Other than Jeju Island, Gangwon Province (강원도 Gangwon-do) is another popular destination where Koreans flock to during summer, as the general temperature is 6 degrees cooler compared to Seoul. One of the must-visit in Gangwon province would be Terra Rosa Cafe 테라로사 커피공장, where visitors can enjoy a “forest bath” together with quality coffee brews and perfectly baked goods!

Located right in the forest, this cafe is one of the biggest coffee brewers in Gangwon Province, with about 12 branches in Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, Busan and Jeju Island. It is also famed as one of the prettiest cafe in Gangwon Province. There’re indoor and terrace seating, a small bakery, a coffee roasting factory within the premise of the headquarter.

The cafe is extremely popular with the locals. It was a Monday afternoon with slight drizzling when I arrived and it was already packed with visitors. We decided to take the outdoor seat and ordered some coffee and cakes from the bakery. Since the cafe is located in the mountains the outdoor seats were quite cooling, it really lived up to the official Gangwon Tourism Organization’s campaign tagline: 6 degrees cooler during Summer.

My single origin Geisha Honduras El Puente (KRW 10,000)  was a beautiful brew brimming with a floral scent, sweetness from ripe melon and some refreshing orange peel aftertaste. One of the more complex and interesting coffee profile I have ever tasted.

Like many other indie cafes in Seoul, Terra Rosa produce fresh bakeries to go with their coffee. One of the head-turners was Mr. Lemington, a chocolate cake originated from Australia. The moist chocolate cake is coated with shaved coconut, the sweetness from the dark chocolate matches so well with my Geisha coffee.

The artisan bread was fluffy and packed with cranberries and walnut. It was a very filling bread I must say, a great selection for sharing.

Writer’s Note: Terra Rosa Headquarter has moved to its current location in July 2017, which is right beside the old location. The new space is decorated with new bricks and surrounded by a chestnut forest. I’ve yet to visit this place ever since they moved, but below are some of the photos I’ve found online for your information. The cafe is *extremely* popular, so it might look slightly different due to the busy crowd. If you prefer a quieter coffee time, I would suggest visiting this place early in the morning on a weekday.

A post shared by ?슈앤블랑 _handmade (@pinkladyya) on Aug 29, 2017 at 6:51pm PDT

A post shared by 으니 (@eeennn2) on Aug 29, 2017 at 11:58am PDT

Contact Details:

Directions:

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So if you have decided to brave the heat for a long waited shopping retreat and already bought/ planning to get your 2017 summer-Seoul-bound air ticket, congrats! Here is the list of 12 summer eats and treats to combat the sweltering heat in South Korea, with introduction and address for your convenience. Bookmark them down and check them out while you enjoy your next summer getaway in Korea! Most of the eateries are just within walking distance from major shopping areas, tourist spots and downtown Seoul!

Below is my 12 recommendation of must-eat summer food in Korea:

1. Sul-Bing: Injeolmi Bingsu

Area: all around Korea (franchise)
Shaved ice, or bingsu in romanized Korean, is the first thing you can’t skip if you’re here in Korea during summer. Sul-Bing 설빙 is in fact, one of my favourite dessert cafe for bingsu in Korea. It is the company that claimed its originality, the one that came out with many of the bingsu flavours you are now having in Singapore.

A classic favourite is the Injeolmi Bingsu (인절미) . The nutty flavour of the sand colour bean powder goes well together with the chewy rice cakes and the fluffy shaved milk ice. My other personal favourite is Heuk-im-ja Bingsu 흑임자 (Black Sesame Bingsu). It is a brilliant mixture of bean powder and black sesame powder, topping up with red bean paste, rice cakes, red dates and almond. If you love black sesame tang yuan, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this too.

Another snack I’ll never forget to order there is Double Bar Rice Cakes (쌍쌍치즈가래떡) Ssang-Ssang Cheese Garaeddeok. It is grilled rice cakes covered with cheddar and parmesan cheese. Calling all cheese fanatics not to miss this. The 4 inches rice cakes are filled with mozzarella cheese, each bite is a pure cheesy bliss!

Address: (There’re many more outlets, the below list are their outlets near tourist sites) 
Sulbing Gangnam
202, Jang-yeon Building, Yeoksam-dong 619-4, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul.
서울시 강남구 역삼동 619-4 장연빌딩 202호

Sulbing Myeongdong
level 2, Nam Gyeong Building, Myeongdong 2(yi)ga, 55-2, Junggu, Seoul.
서울시 중구 명동2가 55-2번지 남경빌딩 2층

Sulbing Ehwa Womens University
Level 2 & 3, Daehyeon Dong, 54-9, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul.
서울시 서대문구 대현동 54-9 2,3층

Sulbing Garosu-gil
Level 2, Gangnamdaero 152 bon-gil 45, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul.
서울시 강남구 강남대로 152번길 45, 2층

2. Gelati-Gelati: Gelato Ice-cream

Area: Hongdae (Hongik University) 
How about savoring a smooth and velvety gelato ice-cream when you’re half-done with your shopping ar Hongik University Area? This cosy little ice-cream store is a favourite for all local and tourist alike. Citrus based gelato ice-cream flavours are great and refreshing. If you are more adventurous, try flavours like white rice and milk tea, you won’t regret!

Address:
Gelati Gelati. Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. 407-8, Level 1.
젤라띠 쩰라띠. 서울시 마포구 서교동 487-8

3. Yurim-Myeon: Buckwheat Cold Noodles

Area: City Hall, Deoksugung Palace.
A restaurant with 50 years know-how of making noodles. If you like cold noodles (Mae-mil Guksu), this place is where you should go after your visit at Deoksugung. It is located just walking distance away from the palace. Dip the chewy al-dente buckwheat noodles into the icy cool shuyu stock soup and slurpp the refreshing summer delicacy down your throat! Check the detailed review here (click me).

