Hidden Treasures - Tu CAN

Tu CAN is a small restaurant in Noksapyeong known for their chicken and chips combo. With a limited menu of jerk chicken and orange chicken, the main entrée is sided with salads, rice, and other delicious goodies. With a small menu, the must order is the chicken where you can share half a chicken between two. The more popular order is the jerk chicken that is served with a barbecue sauce and a ton of herbs spiced into the chicken. The orange chicken is served with an orange sauce and the chicken topped with fried garlic slices.

The two differ in taste and varies on customer’s taste. Personally, the jerk chicken at Tu CAN is more favorable because of the sauce that is served with. Nonetheless, both chicken are baked up the same way, slowly oven roasted and not dry at all. Because the chicken is small in size, it is able to obtain its juices and bring in the crowd. Served with a bed of freshly deep fried potato chips and its own sauce that is recommended to be dipped with the chicken, Tu CAN is a must visit.

Aside from good taste, the price of this chicken is extremely affordable and welcoming. Chickens are priced at just $12 for half and $22 for two halves of both the jerk and the orange. In addition to the chicken, they serve Mango Salad for just $10, a side of rice and beans for $3 and a handful of drinks that range in price. The recommended is the naranja con leche, fresh orange juice and milk which is a great combo for the meal. They also have caipirinhas, mojitos, pina coladas and more!

This extremely small restaurant seats roughly 20 guests at one time, but it is constantly packed with people who are peeping in to get a seat. This spot is famous among the Koreans as well as foreigners which goes to rave about the food at Tu CAN. That and it’s pretty impossible to find jerk chicken, a Caribbean and Brazilian cuisine in Korea. Their bright colored décor is extremely welcoming for a group of friends to enjoy a great meal. Just keep in mind the wait time for a chicken to cook up if they run out!

Address: 658 Itaewon 2-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

용산구 이태원2동 658

Phone: 02-749-9966

Directions: Take exit 2 from Noksapyeong station and go straight until you see a green underpass that takes you across the street on the right. Take the underpass and exit on the left when reaching the exit. Cross the street to the other side and take a right. Tu CAN will be on your left with a few steps going up.

Korean Twist - 40192 Roll

40192 (DalRoll) is a place in the Itaewon Noksapyeong area that is swirling up a traditional Japanese cake. For just $4.50 a pop, 40192 offers a handful of flavors which include plain, caramel, green tea, chocolate, tiramisu, and biscuit choux. Just about palm size, it maybe a little pricey and not worth it if you have a crazy sweet tooth. There is a lot more cream than cake taste and the problem is the cake is not sweet at all. It is perfect for those who look for something bland, but it's a total let down when you're looking for a blast of green tea taste and all you get is cream and cake.

Drinks at DalRoll start at $3.50 and an Americano is priced at $4 which actually beats out a lot of the main chain and fancy cafes if you ask me. 40192 is extremlly small in size with sliding doors that is different from other cafes. Seating roughly 12 with booths and 4 at a bar-like setting, it can be hard to find seats here when it gets packed.

Address:용산구 녹사평대로 228-1

Yongsangu Noksapyeong Dae-ro 228-1

Directions: Take exit 2 of the Noksaypyeong station and go straight until you see an underpass to go across the street. Take the underpass going down to the other side. Take the exit on your left and go to the corner. 40192 DalRoll will be on your right before reaching the end of the block.

Restaurant Review - Burgermine



Burgermine, named People's Favorite Burger, is one unique burger spot located in the Itaewon Haebangchon area that allows for customers to get a DIY burger. This all you can eat option is where you can pick your own unilimited topping of anything and everything after given the patties for your burger. It is a popular option for many because the amount you can consume. This DIY Burger option is just $15 with fries and beverages.

For others who are not looking to down so much, Burgermine makes their own burgers with a variety of combinations. The burgers are rather plain in taste, nothing that special which is reflected in the photo. They offer two salad options which is the garden (a huge plate of veggies topped with bacon bits and a balsamic vinegar dressing) and a chicken caesar salad. There is also the option of other sides which include the mouthwatering Chili Cheese Fries which is not exactly that.

