Nestled in the heart of Fort Lee, New Jersey, Cheongsu Cafe has quickly established itself as a standout Korean brunch destination since opening its doors on December 26, 2024. Located at 1644 Parker Avenue, this charming Korean-inspired cafe offers a refreshing blend of traditional flavors and modern aesthetics. Cheongsu distinguishes itself with an artful approach to brunch, afternoon tea, and unique desserts that transport guests to the trendy neighborhoods of Seoul. The cafe’s commitment to creating an authentic yet contemporary Korean cafe experience has already made it a must-visit spot for food enthusiasts in the tri-state area.
A Taste of Seoul in New Jersey
Cheongsu Cafe brings an authentic slice of Korean cafe culture to Fort Lee’s growing food scene. The cafe’s name “Cheongsu” translates to “clear water” in Korean, reflecting the establishment’s philosophy of purity and simplicity. This philosophy extends throughout their menu and design concepts.
For those who’ve enjoyed places like Snowy Town Korean Coffee, Cheongsu offers a familiar yet distinctive experience. The cafe showcases how Korean cafe culture has evolved from simple coffee shops to immersive spaces that celebrate both culinary innovation and thoughtful design.
The brainchild of Glow Seoul, a renowned Korean design firm, Cheongsu was created with the mission of introducing New Jersey residents to the contemporary Korean cafe movement. This movement has gained tremendous popularity across Asia and is now finding its way to American shores, with Cheongsu at the forefront of this culinary trend.
Architectural Tranquility: The Space and Design
Walking into Cheongsu feels like stepping into an upscale Seoul neighborhood. The interior design draws inspiration from Seoul’s historic Ikseon-Dong district, known for its preserved hanok (traditional Korean houses) that have been transformed into modern cafes and boutiques. Natural materials dominate the space, creating a harmonious environment that feels both contemporary and timeless.
Wooden lattice walls reminiscent of traditional Korean architecture create privacy without isolation, while volcanic stone centerpieces pay homage to Jeju Island’s natural beauty. The deliberate use of these elements connects guests to Korean heritage while maintaining a fresh, modern aesthetic.
HyoSun Yoon, Head Patissier at Glow Seoul, explains, “Our mission with Cheongsu is to offer more than just a café experience—it’s an immersive retreat into slow living, inspired by Korean culture and natural beauty.” This philosophy is evident in every corner of the cafe, from the carefully selected furnishings to the ambient lighting that changes throughout the day.
The abundance of lush greenery throughout the space creates a natural oasis, encouraging guests to slow down and savor their experience. Soft ambient music complements the sound of brewing coffee and gentle conversation, creating a multisensory experience that feels worlds away from the hustle of everyday life.
Culinary Highlights: Brunch with Korean Flair
Cheongsu’s menu features a delightful array of brunch options that blend Korean flavors with Western techniques. Their sandwich selection includes standouts like the kimchi grilled cheese, which pairs the tangy fermented cabbage with melted gruyere for a fusion experience that’s both familiar and exciting. Tartines come topped with colorful arrangements of seasonal ingredients, often featuring gochujang-infused spreads or ssamjang aioli.
The French toast deserves special mention, with its thick-cut milk bread soaked overnight in a cinnamon-vanilla custard and served with house-made fruit compotes. For those seeking something lighter, the soup of the day offers comfort in a bowl, often highlighting Korean ingredients like doenjang (fermented soybean paste) or dashima (kelp) for depth of flavor.
I found their brunch offerings to strike the perfect balance between satisfying heartiness and delicate flavors. Each dish seems designed not just for taste but for visual appeal, making them perfect for the inevitable social media sharing that happens at almost every table.
Fans of Korean rice cakes will appreciate how Cheongsu incorporates these chewy delights into unexpected dishes. Their interpretation reminds me of the creative ways traditional ingredients can be reimagined, similar to how Korean rice cake churros blend cultural elements into something uniquely delicious.
Sweet Temptations: Desserts to Remember
The dessert menu at Cheongsu showcases the technical mastery of Korean pastry. Their signature soufflés arrive at the table perfectly risen, with flavors ranging from black sesame to yuzu. The Korean cheesecakes deserve special mention—lighter than their New York counterparts, with a subtle tanginess and cloud-like texture that melts in your mouth.