Address:
Yurim Myeon 유림면
139-1, Seosomun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
서울 중구 서소문로 139-1 (서소문동)
Tel: +82-2-755-0659 (Reservation available during lunch time only)
Operation hours: 11am- 830pm.

 4. Tosokchon Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken)

Area: Gyeongbok Palace
Korean believes to survive the heat one must eat “hot” food. You’ll see busy restaurant selling hot, soupy and nourishing food during summer here in South Korea. These hot soups will heal your dehydrated and exhausted body in the sweltering heat, also boost your energy level and metabolism.

One best place I could recommend is Tosokchon Samgyetang, one of the South Korean ex-president favourite samgyetang. I love their milky broth, assorted nuts and seeds toppings, and tender, easily off-the-bone chicken meat– I’d say it is still one of the few best samgyetangs in South Korea, especially after I sampled a fair amount of samgyetang across the country. Complete review here (click me).

Address:
Tosokchon Samgyetang 토속촌 삼계탕
85-1 Jongno-Gu, Chebu-Dong, Seoul.
Tel: +82 2-737-7444 | Operating Hours: 10am-11pm |
대한민국 서울특별시 종로구 체부동 85-1

5. Dok-dabang: Melon Shaved Ice

Area: Sinchon (Right opposite Yonsei University) 
This melon shaved ice craze swept the whole country a few summers back — and have yet to die down. If the traditional bingsu failed to capture your heart, try out this refreshing combination of real melon, with melon flavoured shaved ice and a ball of vanilla ice cream. Not only looking extraordinarily pretty, this seasonal dessert from one of the oldest cafe in Seoul is also yummy! Reviews about the melon bingsu and the cafe here (click me).

Address:
독수리다방 Dok-dabang
Seoul, Seodaemun-gu, Changcheon-dong, 31-4 Dok-suri Building (독수리빌딩), level 8.
서울시 서대문구 창천동 31-4 독수리빌딩8층
Tel. 02-363-1222

6. Mamangateau: Caramel Bingsu

Area: Gangnam (Garosugil) 
Garosugil 가로수길 is one of the places I frequent with my friends. Either for shopping or food hunt, Garosugil can never disappoint. Amidst the fancy restaurants and fashion boutiques, Mamangateau is a bakery school & cafe I’ll go to whenever I have sweet cravings. They serve marvellous roll cakes and solid iced coffees that will definitely perk you up within seconds. Their caramel bingsu is what I’ll make sure not to miss out during summer.

Milk shaved ice coated with layers of salted caramel syrup, topped with caramelised roasted almond, a scoop of caramel ice cream and a piece of caramel nut sugar biscuits, this baby is so guiltily rich and delicious. I took my first bite and knew my quest for a really good caramel bingsu was over. It was just that good. The roasted almond and grounded peanuts added texture to the bingsu and it was oh-so-wonderful.

Address: 
마망갸또Maman Gateau
524-27, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울 강남구 신사동 524-27

7.  Cha Mashineunddeul: Iced Tea in a Hanok

Area: Samcheong-dong/ Bukchon Hanok Village
Nothing feels greater with a beautiful (and yummy) cup of iced flower tea, while gazing at the amazing sunset of Samcheong-dong in a traditional garden setting. Cha Mashinneunddeul 차 마시는 뜰, is a beautiful traditional Korean tea house hidden in Bukchon Hanok Village. It is very popular with foreigners and locals due to its Zen environment, pretty looking teawares and yummy teas. They serve one of the best floral iced tea in Seoul. The delicate fragrance and refreshing taste just wash the blistering summer heat away in a few seconds.

Address:
Cha-massineun ddeul 차 마시는 뜰
35-169 Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
서울시 종로구 삼청동 35-169
10am-10pm

8. Mak Guk Su: Cold Buckwheat Noodles

Area: All Around Korea, best place: Chuncheon 
A dish usually served after a sumptuous Korean BBQ, Dakgalbi or any hot plate dishes in summer, I will get a bowl of makguksu, a fantastic dish to cleanse my palette. I am not a fan of Korean cold noodles, i.e. the Naengmyun, but man! makguksu…they’re simply delicious: Pickled onions, fresh vegetables and seaweed added a refreshing crisp to the noodles and the sweet in the sauce balanced the fiery hotness of the sauce. This dish is available almost everywhere during summer, but I’ll recommend you to try out in Chuncheon, where the dish is originated from.

Address:
Chuncheon Miso Dakgalbi 춘천 미소 닭갈비
288-20 Geunhwa-dong, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea.
강원도 춘천시 근화동288-20

9. Milky Bee: Rose Ice-cream

Area: Myeongdong

Just too pretty to be eaten! These edible roses made of gelato ice-cream bloom in Myeongdong and Nampodong, Busan. Each and every petal is painstakingly put together sometimes the owner gets annoyed when you film the making process. The flavour inclusive of strawberry, vanilla, dark chocolate and matcha. All flavour tasted so good I couldn’t decide which one is better.

Address: 
Milky Bee 밀키비
66-6 Chungmuro-2(yi)ga, Jung-gu, Seoul.
서울시 중구 충무로2가 66-6

10. fboong: Not your usual Bungeoppang

Area: All around South Korea (Franchise) 

Certainly, it is not your usual Bungeoppang 붕어빵, a nostalgic street snack that could possibly be the nation’s most favourite snack. This particular one went to jiak-gan-tang (study abroad) in France and came back with its upgraded version of Bungeoppang. Croissant crust substituted the usual pancake texture, giving off a luxurious feel. There are various fillings one can choose from, including the traditional flavours like red bean, injeolmi, choco, purple sweet potato, to the more contemporary flavours like sweet cheese, hot dog, taco, apple mango and of course, the summer must have: ice-cream fillings!

