Geline Salac

Article (news)

Dessert  39

Leah C. Salterio

The extensive list of food and desserts from around the world is what the newly opened Desserts 39 has been bragging about. “This started with a small concept that became a big concept,” Kyeong Kwangho, general manager of Dessert 39 Headquarters told ABS-CBN News. “We are trying to make the desserts many more. But the desserts are healthy.”Dessert 39 started a decade ago in Gyeongridan-il, Itaewon, Korea. Today, the place has close to 700 branches across Korea. There’s also a branch that will open in the US this 2026, while another a branch that opened in Mongolia this year.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1766539003501DGZ (103) (2).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div>The first Desserts 39 store in Southeast Asia brought in by The Bistro Group opened last December 20 at SM Mall of Asia (second floor Entertainment Mall)“We collected 39 kinds of desserts all over the world,” said Kwangho. “We learned to make it and serve it to our customers. We have all kinds of desserts from all around the world.“I think about The Bistro Group decided to partner with them. We decided to spread Dessert 39 to the Philippines and operate here in the Philippines.”At the moment, all the items in the menu are done in Korea. “Perhaps, we can do an LTO (limited time offering) for certain dishes,” said April Sy, vice president  of Operations of The Bistro Group. “But we have to coordinate with our Korean partners and have the food approved.”<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1766539020441savory sweet and drinks selection_Dessert39 MOA.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div>The signing with Dessert 39 started two years ago, but the branch only materialized last December 18 and formally opened on December 20. “We’re very picky when it comes to location, because it’s going to be the first one,” disclosed Sy. “Mall of Asia gave us the space. The Bistro Group has been partners with SM for a very long time. This is the best location given to us. The food is inspired by desserts around the world.”In 2026, Dessert 39 will open its second location to start expanding. “In the second or third quarter of next year, we will open our second branch,” said Sy. “There are proposals, but no confirmation yet.”Dessert 39&#x27;s Einspanner has coffee and cream, like a traditional Viennese hot espresso, while the matcha bucket has a few varieties. April recommends the strawberry matcha. The desserts are inspired by food around the world with a Korean twist. “We had the original recipes and we sent our people to train in Korea,” said Sy. “The head baker is from Korea who came here to also train the staff. They went to Korea (Seoul) for one week for the exposure.”<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1766539033440IMG_6241.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div>One can enjoy favorites like spaghetti and meatballs pasta, filling and convenient sandwiches such as the classic ham and cheese or the flavorful chicken inasal bowl.Apart from desserts, the place also serves savory items and signature drinks. “We know we cannot stand with just desserts and drinks,” said Sy. “And we don’t want to be known with just desserts. With their approval, we were able to introduce several items in the menu, like rice bowls, sandwiches and pasta for the lunch and dinner customers.”

The extensive list of food and desserts from around the world is what the newly opened Desserts 39 has been bragging about.

The extensive list of food and desserts from around the world is what the newly opened Desserts 39 has been bragging about.

Dessert 39 opens first branch at Mall of Asia

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Food and Travel

Dessert 39 opens first branch at Mall of Asia

Leah C. Salterio

Published December 24, 2025 01:04 PM PHT

Read More:

dessert

food

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.