It was a huge disappointment for the simple reason that deep fried fries were topped with sliced cheese and thrown into a microwave. The chilli on top was just not appealing to taste with a bland, can taste. Personally, it is not a recommendation unless you are going for the all you can eat option.

Burgermine is a pretty chill place to go with graffiti on the walls and a dimmed lighting environment. It wouldn't be the best place to take a date, but hanging out with friends is on the list, especially if you are all the type with a big stomach! 

Address:Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Yongsan-dong-2-ga 45-9
용산구 용산동 2가 4-9

Phone: 070-8263-2034

Directions: From the Noksapyeong station on line 6 of the brown, take exit 2 and go straight to the light. Take the hill up on your left and go straight. Go all the way up and after a long 5 minute walk, you will see an international market on your left. Past the market, you will see Burgermine on your right.

Hidden Treasures - Once Upon a Milkshake

Once Upon a Milkshake, every big kid's fantasy to have a whole store devoted to milkshakes, ice cream, and all things good. Living in Korea, it is difficult to find a place that makes a good milkshake since it varies from place to place as well as person to person who makes it. Once Upon a Milkshake dedicates their everyday to making the perfect milkshake. Coming from Singapore, the first branch just opened in Seoul, bringing a menu that is just above the rest. 

They offer a handful of choices which range from fruit flavored to sweet classics and even new twists that you have never heard of before. The best part is being able to have the option of choosing the texture of your milkshake. This is one thing that is not offered anywhere. The dense taste of the milkshake is also adjustable to your personal buds by adding extra flavor if needed. 

With three sizes of mini, regular and large, milkshakes start at $4 a pop. Because there is so much to choose from, which can be difficult to make a choice, they offer a swirl of goodness by incorporating two flavors. The most popular mix at Once Upon a Milkshake which is unexpected is the cookies and cream with condensed milk mixture. If wanted, the option of mixing up to three flavor is allowed as well, but a rare case.  Using a high quality puree with 100% real fruits, no artificial flavoring, items are not that sweet but can be altered to your taste. The recommendation and most popular ones on the menu are: the classic cookies and cream, condensed milk, and tiramisu. It may be a little pricey, but if you crave for it, you'll understand the splurge.

For those who are looking for an alternative to milkshakes, there is the option of ice cream. Single scoops are just $3, doubles for $5.50 and a triple for $7.50. Plain in taste, the store is considering toppings but this is totally breaking from the Korean norms. The most popular being chocolate, cookies and cream and black currant (a sour fruit that is much like a blueberry but tartier) which is served in a regular cup.

Once Upon a Milkshake is closed on Mondays, opened Tuesday to Thursday from 10 to 10 and Friday to Sunday from 10-11pm. With free wifi and an open area, it is a relaxing environment for a chit chat and enjoying with a group of friends, even to do some work. BEST PART. Someone speaks English.

Take exit 2 from Noksapyeong station and go straight until you see a green underpass that takes you across the street on the right. Take the underpass and exit on the left when reaching the exit. Go straight past Craftworks and Once Upon a Milkshake is an eye catching purple storefront with opened windows cannot and should not be missed.

Address: Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Noksaypeyong 242
서울시 용산구 녹사평대로 242(이태원동)
Phone: 070-7435-313

Hidden Treasures - The Baker's Table

The Baker's Table
is one place by the Noksapyeong station of Itaewon-Haebangchon area that has all of the foreigners raving. Baking up fresh bread daily, it is the go to place for a handful of bread and pastries that range on the menu. The best part is that this small cozy shack uses their fresh breads in their menu with selections of panini, sandwiches, and breakfast goods that is the most popular option for many.

Incorporating the all American and European breakfast, many of the locals and foreigners visit the Baker's Table. The only problem is the small number of seating that is available which means that it is always packed. For this reason, many locals drop by to have sandwiches and baked goods for takeout. 

In regards to the menu, everything is listed at an affordable and not outrageous price which is how most brunch locations price their foods. There is a lot of rave behind Baker's Table. The only problem is I didn't find much hype behind some of their food. The chicken and cilantro panini seemed to be on a little of the dry end with not so much of a cilantro kick. The bread was definitely on point, but the combination did not do it for me. 