Address: 
fboong 프랑스에 다녀온 붕어빵
332-14 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul.
서울 마포구 와우산로 27길 56(서교동 332-14)
11am-930pm

11. Mat-Jarang: Soybean Broth Cold Noodles (Kong-guk Su)

Area: Gangnam (Daechi-Dong)
If the usual Naengmyun (냉면 Korean Cold Noodles) isn’t your cup of tea bowl of noodles, try this soybean broth cold noodles. I am not a fan of cold naengmyun either. I can’t even finish one serving by myself simply because I like my noodles hot. But this not the case for this Soybean Broth Cold noodles at Mat-Jarang. I figured it could be their special soybean broth, a mixture of usual soybean and some other grains that make it so pleasantly palatable. Savour the dish together with their sweet and spicy house kimchi, you’ll come back for more!

Address:
맛자랑칼국수  Mat-Jarang
987-7 Daechi 2(i)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
서울시 강남구 대치동 987-7
Tel. 02-563-9646

12. So-Bok: Minimalist & Traditional Ice-cream

Area: Hongdae
Yet another Instagram-worthy, minimal, and yummy dessert house to combat the summer heat in Hongdae area. I love the fact that they’re using an edible flower to garnish the ice-cream, making them looking so very elegant and indie at the same time. They only have bingsu, ice-cream and ice balls, in limited flavours like Injeolmi, matcha and strawberry — Told ya, minimal is the new black.

I ordered their Injeolmi Ice-cream, and they garnish it with assorted nuts, a honeycomb and an injeolmi ice-balls. The nutty flavour from the bean powder was heavenly good. For those who love injeolmi and nuts, you’ll love this. And if you want to have something more flavourful, the ice balls will be ideal.

Address:
소복 So Bok
408-7 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 마포구 서교동 408-7
1pm-11pm
Tel.02-6014-0861

This article is first published on 22nd May 2015, and updated on 1st May 2017. 

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Selected as “Miele One To Watch 2017” in Asia,  TocToc is a Modern French restaurant nestled in the swanky Apgujung. Helmed by chef-owner Kim Dae Chun, it is an ideal place to sample dishes of what we called “living the Korean spirit”. You may find traditional Jangs (Korean sauces), long forgotten ingredients and wild veggies in your pasta, steak or salads.

A 3-course-lunch costs KRW 38,000 (SGD 42++), and it requires some patience (and some luck) to secure a table.

Marinated with Doenjang (Korean soybean paste), the succulent Hanwoo (Korean beef) was a head-turner. The chef uses the very pricy Binchōtan charcoal to grill the top notch, national-pride beef, which in return create a beautiful and even sear, locking the savoury juices and a sexy, woody flavour to the meat.

Black Truffle Pasta with Egg Yolk and Pecorino Cheese, another TocToc’s signature dish. This unassuming looking dish turns out to be a complete indulgence. The egg yolk and cheese added density to the sauce, and the handmade, thick and perfectly al dente noodles are evenly coated with the earthy, pungent scent of black truffle. Each bite was seriously that good – earth shattering and moan worthy, befitting the definition of a culinary orgasm.

You may find this dish on their lunch course selection, a la carte menu and signature dinner course. If you’re an avid truffle fan, spoil your taste buds by topping up a thick layer of fresh French summer truffles on your pasta during summer.

Chef Kim is famed for his conscientiousness in sourcing the seafood for his dishes due to his training background in Japan. We were really lucky to be the first few to try out this fried dory fish which is not on the menu. Using Kadaif noodles coating was a brilliant approach! I could still remember how the crunchy coating and the plump dory gushing into every corner of my mouth, it was a true bliss.

Contact Details:

TocToc 톡톡
3F, Rodeo Bldg. 33, Dosan-daero 51-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
서울시 강남구 도산대로 51길 33, 3층.
Tel. +82 2 542 3030

Directions:

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I was already a fan when they first started at their humble underground property. I could still remember the warm service from the crew, and how chef Kang Min-gu went extra miles to re-design the menu just to accommodate my shellfish allergy. (Duh! Why it has to be me?)

The meal was incredibly delicious, and I regret only writing about it now. Well, it is better late than never! Mine was a quintessential ensemble of Seoul’s unforgettably beautiful spring. Do note that their menu changes according to season, so you won’t get the exact same dishes when you visit them.

Seasonality. First on the table were three cold dishes: flounder fish, veggie wraps, strawberry puree and chives shot. A little bit of everything from the forest to the sea, I love how all the elements work together, so clean and refreshing it wakes my taste buds for the night.

Some other dishes that came right after the Seasonality. I couldn’t quite remember what were those on the jelly, though. The foie gras with the thin caramelised crust was a true delight.

Wine of the night was a 2011 Louis Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon recommended by the sommelier. It comes in a beautiful burgundy shade with a strong aroma of blackberries, cherries and dried herbs. A full bodied drink with a long finish. I liked it.

Lobster & Foie. A brilliant salad made of lobster and foie gras, root vegetables, spring herbs, truffle and black garlic dressing. At first bite, the pungent note of foie gras and truffle jump out at me, alongside with the taste of fresh lobster. The root vegetables create substance to the dish. The earthy notes from the roots and the refreshingly acidic taste from the garlic dressing encourage the whole dish to harmonise. It is jaw-dropping delicious that I almost teared upon finishing the dish. ↓

Up next were two dishes grouped under Eggplant. The eggplant custard, eggplant caviar, shrimp and vanilla dumpling were soul-warmingly good but the eggplant chip was the game changer. Sliced to paper-thin, the eggplants are coated with batter and deep fried, then topped with salmon roe for that extra juiciness and moist that pops in your mouth. The passion fruit sauce adds a pleasing fruity hints and notes of luscious foie gras sauce packs a lot of punch.

Seaweed was a brilliant interpretation of the usage of different kind of seaweeds in one plate. I was pleasantly surprised that even when flounder was the crab substitute in my plate, the chef managed to infuse sweetness in the maesaengi (seaweed fluvescens) broth. White kimchi, kelp and green laver were the ingredients that did the magic!

