Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - De Chocolate Coffee

De Chocolate Coffee is a Korean chain that is definitely different from the many coffee shops in Korea. Because there are so many coffee shops in Korea, it is good to break from the norm by offering something else. De Chocolate Coffee is a cafe that centers around all things chocolate. The main sellers is the hot chocolate which offers you a variety of options to find the perfect combination for yourself. Themed around the Callebaut Chocolate, there is the choice of milk, dark and white chocolate which can be served hot, iced or as a blend. The best part is that you can select your own chocolate topping for your drink which include shaved, chunks, or chips of chocolate.  

In addition to the amazing chocolate drinks, De Chocolate Cafe also offers handmade chocolate thats vary in different types.  They also offer a handful of desserts which include cakes, brownies and such. With so much to offer on the menu, it is the perfect place to go to for anyone with a chocolate addiction like myself. 

Hidden Treasures - Kung Fu Tea

Kung Fu Tea is one of my ultimate favorite bubble tea spots back in New York. You don't understand when I say I crave for this thing so for those of you who have the advantage of drinking it, DRINK UP. For the rest of you who are living in Korea, they finally opened a small branch in the Gangnam train station. It was about time that this international brand was going to make its way to Korea because of all the other popup and crazy bubble tea joints like Gong Cha, Share Tea, Cha Time, Quickly, and the rest of the bubble tea knock offs like Bubble Pong. Moral of the story is shop til' you drop in the Gangnam station on line 2 and get some bubble tea! You'll find it right next to the Gong Cha. 

The only thing is that there's a slight difference with the taste. Unlike the New York versions that I always get, there is less of a milk flavor here. Koreans just do not believe in milk. They would prefer to have more of an actual taste of the beverage. On another note, the bubbles are a tad bit smaller and chewier, just not cooked the same way. Basically what I'm saying is do not go for the traditional milk tea because it tastes nothing like the one back at home. Go for their fruit flavors and opt for their jelly drinks, you won't regret. You will also notice that it's not filled to the top, really Korea? This is definitely not the first time it's happened to me, and this is the smaller size!

Charlie Brown Cafe

Previously blogging about the themed cafes of Korea, the Hello Kitty Cafe is one popular one in Korea, but the Charlie Brown Cafe is also a worldwide chain that originated in Hong Kong. It of course, focuses on all things Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the other characters with their well-recognized cakes and desserts made of character heads. The desserts at Charlie Brown Cafe are just too pretty to eat as well. 

Like every other cafe and coffee shop, the Charlie Brown Cafe offers a handful of other menu choices as well as beverages.  Because the branches differ in the countries, the Hong Kong branch serves up actual meals which include spaghetti dishes and burgers. In Seoul, you'll find smaller sandwich options as well as breakfast options of muffins and such. Although the coffee beverages aren't decked out in character heads, they are a staple to have when in Korea. 

With all things Charlie Brown from cakes to drink containers to the store in center pieces and displays, the Charlie Brown cafe is family friendly and can be found in a few locations around Seoul. Although the signature cakes are a little pricey to order, the rest of the menu options are pretty average and comparable in price to other options in Korea.

Restaurant Review - Kyochon

Kyochon is one famous Korean chicken joint back in America because it is practically the one branch that made its way to the States. Ironic enough that I have never had Kyochon back in America, but my first time was actually in Seoul, Korea. Catering to both the American and Korean taste buds, Kyonchon is actually one of the better Korean fried chicken chain restaurants in town. The fried chicken served at Kyochon differs from the other restaurants, being mostly there are a limited number of choices. 

Kyochon offers a few more flavors and different types of chicken which makes it that much more amazing of a chain restaurant. For starters, Kyochon is the one of the very few fried chicken restaurants that actually serves chicken strips. Best part is they actually have three different dipping sauces for you which include a honey mustard, sweet and sour and a more traditional BBQ sauce. In addition to this, you can find deep fried chicken that is not too heavily battered embedded in sauce. With a handful of different sauces to choose from, eating at Kyochon is difficult with a few people only because there is so much to choose from. Nonetheless, it is a spot that I will visit back home. Unfortunately for me, the prices just won't be the same because everything is cheaper in Korea.

Bottoms Up - Cha Time

Cha Time is a well-recognized bubble tea spot around the world and they finally made their way to Korea. With a small stand in Hongdae, it is next to Paul and Paulina which is up a hill outside of exit 9 Hongkik station. It is the place to drop by for a quick pick up and to be on your way. A medium cup of bubble tea will set you back $3.40, but a large is just for an extra 50 cents. Although it does not taste the same as the other Cha Time chains, it is the next closest thing!