, we highly recommend dropping by to taste the K-dessert wave for yourself. ![Image](https://upload.cafenono.com/image/slashpagePost/20260305/194756_vUKzcHr2zCFPM4zdRv?q=80&s=1280x180&t=outside&f=webp) ![Image](https://upload.cafenono.com/image/slashpagePost/20260305/194756_oMyDkUGBmw1ZVFjMfl?q=80&s=1280x180&t=outside&f=webp) ![Image](https://upload.cafenono.com/image/slashpagePost/20260305/194756_Ij1SRLuh601sIr6A36?q=80&s=1280x180&t=outside&f=webp) ![Image](https://upload.cafenono.com/image/slashpagePost/20260305/194756_NJwwzeoU2vl03wKVrY?q=80&s=1280x180&t=outside&f=webp) ![Image](https://upload.cafenono.com/image/slashpagePost/20260305/194756_7n6Am2ODwuJPCyMDl6?q=80&s=1280x180&t=outside&f=webp) ![Image](https://upload.cafenono.com/image/slashpagePost/20260305/194756_61cZRgNz7rkSEGPZbP?q=80&s=1280x180&t=outside&f=webp) ![Image](https://upload.cafenono.com/image/slashpagePost/20260305/194756_UGCSvcnYlleLfxQV9A?q=80&s=1280x180&t=outside&f=webp) Want to see more of the on-site action? If you're curious about their latest menu drops or store events, be sure to check out Anghodu's official Vietnamese social media channels on TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube for the latest updates! > **Anghodu’s SNS** - Website: [https://www.anghodu.com/](https://www.anghodu.com/) - Facebook:[https://www.facebook.com/anghoducafe2026](https://www.facebook.com/anghoducafe2026) - Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/anghodu_cafe/?hl=en](https://www.instagram.com/anghodu_cafe/?hl=en) [https://www.tiktok.com/@anghodu.cafe](https://www.tiktok.com/@anghodu.cafe) - Tiktok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@anghodu.cafe](https://www.tiktok.com/@anghodu.cafe) For the site tree, see the [root Markdown](https://slashpage.com/theilab-blog.md).