Nestled in a unique and relaxed atmosphere, newly established restaurant ‘Cheat Deli’ offers a variety of classic American dishes. Located in Suseong-gu, Daegu, this hotspot for foodies attracts curious customers and instagram enthusiasts. 

Owner Miae Kwon explains that the name of the restaurant holds two underlying meanings: One, Cheat Deli provides customers a “cheat-code” to America with authentic Western cuisine 10,000 kilometers away from its origin. Two, “Deli” is derived from the German word Delikatessen, referring to delicacy and fine foods.

As you enter the restaurant, a pleasant, warm gust of flavor greets your nose. The cheesy fragrance of molten cheddar drifts through the diner, swirled with the distinctive aroma of tomato soup. Especially for those with an American background, the nostalgic scent reminds them of home.

Although Kwon never resided in America, she unexpectedly discovered a profound passion for American cuisine through movies and media, which inspired her to open Cheat Deli. Kwon explains that she and her husband opened the diner with the aim to answer the question, “If we could build a dream-restaurant in America, would it feel like this?”

Cheat Deli boasts its quintessential selection of dishes, starting with the daily American staples: sandwiches, mac and cheese, and seasonal soups. A star dish, Chilli con carne, is a hearty stew made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and chili peppers often garnished with cheese, sour cream, and onions. At Cheat Deli, they load potatoes with the stew, which ties the whole dish together perfectly. The mild, buttery flavor of the potato complements the spiciness and saltiness of the chili con carne, creating a wonderful culinary balance.

Unlike other upscale eateries that place hefty price tags for their authentic meals, Cheat Deli sells all their dishes at an affordable price range for students, from 10,000 won to 15,000 won. Kwon said, “Cheat Deli is a restaurant that cooks directly at the store and serves American dishes much like Kimbap Heaven (a common Korean low-cost and fast-service franchise) where customers come and go comfortably and with ease.”

Eighth graders Mika Lee and Sol Sakong recently visited this hot spot to rekindle memories of their childhood spent overseas. After struggling to choose from the wide variety of items on the menu, they settled on the mac and cheese, chili con carne, seasonal soup (mushroom), and bacon potato sandwiches.

Each dish showcased the perfect blend of flavor and spices, spanning from comforting warmth to delicate subtlety. Lee and Sakong were especially taken aback by the exquisite symphony of flavors in the mac and cheese, with the savory, rich allure of four distinct cheeses combined with a touch of saltiness. 

They awarded Cheat Deli a 10 out of 10, an absolute gem of a culinary escapade. If you crave a taste of the West, consider Cheat Deli, the perfect cheat code to tantalize your palate.