I had the Lamb as my main. I had never ordered a lamb at any restaurant because I simply hate the gamy smell. The waiter was confident and I thought I could give them a try – and it turned out to be one of the best choices of the night.

The perfectly charred lamb was marinated in doen-jang (bean paste), one of the cooking essentials in a Korean’s kitchen. The bean paste and the celery root were just nice to quell any gamy flavour. The tender meat goes well with the creamy cauliflower mash, makes it the best lamb I’ve ever had.

Korean Beef. Tenderloin beef charred to the slight crisp on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth-inside-state. The truffle sauce adds lusciousness to the meat, make it one of the most popular dish here at Mingles.

My pick for dessert was the Jang Trio – Strange as it may sound, 3 types of the most important condiments in Korean culinary are used in the dessert. Doen-jang (soy bean paste) cream brûlée, topped with vanilla ice-cream, then sprinkled with some Gan-jang (soy sauce) pecan and Gochujang (chilli pepper) grains, and finish off with whisky foam.

I have never imagined these salty condiments would make such good desserts. Chef Kang had extracted the sweetness from each of these sauces and they compliment each other so well. An impressive creation the restaurant should keep on their menu!

K prefers the Coco Winter – a dessert intricately plated with coconut tapioca, passion fruit sorbet, buckwheat cake and caramelised popcorn. I always love tapioca pudding and coconut, they’re like chicken to beer, so perfectly together. Creamy, refreshing with a fruity twist, this is a dish any coconut lover would fall in love the first bite.

Writer’s note: An impressive dinner in Seoul, a place I look forward to my next visit. If you want to splurge on one place during your trip, this is it. Everything was done right you won’t regret a single penny here. However, the reservation was a hindrance, though. I had to book 2 months in advance to secure a dinner on my desired date back then. Now that it is listed as the world’s 50 best restaurants and a Michelin Star restaurant, I expect the waiting list to be longer.

Contact Details:

밍글스 Mingles
Gangnam-gu, Nonhyun-dong 94-9, 1st floor, Seoul, South Korea
서울특별시 강남구 논현동 94-9 더 채플 웨딩홀 1층 레스토랑 밍글스
Tel. 02-515-7306
Reservation: info@restaurant-mingles.com
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat| Lunch 12pm-3pm | Dinner 6pm – 1030pm, Last order 830pm.
*Sat & public holiday dinner 6pm-10pm.

Directions:

Simseun Tang Army Stew (Budae Jjigae)

Sim Seun Tang serves the best army stew in Seoul, at least in my book. I have tried various army stews across the country, but Sim Seung Tang got me return again and again. Their broth has a deep flavour that is irresistible. Remember to mix the soup, sausages and SPAMs with the buttered rice – terribly sinful but downright satisfying. Read more about the review here.

Sim Seun Tang 심슨탕
Address: Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. 355-210.
Nearest Station: Hongik University Station, Exit no.9
Tel. 070-4100-8318 | 5pm–1am |

Bukmakgol BBQ Ribs

You should know how it feels like when you are feasting on a humongous (as shown above, no kidding.), fall-off-the-bone beef ribs, when it is -18 degree outside. These huge ribs are slow-grilled until tender and succulent, it just falls off the bone without much effort to pry from the bone. Best pair with makgeolli (Korean rice wine). Read more about the review here.

Bukmakgol 북막골
30-2 Samcheong-dong, Jungno-gu.
중로구 삼청동 30-2
Tel: 02-730-0980 |930am-930pm|

Tosokchon Ginseng Chicken

This is on our must-eat food list for any first-timers in Seoul. Simmered in the milky broth to tender, the chicken is best known to boost your energy and vitality. I love how effectively the potent ginseng wine works to warm up my body. Their house kimchi is one of our favourites too! Read more about the Tosokchon ginseng chicken here.

Tosokchon Samgyetang 토속촌 삼계탕
85-1 Jongno-Gu, Chebu-Dong, Seoul.
Tel: +82 2-737-7444 | 10am-11pm |

Duroomi Kitchen Lotus Hot Pot

The lotus leaf meal at Duroomi is a go-to place when you are sick of the typical Kimchi-land food. Hidden in Samcheongdong, the restaurant serves contemporary Korean food using lotus leaves as the main ingredient. Their hot pot set lunch is perfect on a windy or snowy winter day, especially when you’ve exhausted your feet from exploring the neighbourhood. If you’re travelling with your folks, and when they complain about having too much kimchi, bring them here. Read more about the restaurant here.

At Duroomi 두루미 키친
27-6 Samcheong-Dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
서울시 종로구 삼청동 27-6
Tel: +82-70-4063-2787

Jaha Son Mandoo (Dumplings)

How about having some handmade Korean dumplings, or a bowl of dumpling rice ball soup (tTteok Mandoo Guk 떡 만두국) in the winter? Although it is a hallmark dish for the new year, the soup is enjoyed by the young and old all year round. It is a filling dish, also a great option to warm up your body in the winter. Read more about it here.

Jaha Son-Mandoo 자하손만두
245-2 Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울 종로구 부암동 245-2
Tel :+82 2-379-2648 ｜ 11 am-930 pm｜

Hwang Beef Intestines

You may have heard of the BBQ beef intestines in Korea – We do agree it does sounds gross, but we find it delicious! If you haven’t got the guts to give it a try, this beef intestines restaurant at Sinchon is a good place to start with. Marinated for more than 4 hours, these intestines are utterly soft, fluffy and buttery, bringing your Korean BBQ experience to a whole new level. Did we say it is also good for complexion and digestion? Read more about the beef intestines Read more about the BBQ beef intestines here.

