Freshly squeezed delights at Café Citrus

Amidst the calm allure of Fina Sisu, Café Citrus is a dazzling haven that offers locals new tastes and meaningful interactions. Since opening on July 25, 2024, this cozy café has been delighting locals with its handcrafted desserts and innovative drinks, quickly earning a reputation as the go-to spot for a little taste of happiness.

At the helm of this vibrant space is general manager Sua Kim, a passionate 26-year-old who oversees all aspects of the café’s operations. Originally from South Korea, Sua has lived on Saipan since elementary school and completed her education here through college. Her background is in business administration with an accounting concentration, which, while unrelated to culinary arts, laid the foundation for her venture into the café business.

Over the years, she developed her culinary skills through various professional courses, combining her love for desserts with her passion for creating a welcoming space to build Café Citrus from the ground up.

“My approach to this business was shaped by my deep passion for baking, which I’ve had since I was young. Baking has always been a source of comfort for me, and it was something I turned to whenever I needed relaxation or a creative outlet,” said Kim.

Launching a café is no easy task, especially during uncertain economic times. For this determined individual, the biggest challenge was “finding the perfect balance of flavor and sweetness in my desserts and drinks.” Months of experimentation and valuable feedback from friends and family paid off, resulting in a menu designed to delight every palate.

“My approach to the café is centered around the idea of offering more than just food—I want to provide an experience that allows customers to unwind and feel at home,” said Kim. “I believe Café Citrus stands out from other local cafés because we focus on providing not only high-quality desserts and drinks but also a unique experience. We strive to offer innovative and new dessert combinations, especially in our macarons and cookies. Additionally, our café features a spacious and bright atmosphere, making it an ideal place for gatherings and events,” she said.

Her goal? To create “a small escape where people can relax, enjoy good food, and connect with others.” Café Citrus offers a menu that combines quality ingredients with a creative twist. Signature drinks like the Earl Grey Vanilla Latte and the Strawberry Latte topped with rose-infused foam highlight the café’s commitment to unique, handcrafted beverages made with in-house syrups and purees.

Dessert lovers will find joy in the rotating selection of macarons and cookies, offering flavor combinations that are rare on Saipan, ensuring there’s always something new to try.

With its bright and spacious interior, Café Citrus is more than just a café—it’s an experience. Whether you’re looking for a quiet corner to recharge or a lively spot to catch up with friends, this café is designed to feel like a refreshing oasis. “We want customers to feel relaxed, refreshed, and uplifted—like they’ve discovered a little slice of joy in their day,” Kim explains.

Though the menu currently lacks gluten-free and vegan options, Kim emphasizes, “As of now, we do not have gluten-free or vegan dessert options available. However, we are actively working on developing these options to better cater to our customers’ needs and preferences.”

Located at Chalan Tun Joaquin Doi in Fina Sisu, Café Citrus is conveniently across from Cool Market. For more information or to place an order, you can reach them through WhatsApp at (670) 483-7125, or follow them on Instagram at @cafe_citrus.

With its focus on fresh flavors, warm hospitality, and creating a space for meaningful moments, Café Citrus is more than just a café—it’s a celebration of joy in every sip and bite.