Manila’s cafe scene recently gained a distinctly Korean accent with the arrival of Dessert 39 at the Mall of Asia, marking the brand’s first branch in Southeast Asia. Founded in Seoul and now operating more than 700 stores across South Korea, the cafe enters the local market with a concept built less around novelty and more around everyday dining.

Located on the second floor of the Entertainment Mall, Dessert 39 balances sit-down comfort with grab-and-go ease. Its menu is designed for flexibility, offering savory dishes that can stand in for quick meals alongside the desserts that define the brand. Ready-to-heat rice bowls, pastas, and sandwiches anchor the savory selection, including spaghetti and meatball pasta, classic ham and cheese sandwiches, and a chicken inasal bowl tailored for the local palate.

Desserts remain at the heart of the experience. Pastries such as croquant choux and premium Tokyo roll cake are paired with drinks rooted in contemporary Korean cafe culture. Among the standouts are the Einspänner, an iced Americano topped with whipped cream and brown sugar, and the brown sugar pong latte, finished with Jolly Pong cereal for added texture. For those seeking lighter options, the Slim line offers zero-calorie beverages made with allulose, including zero lemon black tea and slim real chocolate.

A thread of sustainability runs quietly through the concept. Since 2020, Dessert 39 has promoted the use of biodegradable, reusable tumblers, framing mindful consumption as part of its everyday routine rather than a marketing statement.

The interiors reflect the same sense of restraint. Designed around a minimalist, planterior-inspired aesthetic, the space uses light and cool tones softened by greenery and moss textures. The cafe seats up to 138 guests and includes an outdoor area with a seaside view, allowing it to function as both a quick stop and a place to linger.

In South Korea, Dessert 39 has become a familiar presence across age groups by offering a wide range of savory food, desserts, and drinks suited for both in-store dining and on-the-go moments. That same sensibility underpins its Manila opening, where it enters a crowded cafe landscape with familiarity, convenience, and everyday comfort as its quiet strengths.