Sinchon Hwang So Gop-Chang 신촌 황소곱창 본점
Seoul, Seodaemun-gu, Sinchon-dong.
신촌동 서대문구 서울
Tel. +82 2-336-7379｜5pm-2am (weekdays) 5pm-4am (weekends)｜

Guldari Sikdang Kimchi Jjigae

This restaurant serves Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi stew) to the locals for more than 40 years near the Gongdeok AREX Station. Their kimchi stew set costs KRW 7,000 and everything including the rice, stew and side dishes are refillable. It is eat-all-you-can here. A bowl of this spicy-sweet, utterly Korean comfort food during winter? Yes please, take my money. Read the complete review here.

Guldari Sikdang 굴다리 식당
181-45 Dohwa-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울특별시 마포구 도화동 181-45
11am-10pm

Villa de Spicy Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)

Enjoy premium Tteokbokki (Spicy Korean Rice cakes) at Garosugil, the trendiest shopping district in Seoul. Customised your spicy rice cakes your way, adding only the ingredients you love. Our all-time favourite sides: Jjeol Myeon, the Korean chewy noodles and Mozarella cheese, these two will do some magic to your Tteokbokki pot. We love the trendy atmosphere in there – It is like having Tteokbokki while attending a fashion show! Read more here.

Villa de Spicy 빌라드 스파이시
541-10 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Tel: 02-518-1973

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I do have a particular tteokguk restaurant in mind to introduce here. The Jaha Son-Mandoo tucked away in Buamdong is where I always head to for a bowl of hearty, comforting Korean rice cake and dumpling soup, aka the Tteok Mandoo-guk 떡만두국. Not only the restaurant serves this “New-Year-Must-Have”, it is also famed for its delicious dumplings as well!

The restaurant is located in Buam-Dong 부암동, a mountainside neighbourhood located just a short bus ride away from Gyeongbok Palace station. Buam-Dong has developed into a popular neighbourhood for culture living in recent years.

Visitors can find indie Cafes, traditional tea houses, galleries, local boutiques and mat-jibs (Restaurant made famous by word of mouth or online reviews by serving delicious food, Mat (맛) meaning taste; whereas jib (집) means house, Mat-jib = Restaurant that is famous of their delicious offerings) here at Buam-dong. I have covered some of the eateries and cafes in Buam-Dong in my earlier entries, feel free to check them out here.

Korean dumplings are called Mandoo. The dumpling skin for Korean mandoo is thinner, smoother and chewier in texture, compared to its cousins from China and Taiwan. It is really difficult to tell which one is better, but I would say Korean makes their mandoo with light seasoning and less fatty meat. Hence, it is a healthier choice.

We ordered Pyunsoo (Beef Mandoo), Steamed Mandoo, Vegetarian Mandoo and a Mandoo Riceball Soup on our recent visit.

Kimchi is served right after we placed our order. One thing I always look forward to at every Korean Mat-jibs is their house kimchi. And Jaha Son- Mandoo’s Kimchi certainly did not disappoint. Their version of house kimchi is in a beautiful fiery red. It is crunchy but not too spicy, sweetened perfectly making it the best condiment for the dumplings and soup.

The steamed dumplings 찐만두 (KRW 5,500) are the basics in a dumpling restaurant. It is filled with cabbage, pork and some glass noodles. The cabbage brought out the sweetness in the lightly seasoned pork, make it a delightful dish. As big as lady’s fist, these steamed dumplings are quite filling for a small eater.

Not a fan of meat? The restaurant got you covered with their delicious vegetarian dumplings 엄나무순 만두 (KRW 6,500). These beautiful veggie parcels are filled up with tofu, mushrooms, cucumbers and other vegetables. I love the crisp of the cucumber in this vegan dumplings, making the dish light and delicate.

Here comes my favourite dish, the Pyunsoo Dumplings 편수 (KRW 5,500). These beef square packets are wrapped in paper-thin dumpling skin, with mushroom and cucumber as side ingredients.

For those who aren’t familiar with Korean dumplings, you might find cucumber a weird ingredient. However, the refreshing smell of the cucumber helps in eliminating greasiness, make it an excellent combination for any meat-based mandoo in Korea. In this particular dish, the cucumber brought out the sweetness of the beef while lightens the beefy smell. A must-eat in the restaurant.

Lastly, is the hallmark dish for the new year: Tteok Mandoo Guk 떡 만두국  – Dumpling rice ball soup (KRW 12,000). Instead of using the usual Garaetteok in their soup, the restaurant uses Joraengi Tteok. Having Joraengi Tteok soup on the first day of the year symbolises good luck all year round because the 3-cm-long white rice cake, which is in the shape of a silkworm, is a symbol of good fortune in Korea.

Jaha Son-Mandoo makes fancy rice cake soup by adding coloured dumplings to the dish – literally a feast for the eyes! It is also a very filling dish, also a great dish to warm up your body in the winter.

So have you taken your rice cake soup today? Congratulations if you had your tteok-guk, because you’re a year wiser! Now you can go around asking your Korean friends if they had their rice cake soup by asking:

Tteok-guk mogo-sso yo? 떡국 먹었어요?
Have you taken your rice cake soup today?

Writer’s Note: Jaha Son-Mandoo is a great place for a hearty and delicious bowl of rice cake dumpling soup and fresh handmade dumplings. Each and every piece of dumpling is painstakingly folded and wrapped daily. If you are looking for a vegan-friendly restaurant in Seoul, this is a great place. For an elaborate meal, order dumplings Jeongol (casseroles). Remember to explore the area after the meal and have a good cup of coffee before leaving Buamdong.

Contact Details:

Jaha Son-Mandoo 자하손만두
245-2 Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울 종로구 부암동 245-2
Tel :+82 2-379-2648
Operating Hours: 11 am-930 pm

Directions:

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If you’re planning your Seoul trip itinerary and want something original and typical but less touristy, this restaurant is an excellent option. It is located near the Gongdeok AREX Station 공항철도 공덕역, which is a great location for you to get your very first meal upon arrival, or a wonderful last meal in Korea. Trust me, you probably won’t stop yearning for the soup until your next trip here.

