Sip, savor, stay: Dessert 39 brings a slice of Korea to Manila
Before customers notice the gleaming desserts or the long line at its flagship SM Mall of Asia branch, South Korea’s Dessert 39 announces itself with a single image: a cartoon Korean man calmly sipping a drink. The illustration is simple, almost playful—but quietly tells a story of comfort, culture and everyday indulgence.
In South Korea, cafés are more than places to satisfy a sweet craving; they are extensions of daily life—spaces to pause, connect and linger. Dessert 39’s logo reflects this culture, speaking volumes before a word is read or a drink is tasted. Even the café’s name carries intention: “39” refers to the number of desserts on its menu, each inspired by well-known drinks and pastries from around the world.
“That was the idea when we started 10 years ago,” said Kyeong Kwangho, general manager of Dessert 39 headquarters, who flew to Manila for the opening. “Today, Dessert 39’s menu has expanded to make our customers happier.”
More than a branding choice, the concept shapes how the café operates—inviting guests to stay rather than rush, and to explore more than what its name suggests. It is this philosophy that prompted The Bistro Group to bring Dessert 39 to Manila, introducing the Korean café brand to a local audience increasingly drawn to experiential dining.
Savory, sweet, and everything in between
Founded in Gyeongridan-il, Itaewon in 2015, Dessert 39 is more than just an after-meal stop. While neatly crafted cakes and pastries remain a major draw, the café’s menu stretches across a range of offerings, including blended and brewed drinks, milk-based beverages, and light savory dishes suited for longer visits.
Among the drinks, The Bistro Group vice president for operations Apryl Sy highlighted the Einspänner Latte—a popular Korean coffee drink inspired by the traditional Viennese Einspänner. It combines espresso with a lightly sweetened milk base and a thick layer of soft whipped cream. Traditionally enjoyed without stirring, the drink is meant to be taken in a long sip, allowing the bitterness of the coffee and the richness of the cream to come together in a single taste.
Matcha also features prominently on the menu, with options ranging from classic lattes to indulgent variations. Among the most talked-about is the Matcha Bucket Latte, a generously sized serving noted for both its scale and presentation, alongside the Matcha Latte, Super Matcha Latte, and Matcha Cream Strawberry Latte.
Cakes and pastries are displayed like little works of art, with flavors ranging from light and fruity to rich and chocolatey. Highlights include the Tokyo Roll, a soft cake with subtle sweetness, and the Omelet, a fluffy, lightly baked creation that folds textures and flavors into a single bite. These offerings, along with layered cakes such as the Pure Milk Cake, Red Velvet and Super Soft Original Cheesecake, are crafted to pair seamlessly with the café’s drinks.
Beyond sweets and beverages, Dessert 39 offers a selection of light savory dishes, making it a destination for more than just dessert. The menu includes rice bowls—Beef Shortplate, Chicken BBQ, and Chicken Inasal—pasta, and the signature Croquant Choux, each crafted with the same attention to flavor and presentation as the café’s pastries. From tender, marinated meats to the crisp, golden exterior of the Croquant Choux, these dishes provide a satisfying balance to the sweet selections.
Rather than centering on one category alone, the menu mirrors the rhythm of Korean café culture. A single table might hold a slice of cake, a savory bite, and a drink meant to be sipped slowly. At Dessert 39, guests can linger, whether for dessert, a drink, or both.
Modern yet unpretentious
Stepping inside Dessert 39, the café’s philosophy of lingering and savoring comes to life in its design. Soft lighting, warm wood accents and minimalist décor create an inviting atmosphere with modern Korean aesthetics and comfort.
Seating arrangements encourage both social gatherings and quiet moments alone, while subtle touches—like pastel-colored chairs and carefully placed greenery—add a playful charm that mirrors the café’s logo.
Every corner seems designed for enjoyment: a table by the window invites people-watching over a latte, while a cozy booth encourages sharing a dessert with friends. The space complements the menu perfectly, allowing guests to move seamlessly from sipping a creamy Einspänner latte to savoring a slice of Tokyo Roll, or from tasting a savory rice bowl to relaxing with a Matcha Bucket Latte.
At Dessert 39, every detail—from the playful cartoon logo to the carefully crafted menu and the warm, inviting interiors—invites guests to slow down and savor the moment. More than just a stop for a quick treat, the café embodies a slice of Korean café culture, offering an experience that is as much about comfort and connection as it is about flavor.
