What Does Ube Even Taste Like? 5 Must-Visit Spots in Seoul for Ube Desserts this Summer!
As the summer heat rises, the search for cool and sweet desserts begins. This summer, ube desserts, with their distinctive taste and vibrant purple hue, have taken over Seoul’s cafes. Particularly popular among the millennial crowd, these ube treats offer a unique culinary experience. Let’s explore some of the best spots in Seoul to indulge in these delightful desserts.
NAME iS MAVIN in Mangwon-dong: Authentic Ube Flavors
Located in Mangwon-dong, NAME iS MAVIN is hailed as a haven for ube enthusiasts. The cafe prides itself on its ube latte and ube banana cake, both celebrated for their natural ube taste, free from artificial syrups. These desserts boast a deep, natural purple color that instantly catches the eye and are a popular choice for Instagram-worthy shots.
The modern and sleek interior offers a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a leisurely dessert on a quiet weekend afternoon. Nestled in the alleys of Mangwon-dong, the cafe provides a peaceful escape, ideal for spending quality time with friends or family. It’s a 10-minute walk from the nearest subway station, and while parking may be challenging, public transport access is convenient. Ensure to sample the ube latte and cake while sipping on an array of colorful drinks served in transparent cups for the complete experience.

Rosellato in Jongno for Ube Gelato
Rosellato, situated in Jongno, is renowned for its special ube gelato. Highlighting the natural sweetness of ube, the gelato offers a unique first taste and moist texture that many can’t forget. The deep purple shade of the gelato enhances any photo taken, showcasing its beautiful color.
Located in the heart of Jongno, Rosellato is easily accessible by public transportation, making it a convenient stop. With numerous tourist attractions and restaurants nearby, it’s a perfect addition to a day of exploration. Known for its striking purple color, this gelato is a hit on social media. To avoid long waits, especially on weekends, plan your visit ahead of time. While you’re in the area, visit Gyeongbokgung Palace or Insadong to experience Korean traditional culture as well.

The LITER’s 400 Locations Nationwide: Famous for Color Layers
At The LITER franchises, available in around 400 locations nationwide, you can enjoy the ube latte series, including the new ‘Unicorn Ube Cream Latte.’ The striking contrast of purple ube cream and green matcha layers makes it a favorite on Instagram. This colorful drink is popular among both young locals and international tourists.
Each location offers a unique interior and atmosphere, providing a fresh experience wherever you visit. Major metropolitan areas offer a blend of city and scenic nature views. With locations in major cities like Seoul and Busan, accessibility is excellent while traveling. The dynamic seasonal decor also adds to the visual enjoyment.

A Twosome Place, with Over 500,000 Ube Lattes Sold
Since its launch in April, A Twosome Place has sold over 500,000 cups of its ube latte series, gaining widespread attention. The vividly purple ‘Twosome Ube Latte’ immediately topped the beverage category upon release. The rich taste of ube harmonized with smooth milk captivates many coffee lovers. With locations nationwide, it’s easy to enjoy this menu wherever you are.
The peaceful ambiance of the cafes makes it a great place to spend time with friends. They also provide multilingual menus, making it very convenient for foreign visitors. With many locations accessible by public transit or foot, these cafes are perfect for sharing good times and making special memories. Be sure to settle by a window for a scenic view while you enjoy your drink.
TikTok & Instagram Sensation: ‘Cream Ube Matcha Latte’
The ‘Cream Ube Matcha Latte’ is offered as a variant at several cafes, where the boldness of purple ube cream contrasts beautifully with green matcha layers, offering a visually stunning appeal. Photos taken under bright lights or natural sunlight look especially captivating. This striking color contrast has led to high views on social media like Instagram Reels and TikTok, with the overall visuals providing high customer satisfaction and a delightful taste.
As introduced by famous influencers, these drinks are attracting more and more people, who enjoy seeking out variations at different cafés. If you want to experiment with unique visuals, be sure to try it. Enjoy the diverse cafe settings and feel the unique charm they offer. Share your special Instagram shots from every location to savor the colorful delight fully.
Planning a trip to Seoul? Get ready now
Tips for Foreign Visitors Exploring Ube Desserts
Ube dessert spots in Seoul generally offer English menus, making them easily accessible for foreign visitors. Many international guests visit Seoul in summer to delight in these cool and sweet desserts. As part of the K-dessert trend, the unique visuals and tastes have garnered much popularity, with guests actively sharing their experiences on social media.
With its distinct color and flavor, ube desserts are particularly fascinating and promise a novel experience for tourists in Seoul.
If you’re planning a trip to Seoul this summer for a unique dessert adventure, we recommend exploring the city’s ube dessert shops. It’s advisable to check each spot’s operating hours and pricing beforehand. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary experience. Dive into Seoul’s ube dessert spots for a delightful journey filled with leisurely moments. Enjoy the opportunity to experience Seoul’s diverse culture through a photo- and taste-rich journey.
Embrace the summer in Seoul by exploring various offerings of ube desserts without any hesitation.