A set of kimchi jjigae cost KRW 7,000 and comes with rice and assorted side dishes. Now, ATTENTION, my fellow BIG eaters! Here at Guldari Sikdang, you can ask for both the rice AND the kimchi jjigae refill if you order the amount of food according to the number of the headcounts you have. There is no limit on free refills. It is really eat-all-you-can at KRW 7,000. Deal?

Fly here already.

Pardon me, I only managed to take a few general shots of the food as I was too hungry that day. Moreover, I was with two other friends who were as hungry as I was. When you have (h)angry friends it wouldn’t be nice to make them wait. LOLx. However, I managed to find some very nice photos taken by a Korean blogger the Nomad21, you can check out other pictures of the restaurant here.

So here’s our Kimchi Jjigae from Guldari Sikdang. The soup hits a beautiful sweet and sour balance. I would say it is a clever 6:4 sweet and sour ratio, with a little spicy kick at the end — a result achieved by cooking a huge amount of old, over-fermented kimchi over a long time. The soup gets thicker and tastier as more time is invested to simmer the soup. The outcome is a mouth-watering broth in a tempting shade of orange-red, with deep flavours and taste.

Each and every leaf of the kimchi is cooked to a soft, semi-translucent state, fully sucking up the appetising broth. Mix your rice with some kimchi soup and dried seaweed — this might not be an elegant sight, but you’ll find yourself with an empty rice bowl in no time. Korean call dishes like this the “rice thief” (Bap-doduk 밥도둑).

As you gobble up this messy little bowl, the show has just begun. No more rice in your bowl? Time to shout: “Yi-mo~ bap hana chu-se-yo” and get your silver rice bowl refilled before we move on to the next dish.

The other menu in the restaurant is Jaeyuk Bokgeum (Spicy Stir Fried Pork 제육볶음). Going at KRW10,000 per serving, these thick chunks of pork are soft, spicy and very well marinated. It is not exactly cheap but I find them filling enough. I liked it because there wasn’t a single trace of the funky pork-y smell in the dish. Contrasting with the others who serve their Jaeyuk Bokgeum using thinly sliced pork, Guldari’s juicy and tender meat is boldly and generously cut into huge chunks. Koreans would tell you the Jaeyuk Bokgeum chunks reminds them of their grandma’s cooking. It is a dish that evokes a sense of nostalgia to many Koreans.

The garlic-y spicy gravy is the highlight of the meal. I have no idea what exactly they do to the red Yangnyeom gravy but it was downright delicious. Please be sure to scoop a generous portion of the gravy onto the rice, and have some seaweed ready for wrapping.

Another star side dish is this thick Gyeran Mari (계란말이). This Korean rolled omelette is a popular Korean side dish, usually appear in lunch boxes. It is so humble yet satisfying; I couldn’t imagine having Guldari’s kimchi soup and Jaeyuk Bokggeum without having their rolled omelette. A meal at Guldari is incomplete without the Gyeran Mari. Do you get me? LOLx. You don’t need to order this as they serve it as sides throughout the year. It is refillable too!

Looking at these Guldari foodporn by Korean Instagrammers make me droll. I would brave the snow and get my kimchi jjigae crave satisfied now!

#공덕#굴다리식당#김치찌개 신김치에 지우개만힌 고기랑 밥한공기 뚝딱ㅎ 이틀남았다. 함께해줘서 너무 고마워?

A photo posted by 으르룡대 (@yongdae.kkim) on Sep 2, 2015 at 7:44am PDT

#먹스타그램 #공덕역 #공덕맛집 #굴다리식당 #굴다리김치찌개 #김치찌개 #김치찌개맛집 A photo posted by Lee Bora (@lee.bora.5817) on Oct 12, 2015 at 12:22am PDT

#마포 #굴다리식당 오늘도 스트레스로 하얗게 불태운 #불금 #야근 하고 저녁먹으면서 #반주한잔 #제육볶음 #김치찌개맛집 #먹스타그램 #instafood #instagood #instapic #daily

A photo posted by YK Choi (@yk.choi) on Nov 20, 2015 at 6:58am PST

Writer’s Note: The restaurant only serves Kimchi soup and the spicy stir-fry pork for almost 40 years. This shows their speciality in serving Kimchi Jjigae and Jaeyuk Bokgeum. It is my go-to when I crave a bowl of kimchi soup in Seoul. Soup is served in a huge naengmyeon bowl, but the first sip of the soup tells you the restaurant goes for both quality and quantity. It is the local restaurant I would recommend it to any first timers in Seoul. As for the big eaters, what are you waiting for?

Contact Details:

Guldari Sikdang 굴다리 식당
Address: 181-45 Dohwa-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Korean address: 서울특별시 마포구 도화동 181-45
Operating Hours: 11am-10pm.

Directions:

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To many Asians residing in Seoul, what we like about the city is that we can easily find a Korean dish resembles a home dish we grow up eating. (We’re all Asian anyway!) I get to eat Su-jae-bee here, which is exactly the Korean form of Mee-Hoon-Kueh or Ban-Mian at home. (And Chinese call them mian-geda 面疙瘩 too). Our culinary culture is, in fact, similar. Another fun fact I learn here is: the hot pepper flakes, an essential ingredient in making Kimchi and all the Korean spicy dishes only came to Korea in the 17th century. That means, long time ago, Korean lived without spicy hot pepper, even when they were making Kimchi. What I want to say here is, there are a lot more options.

UPDATE 2020: Duroomi is now permanently closed. 

The lotus leaf meal at Duroomi 두루미 키친 is one. It is a go-to place when you are sick of your typical Kimchi-land food. If you’re traveling with your folks, I am sure they’ll like it. (Tested and proven when my family came to visit.) Hidden in Samcheongdong, the restaurant serves contemporary Korean food using lotus leaves as the main ingredient. Their hot pot set lunch is perfect on a windy or snowy winter day, especially when you’ve exhausted your feet from exploring the neighborhood.

