Coffee, tea and dessert omakase is taking over Seoul, South Korea

South Korea’s culinary scene has always been dynamic, with its ability to adapt global trends while maintaining a distinctly Korean flair. From the iconic Korean barbecue to the endless varieties of street food, the country’s food culture is as vibrant as its cities. However, in recent years, a quieter revolution, one that shifts the focus from meals to meticulous moments of indulgence, has been brewing.
In the past, the term “omakase” was almost exclusively associated with high-end sushi restaurants in Japan, where diners would entrust the chef to serve a selection of the day’s best offerings. In South Korea, this concept has been adapted beyond sushi to embrace desserts, coffee, and tea, offering patrons an immersive experience that is both intimate and indulgent.
The trend towards these different experiences is reflective of a broader cultural shift in South Korea. As the country’s food scene matures, there is an increasing appetite for experiences that go beyond the typical. Consumers are seeking more personalised, high-quality encounters, whether it’s in the form of a meticulously crafted piece of dessert or a hand-brewed cup of single-origin coffee. The rise of these curations represent a growing appreciation for the art of flavour, where every bite or sip reflects the chef’s or barista’s expertise.
Here, we round up some experiences you can savour on your next trip to Seoul.
JL DESSERT BAR
Located in the heart of Seoul, JL Dessert Bar is a prime example of this trend. Chef Justin Lee returned to Seoul in 2016 after gaining experience abroad in New Zealand, armed with a determination to create a dessert experience that goes beyond the traditional confines of a meal’s sweet finale. However, he prefers the term “dessert tasting course” or “dessert dining”, emphasising the curated and immersive nature of the experience.
Chef Lee, who was awarded one of five Talent of the Year awards on the La Liste Pastry Awards 2024, shared: “As culinary culture evolves, there has been a growing interest in pairing not only food but also desserts with beverages such as wine, coffee, tea, and cocktails. This development has led to the emergence of venues where customers can enjoy these pairings, meeting the demand for new and unique experiences. The increasing popularity of such experiences is also fuelled by a desire to try something different and fully immerse oneself in a comprehensive tasting experience that goes beyond traditional dining.”
Address: 3rd Level, 7-2, Daesagwan-ro 31-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Reservations can be made via JL Dessert Bar’s homepage here or Catchtable here.
CULTURAL CITIZEN SEOUL
Nestled in the glitzy Gangnam neighbourhood of Seoul, Culture Citizen Seoul is redefining the dessert scene with its innovative and exclusive dessert omakase. The inspiration behind this experience at Culture Citizen Seoul is rooted in a desire to shift the focus back to the desserts — in many traditional dessert cafes, customers often find themselves engrossed in conversation or the ambiance, with the desserts taking a back seat. Here, the founders sought to create an environment where the desserts could truly shine.
At Culture Citizen Seoul, they’ve opted for a bar format to encourage customers to sit at the bar, listen attentively to the explanations provided, and savour each bite as it was intended. Guests not only enjoy the flavours but they’ll also appreciate the artistry and intention behind each dish. While the menu refreshes every three months, the cafe’s signature creation, Butternut Squash, has become a constant on the ever-evolving menu. It is also available as a standalone order for those who wish to indulge in a tried-and-true favourite.
Address: 2nd Floor, 836-67 Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Reservations for foreign guests can be made via DM on their Instagram page.
COCOSIENNA
Cocosienna is more than just a tea brand — it’s a sanctuary where the beverage becomes an experience, connecting people and offering a serene escape from the everyday rush. Each of Cocosienna’s tea omakases, which takes about an hour and 20 minutes, features a seasonal course that reflects the sense of the season, showcasing premium teas not only from small tea farms in South Korea but also from around the world.
In the summer, they offer a variety of menus including cold-brewed tea, iced tea, raw kombucha, and sparkling tea, and each season’s final course includes a “teavariation”, where tea can be enjoyed as a dessert. “Many people perceive tea as an unfamiliar and difficult beverage, especially when it comes to brewing loose leaf tea instead of tea bags. Through this experience, we aim to make tea more approachable and attractive by introducing a variety of teas up close and providing an enjoyable experience guided by a tea sommelier,” shared Cocosienna’s founder and CEO, Eunji Kim.
Address:  4th Floor, 255-1 Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Reservations for foreign guests can be made via DM on their Instagram page.
OMOT
The name OMOT has two meanings: “On My Own Time” and “Out of Many, Our Tea”.OMOT’s tea omakase is a modern reinterpretation of South Korea’s rich tea culture, designed to bring the timeless art of tea drinking to a global audience. Unlike the typical omakase experience, where a chef curates a special meal, OMOT’s tea omakase immerses guests in a carefully crafted tea ceremony. Here, guests are taken on an auditory and sensory journey in the soothing sounds of traditional Korean instruments, like the gayageum, paired with modern white noise to create an environment that is both unfamiliar and comforting. This carefully designed soundscape helps customers imagine the unfolding story of the season, deepening their connection to each cup of tea.
The experience typically includes five teas, starting with a welcome tea and accompanied by traditional Korean snacks. Each tea and its accompanying snacks are thoughtfully chosen to complement the overarching theme of the season, which changes every four months.
Address: 12 Seoulsup 2-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Reservations for foreign guests can be made via DM on their Instagram page.
GUTE LEUTE
Rounding out this tour of South Korea’s latest F&B revolution is Gute Leute. Founded by CEO Seomyung-seok, his journey began with the idea of creating a space that concentrated solely on espresso-based beverages. Over time, as more customers expressed their enjoyment of sampling multiple drinks, the menu naturally transitioned into a course-style offering. This year marks the third iteration of Gute Leute’s Coffee Omakase, with each season featuring a new and exciting theme, including a vegan-themed course in collaboration with Oatly, a plant-based milk brand, and a zero-syrup-based menu introduced in partnership with the French syrup brand Monin.
Each set comes with five distinctive drinks (four espresso-based drinks and one non-coffee drink) that capture the essence of the season. The summer menu, for instance, features drinks made from a combination of pineapple puree with orange granita and an espresso shot, as well as refreshing variations that include peach yoghurt poured over watermelon sorbet and espresso sorbet, creating a layered, cooling treat. If you’re worried about your caffeine intake for the day, don’t fret; the caffeine content is adjusted to ensure it is not overwhelming.
Address: 16 Seolleung-ro 131-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Reservations for foreign guests can be made via DM on their Instagram page.