A box of Mon Chourie cream puffs under the University Heights sign. Photo provided by Kelly Kim.
Mon Chourie Finds a Sweet New Home
By Lea Pace
What started as a family recipe in South Korea has found a new home in University Heights. Mon Chourie, a woman-owned Korean bakery known for its cream puffs and salt breads, recently opened its first permanent retail location inside Kairoa Brewing Company located at 4601 Park Blvd.
Inspired by her family’s bakery in South Korea, which has been in operation for over a decade, founder Kelly Kim established Mon Chourie in San Diego in 2024. Her mission is to introduce Korean-style pastries to the local community.
Unlike traditional American desserts, Korean-style pastries are often lighter, less sweet, and focused on balanced flavors. Mon Chourie embraces this philosophy by using quality ingredients and avoiding artificial preservatives.
The bakery initially gained popularity through local farmers markets, pop-up events, and collaborations with San Diego businesses. Over time, its menu expanded beyond cream puffs to include Korean-inspired treats like salt bread, a buttery and savory pastry commonly found in Korean bakeries.
An assortment of Mon Chourie pastries. Photo provided by Kelly Kim.
The decision to open in University Heights was a natural progression. After hosting a pop-up at Kairoa Brewing Company, Kim was captivated by the welcoming community and vibrant neighborhood. Inspired by this experience, she approached Kairoa with the idea of establishing a permanent bakery corner within the brewery.
“University Heights felt like a place where we could build something more lasting,” Kim explains. “We’re incredibly grateful for the warm welcome and excited to grow alongside this community.”
Today, Mon Chourie continues to bake its pastries in a commercial kitchen while welcoming customers at its new University Heights location. The bakery offers rotating seasonal flavors and plans for future collaborations, aiming to introduce a taste of Korean bakery culture to the neighborhood.
For Kim, opening a new location goes beyond business; it’s about finding a community to call home.