This bungalow-turn-restaurant is an establishment perfect for a family gathering and/or couple dining. It is truly inviting with its cosy, home-like atmosphere as if we were invited over to a friend’s house for a meal.

Meals here comes in a set. Each hot pots has a minimum order for two person but all sets come with refillable side dishes. You can choose to top up another KRW 5,000 for a lotus leaf steamed rice or porridge, or plain noodles to complete the meal. We selected the Chadulbaegi bosot jeongol 차돌박이 버섯전골 (beef brisket and mushroom hotpot) and a lotus leaf steamed rice each.

What I like about dining at Duroomi is: all of their side dishes taste like home cooking to me and I haven’t had a dish that wasn’t good. I especially love their Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles stir-fried with meat and vegetables) and  Bokkeum Kimchi (Stir fry Kimchi), two very common home dishes I used to eat at my Korean foster parents’ place during my language training days – comforting, soothing and filling.

Now here comes the lotus leaf glutinous rice, Yeonyip-bap 연잎밥 — another Korean version of the classic Chinese dim sum, the Loh-Mai-Gai. While the Chinese lotus leaf glutinous rice is rich in flavour and tends to be more greasy, the Yeonyip-bap has a muted earthy aroma of ginkgo nuts, chestnuts and red dates, with minimal seasoning.

A chorus of aroma hits my nose as I unwrap the lotus packet. The rice and fillings are cooked evenly, with a slight burnt at the sides. I love the chewy texture of the lotus aroma infused rice. The leafy nuance and fragrance not only pairs well with all the other banchan (side dishes), but also the Chadulbaegi hot pot.

Here come our Chadulbaegi, the beef brisket and mushroom hot pot. It was served together with a small jar of homemade lotus leaf powder to add to the soup for a stronger lotus leaf aroma. The mushrooms, veggies and beef were cooked to tender perfection while the soup is infused with the teasing aroma of the leaf – a perfect melding of flavours! A hot, comforting soup-y lunch in winter, you couldn’t have asked for more.

The meal comes with a cup of tea. While the folks were taking their rest, I went up to the 2nd floor of the restaurant and took some pictures of their tastefully decorated interior.

Writer’s Note: If you are travelling to Seoul in winter, be sure to bookmark the blog down as this could be your saviour when you’re sick of your typical Kimchi-land food (aye, I can feel you.) This is one of my go-to places in Samcheongdong during the colder season. If you have developed a hal-mae ipmat (할매 입맛, a taste for anything traditional, like a grandma’s taste), this is where you and your like-minded friends should totally visit.

Contact Details:

At Duroomi 두루미 키친
27-6 Samcheong-Dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
서울시 종로구 삼청동 27-6
Tel: +82-70-4063-2787

Directions:

1. Take any subway line to Anguk Station 안국역, take exit no.2
2. Once you come up from exit no. 2, walk straight for about 12M and locate a bus stop for maeul bus Jongno 02 (종로02 )

3. Take bus Jongno 02 (종로02) and alight 6 stops later at Gamsa-won (감사원 The Board of Audit and Inspection of Korea).

4. Cross the zebra crossing, and you’ll find yourself in front of Samcheongdong Post Office (삼청동 우체국). Follow my direction in the above picture, walk down to the direction where the blue arrow is pointing.

4. Continue to walk down the slope and you’ll find yourself passing Vietnam Embassy of Korea, then the University of North Korean Studies, at your left-hand side. Keep going down the road until you reach another junction. Then turn left.

5. Continue walking down and take note of an alley at your left-hand side. Turn into the small alley &  you’ll see the restaurant.

It looks quite complicated but if you follow my guide closely, you’ll be able to locate the Duroomi restaurant in about 5-10 minutes after alighting the bus.

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It is now my best go-to cafe whenever I need quality time with my friends, and an excellent hideout for some alone time. It is strangely a space befitting almost all kinds of dates – with a bigger group of friends, with that special someone, over afternoon tea or evening cocktail, to wine and dessert after dinner or even for proper meal.

Tucked away in the hidden gol-mok (alleyway) of Itaewon, the cafe requires its visitors a little patience to locate. It is hidden humbly at the end of a steep staircase off the main road – the kind of location you won’t even noticed unless given a tip-off. Behind the black metal door was a huge private garden with open terrace. I love having brunch at their outdoor terrace when the weather is fine.

The interior was a brilliant combination of industrial and traditional design. I love the wooden flooring, the rustic colonial settings and how the metal furniture, decorations and exposed bricks adding a nice industrial touch to the interior.

The cafe offers a wide variety of drinks, ranging from alcoholic drinks like beer, cocktails and wine to alcohol-free beverages like mocktail, juices and coffee. Having tried their red and white wine, gin & tonic and coffee, I would say their drinks are pretty decent, generally a 6-7/10 and above if you want a rating. After all, it is the variety that makes every trip down to Ando so enjoyable.

My brunch companion got herself an Iced Latte, and I took a sip of it. Personally I think it was a little too milky for my liking. I understand milk is what makes up a latte but it tasted mostly like milk with weak espresso lingering in the background. I once ordered their Americano, and it turned out great. It was smooth, velvety, full bodied but balanced, exactly how I like my coffee to be.

I have only dined in once at Ando. However, the pizza we ordered during the brunch date was only mediocre. It has a wonderful thin crust, slightly smokey and crisp as you can see from the pictures, but the toppings were a little weird. I did not truly enjoy the pizza, but I love the atmosphere and the relaxing jazz music in the background. It is a pity I only dined there once, and the rest of my visits were either in the afternoon or after dinner at elsewhere. I hope I can try out other dishes there soon. The salad and pasta from other tables looked great.

