Cuisine

Cafe (카페)

District

Mapo (마포구) , Seoul

Address

Seoul Mapo-gu Wausanro27-gil 75 Obokbilding

200m from Hongdae Station. Dessert Merlion is a Singapore-themed cafe on Wausan-ro in Mapo-gu, Seoul, offering an authentic taste of Singaporean beverages and desserts that is rare to find in Korea. One of the owners is Singaporean, and the cafe has earned enough credibility that Singaporean diplomatic officials and embassy staff visit for their coffee and dessert fix. The signature kaya toast set recreates a classic Singaporean breakfast with crispy, golden toast spread with fragrant kaya jam, accompanied by two soft-boiled eggs and soy sauce for dipping. While the combination may seem unfamiliar at first, most Korean diners find it surprisingly compatible with local tastes and appreciate the protein-rich simplicity of the meal. The teh tarik, a pulled milk tea, faithfully reproduces the rich, frothy sweetness that travelers crave after returning from Singapore, while the kopi-C delivers an intensely bold coffee experience in a surprisingly generous cup. Among the desserts, the molten lava chocolate cake conceals banana and tangy elements inside that create a delightful contrast with the rich chocolate, and the pandan cake is another crowd favorite. The second-floor seating area features windows overlooking lush greenery, creating a cinematic brunch atmosphere that feels worlds away from the surrounding neighborhood. Singaporean music plays in the background and the interior is decorated with cultural touches that transport diners to Southeast Asia. The owner is happy to guide newcomers through the menu, explaining each item with genuine enthusiasm. On a breezy day with the windows open, sipping Singaporean coffee while gazing at the leafy view makes for a truly distinctive cafe experience in Seoul.