Seasonal pies feature whatever fruits are at their peak, often combined with unexpected elements like perilla leaves or omija (five-flavor berry). During warmer months, the bingsoo (Korean shaved ice) becomes the star attraction, with toppings like injeolmi (soybean powder), fresh fruit, and condensed milk creating a refreshing treat that’s perfect for sharing.
For those who prefer smaller indulgences, the madeleines and financiers offer buttery, bite-sized satisfaction. Traditional yakgwa (honey cookies) provide a taste of Korean heritage with their chewy interior and subtle pine nut flavor. Each dessert demonstrates the pastry chef’s commitment to balancing tradition with innovation.
The matcha offerings at Cheongsu deserve special mention, as they incorporate high-quality Japanese matcha in creative ways. Their approach reminds me of other innovative uses of this versatile ingredient, like matcha churro dough that brings vibrant green color and earthy flavor to the classic Spanish treat.
Beverage Program: Beyond the Ordinary
Cheongsu’s drink menu elevates the cafe experience with options that range from expertly crafted espresso drinks to uniquely Korean beverages. Their crème brûlée coffee features a torched sugar crust that slowly melts into the espresso below, creating a drink that’s equal parts dessert and caffeine fix.
Matcha enthusiasts will appreciate the cafe’s attention to proper preparation, with ceremonial-grade powder whisked to perfection in their lattes. The matcha cake roll pairs perfectly with these drinks, creating a harmonious green tea experience. For those seeking something truly special, the Cheongsu Milk Latte—their house specialty—combines barista-crafted espresso with a house-made sweet cream and subtle hints of cinnamon.
The tea program deserves equal praise, with options ranging from traditional Korean teas like jujube or barley to carefully selected single-origin options from around the world. For a refreshing alternative, their sparkling drinks incorporate house-made syrups and fresh fruits for a light, effervescent pick-me-up.
Many visitors find themselves drawn to their creative matcha preparations, which showcase the versatility of this Japanese ingredient that has found a special place in Korean cafe culture. Their matcha crème brûlée, in particular, creates a wonderful fusion experience reminiscent of recipes like matcha crème brûlée that blend Eastern and Western dessert traditions.
Social Media Sensation and Community Reception
Since opening, Cheongsu has become a TikTok and Instagram favorite, with visitors flocking to capture the picturesque desserts and elegant interior. Videos featuring their injeolmi bingsoo and soufflés regularly garner thousands of views, with commenters praising both the visual appeal and authentic flavors of the offerings.
Local food enthusiasts have embraced Cheongsu as a welcome addition to Fort Lee’s diverse dining scene. Many reviewers on popular platforms describe the cafe as a “jewel” of the area, noting how it fills a niche for those seeking an elevated cafe experience with Korean influences. The cafe has quickly built a loyal customer base who appreciate the attention to detail in both food preparation and ambiance.
What sets Cheongsu apart, according to many visitors, is how seamlessly it blends authenticity with accessibility. Even those unfamiliar with Korean cuisine find themselves comfortable exploring the menu, aided by knowledgeable staff who genuinely enjoy sharing their cultural expertise. This welcoming approach has helped Cheongsu establish itself as both a destination for Korean food enthusiasts and an introduction to Korean cafe culture for newcomers.
I’ve found that Cheongsu offers a fantastic opportunity to experience Korean cafe culture without booking a flight to Seoul. For those looking to explore this cuisine further, consider submitting your own favorite local dessert spots to our business directory to help others discover hidden gems in their communities.
Planning Your Visit to Cheongsu
Cheongsu Cafe is located at 1644 Parker Avenue in Fort Lee, New Jersey. The cafe operates with typical hours of 8 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 9 PM on weekends, though it’s always wise to check their social media for updated hours or special events.
Weekends tend to be busiest, particularly during brunch hours from 10 AM to 2 PM when wait times can extend to 30-45 minutes. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting on weekday afternoons when you can linger over tea and dessert without feeling rushed.
Parking is available both on street and in a small lot behind the building. For those using public transportation, several NJ Transit bus routes stop within walking distance of the cafe, making it accessible for visitors from throughout the region.
If you’re inspired by Cheongsu’s innovative approach to Korean desserts, why not try creating your own fusion treats at home? Submit your dessert recipe to be featured on our site and join our community of creative food enthusiasts. Don’t forget to browse our churro-themed apparel shop for fun foodie merchandise that celebrates the joy of international desserts!