By: Heather Djunga
Q: What makes Something Sweet Gallery Cafe a must-visit for dessert lovers in New York?
Ara Cho: Imagine stepping into a space where every dessert tells a story—a story of Seoul’s vibrant culture, modern creativity, and authentic flavors. At Something Sweet Gallery Cafe, we’re not just serving desserts; we’re offering an experience that blends ingredients like black sesame and mugwort with innovative designs inspired by Seoul’s contemporary dessert scene. From our Savory Croffles, Sweet Scoop Cakes, Cookies to Crème Lattes, each creation is a visual and sensory masterpiece that brings the spirit of Seoul to life.
Q: Why did you decide to bring Seoul’s dessert culture to New York City?
Ara Cho: New York is a diversity hub, but when I moved here, I noticed something missing: the incredible diversity of Seoul’s dessert culture. People love Korean BBQ, but Seoul’s desserts—beyond rice cakes—weren’t well known. I wanted to change that. My goal was to introduce New Yorkers to the flavors and creativity of modern Seoul, creating desserts that connect tradition with innovation in a way that feels approachable and exciting.
Q: Was it challenging to introduce Seoul’s desserts to a city so set in its culinary ways?
Ara Cho: It definitely was! Initially, people weren’t sure what to expect from desserts featuring ingredients like mugwort or black sesame, which are more common in Seoul than in New York. To make these flavors more approachable, I took inspiration from Seoul’s vibrant dessert scene and reimagined traditional elements in formats that felt familiar to New Yorkers.
That’s how our Sweet Scoop was born—a dessert cake that’s spoonable, portable, and visually stunning. It quickly became one of our most popular items, bridging the cultural gap and sparking curiosity. Similarly, our Seoul-inspired Cookies have been a delightful discovery for cookie lovers, often eliciting an excited “Wow!”—whether they’re savoring the nutty, roasted depth of our Black Sesame Cookies or the fruity sweetness of our Strawberry Cookies.Every bite invites people to explore the bold and sophisticated flavors that define Seoul’s modern dessert culture.
Photo Courtesy: Hongbin Kim
Q: How do your desserts capture the essence of Seoul?
Ara Cho: In Seoul, desserts are so much more than just sweetness—they’re a celebration of balance, depth, and artistry. Our desserts are deeply inspired by this philosophy, combining traditional ingredients with a modern twist to create something truly unique.
These desserts go beyond being simple treats; they’re an invitation to explore Seoul’s sophisticated yet approachable dessert culture, where every bite tells a story of tradition and innovation.
Q: You come from a family deeply rooted in the restaurant industry, with the iconic Korean restaurant in NYC, missKOREA BBQ. How did that shape your vision?
Ara Cho: Being surrounded by the operations of missKOREA BBQ taught me the importance of storytelling, hospitality, and authenticity. At missKOREA BBQ, every dish reflects a piece of Korean culture, and I wanted to bring that same philosophy to desserts. Something Sweet Gallery Cafe is my way of building on that foundation—taking the warmth and creativity of Seoul and presenting it in a way that resonates with a new audience.
Q: Your cafe isn’t just about desserts—it’s about art, too. What inspired that combination?
Ara Cho: Seoul is a city where food and art coexist beautifully, and I wanted Something Sweet Gallery Cafe to reflect that. We collaborate with artists to design exclusive packaging and feature their work in the cafe. For instance, our holiday gift sets included artistic mirrors by New York based artist VANHADA, paired with our desserts. These collaborations make our desserts more than just food—they’re experiences.
Q: What are some of the cafe’s signature items that readers shouldn’t miss?
Ara Cho: I highly recommend trying the Sweet Scoop—it’s our modern take on Seoul’s tradition of gifting desserts. It’s portable, beautifully packaged, and packed with rich flavor. Another crowd favorite is our Crème Latte, inspired by the smooth, comforting drinks served in Seoul’s dessert cafes. For those who prefer something savory, our Croffle Sandwiches—a delightful hybrid of a croissant and waffle—are a must-try. Flavors include Bulgogi, Ham and Cheese, Tuna and Carrot Râpée, and Caprese. In fact, our Croffle Sandwiches were recently named one of the top 5 sandwiches in Manhattan by Plattershare (Top 5 Sandwich Spots in Manhattan Loved by Locals and Tourists).
Photo Courtesy: Hongbin Kim
Q: What’s next for Something Sweet Gallery Cafe?
Ara Cho: I want the cafe to become a leading ambassador for Seoul’s dessert culture, not just in New York but across the country. My dream is to make Seoul-inspired desserts a cherished part of America’s diverse dining scene, while continuing to create a space where people can connect through culture, creativity, and, of course, delicious treats.
Q: Where can readers experience this blend of Seoul and New York for themselves?
Ara Cho: Visit us in Manhattan and discover why Something Sweet Gallery Cafe is more than just a cafe—it’s a journey into Seoul’s culture and creativity. You can explore our menu at www.somethingsweet55.com or follow us on Instagram at @somethingsweet.nyc to get a glimpse of what we’re crafting. We’ve also partnered with several hotels in Manhattan, allowing their guests to conveniently order our menu. Whether you’re stopping by our cafe or enjoying our treats from the comfort of your hotel, we bring the flavors of Seoul to you.
Published by Iris S.