Ando Chocolate Brownie is my favourite dessert at the cafe. I love the combination of yogurt whipped cream with the sinful cake – the yogurt makes the cake tastes so much fluffier. Sprinkled with nuts, cranberries and drizzled with chocolate sauce, the soft and squidgy cake is a good dessert to share. I like to pair the brownie with some red wine.

Ando Tiramisu. The generous sprinkling of cocoa powder made it a visually seductive tiramisu. However, the chef seemed to overlook the amount of brandy in the crust. There’s no single trace of alcohol in it, which is quite a disappointment. Perhaps it was the lacking of alcohol makes the dish plain and uninteresting. It is such a waste since the mascarpone cheese topping was nicely textured. I still prefer the Tiramisu at Tutto Bene.

The atmosphere of the cafe turns helplessly romantic at night. I love having wine here with my friends and loved ones after dinner.

Much to my surprise, Ando also operates as a guesthouse. Their newly renovated and tastefully styled rooms, pantry and even the shower room is so Instagram-worthy it is an awesome space every hipster traveller would dream of. I look forward someday I will be able to spend a night or two there, and tell you my experience with Ando Stay 101. It seems positive judging from the pictures on Airbnb.

ANDO STAY 101 ITAEWON – Houses for Rent

House in 서울특별시, South Korea. It is an ANDO STAY 101 ITAEWON linked with CAFÉ ANDO. Clean environment and sensory interior can be found from recent remodeling. Very close to CAFÉ ANDO that any necessities can be fulfilled easily. ANDO STAY 101 ITAEWON is located in the center… View all listings in 서울특별시

Writer’s Note: Truly a hidden urban oasis in Seoul. It is a good brunch spot in downtown Seoul with a nice blend of home tranquility and city cosmopolitan. I would recommend the place for a group gathering, date night or even a post-dinner-chill-out session. For those who are interested in staying in the guesthouse, I would say it is not heavy-luggage friendly. This could be a nice find if you’re going to stay in Seoul just for a couple of days without heavy baggage.

Contact Details:

카페 안도 Cafe Ando
서울특별시 용산구 한남동 736-8
736-8 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel. 02-749-0619

Directions:

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Club Espresso is located in Buam-dong, one of the relatively-less-crowded-but-getting-popular-neighborhood (ugh!) in Seoul that offers high concentrations of quality food and coffee. Surrounded by impressive galleries, hidden restaurants, traditional teahouses and studios for many South Korean homegrown designers, Buam-dong makes a family and couple friendly location for a weekend outing.

I especially love the warmth of the wooden interior. It was a building made of red bricks, with rustic wooden furniture decorating the space. I love the wooden tables and chairs by the windows and the huge counter where visitors can sample different blends and single origin coffees before purchasing one that fits their taste and liking. The menu consists of three categories: drip coffee, single-origin espresso, and espresso variations, each category offer at least 5 different beans/beverages.

Up on the second floor of the café was a huge roasting area. Connecting the roasting room was a corridor, filled up with cupboards exhibiting a rich collection of barista tools and accessories any coffee fanatic would love spending hours exploring. I could vividly remember how delighted I was every time I swing open the wooden door and found the delicious smell of the coffee emanating from the bar.

Affogato (above). My personal favourite from Club Espresso. Creamy vanilla ice cream with two shots of vicious, dark espresso poured over. The chopped dark chocolate added a rich depth to the black intoxicating bitters. I love savouring these hot/cold, sweet/intense goodies –the most satisfying simple pleasure in life.

Iced Chocolano (below), another Club Espresso speciality coffee. It is a combination of rich chocolate, a luscious espresso shot and creamy whipped cream. Although we ordered the iced version, the drink was extremely potent — worth your daily calorie quota (once in a while!).

Club Espresso has been the place I constantly return to whenever I am in the area. I adored the tastefully decorated interior and personally felt it is what made the place stands out from the thousands of cafés out there. However, during my latest visit, I found the place has undergone some major renovations. They cleared all the woody interiors on the first floor and turned it into spacious, industrial settings. Obviously, they have remodelled the cafe into a trading friendly environment for coffee beans/ gadget buyers. Visitors may still take their coffee break at level two, which now serves as a seating hall.

All coffee including the eat-in orders is now served in takeaway cups. The espresso is still intact. My girlfriend and I had two servings each that afternoon. I am glad the coffee is of the same old good quality, but the experience of drinking my coffee from the impeccably presented, nicely warmed coffee cup and from a disposable coffee cup is just incomparable.

Doing away with the coffee cups is no doubt an economical and wiser business strategy, but something has gone missing. Substituting the finely chopped chocolate for chocolate fudge was another small disappointment after the renovation. I can’t help but miss the good old days. When I returned home that day, I scrolled down my Facebook timeline and found the photos I took on the very first time I visited the café with YJ and Mr Nice (It was in 2010!). I am glad the memories still echo in the time when things change very quickly.

Writer’s Note:  A café that impresses its visitors with the consistent good extractions in EACH cup of the espresso. They undoubtedly brew the best espresso in town, but I prefer the old Club Espresso, the red brick cottage that provides more than just a good cup of coffee.

Contact Details:

Club Espresso 클럽 에스프레소
서울시 종로구 부암동 257-1
257-1 Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
Tel. +82-02-764-8719

Directions:

1. Coming out from Gyeongbok Palace Station (경복궁역) Exit No. 3, walk straight about 100 meters until you reach the 2nd  bus stop. (check the  board, it should indicate buses number 1020, 7022, 7212.)
2. Board any of the 3 buses above (1020, 7022, 7212) and alight at Buam-Dong Community Service Centre 부암동주민센터 [read: Bu-am-dong Ju-min Sen-toh]. The bus journey is roughly about 10 mins. a total 6 stops (including destination stop) before alighting.
3. After alighting from the bus, try to locate this particular cafe, by walking towards the direction your bus had come from.
4. You’ll see this particular building below after 30-40 seconds of walking towards the direction where you came from before alighting from the bus.

5. That’s your destination! Enjoy your good cup of coffee!