The potato wedges on the other hand is a must order. Fresh potatoes are sliced, coated with seasoning, pan fried, deep fried, and served with a side of salsa. This unique kick definitely offers something different and because it is made fresh, it may take a bit of time to whip up, but definitely worth the wait. 

On average, sandwiches cost $7 and breakfast plasters around $11. Portions are average, but satisfactory for the price. Breads and baked goodies range in price that start at $2. With great combinations and a wide option that does not subject to just the Korean take of bakery items, grabbing a few pieces to go is recommended. Their goods are extremely fluffy and tasty, something that is worth sharing with others. 

Directions: Take exit 2 of the Noksaypyeong station and go straight until you see an underpass to go across the street. Take the underpass going down to the other side. Take the exit on your left and go straight across the street. Walk straight for almost two blocks, past Craftworks and Once Upon a Milkshake and you will see the Baker's Table on your right.

Address: 244-1 Noksapyeong daero Itaewon-dong Yongsan Gu, Seoul, Korea
녹사평 대로 이태원동 용산구 244-1
Phone: 070-7717-3501

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Monster Cupcake

Monster Cupcake is a small cupcake shop in Itaewon that is one of the most recognized and longest standing cupcake shops in Seoul. Why? Because their cupcakes are extremely cute and fun to eat! For an average of $4.50 per cupcake, there are a handful of flavors to choose from that are whipped up in the shop. The favorites are red velvet and tiramisu, classic cupcake flavors. Although Monster Cupcake is recognized for their cupcakes, they're still a little away from signature cupcakes back at home. The cupcake isn't as fluffy, but made with a more dense batter. The icing is also different with a creamier texture, but their decorative gels are extremely flavorful and is the sweetest touch to the cupcake, literally. None the less, it is still a spot to go to satisfy a cupcake craving!

The concept of Monster Cupcakes is simple, make monster cupcakes. The theme is extremely cute, they make all their cupcakes around different "cute" and enjoyable monster looking things. They incorporate a theme of death into every cupcake that just takes it over the top. Because this is an extremely small cupcake shop, it is one of those where you grab to go. There is probably a total of four seats in the shop so people don't really linger around. If you do get lucky to stick around, you can enjoy your cupcake within the shop as you watch them whip up a new batter of cupcakes, ice them, and throw them onto display. It is definitely a cute place to be for all things cupcake!

Directions: Take exit 2 of the Noksaypyeong station and go straight until you see an underpass to go across the street. Take the underpass going down to the other side. Take the exit on your left and go straight across the street. Take a right as soon as you cross the street down to where Tu Can is and keep walking. You will see Monster Cupcakes on your left, be careful not to miss it!

Bottoms Up - Standing Coffee

Standing Coffee is a coffee shop where you literally stand in a line in the streets to order your coffee whipped up by a group of handsome barista "Standing guys" dressed in a white dress shirt, black slacks, and topped with a tie. It is the cutest concept with a quick way to brew up your coffee from a small menu. It's said that they only hire "handsome guys" which is definitely an eye candy for all guests, guys included.

Coffee of course, is the number one choice from Standing Coffee, but they are also known for their blue lemonade. Made with fresh lemons and blue caracao, this spiked lemonade is the perfect drink for any hot summer day. Don't worry about getting a "buzz" from the drink because it is extremely sweet in taste and made from a low percentage of alcohol. Drinks are priced at most $5 and they even have shots of alcohol for sale, another plus for many.

The original Standing Coffee is located straight from the Noksapyeong exit number 2 of line 6. It will be across the street from you on the right side so before reaching the light, take the underpass that will facilitate crossing the street. From Standing Coffee Two in the Hongdae area, the easiest way to get there is a straight walk from Sangsu station exit 1. Within a two minute walk, it'll be on your right (a bigger location than the original).

Hidden Treasures - Casablanca

Casablanca is probably hands down, the best joint in Seoul. This hidden treasure is the one recommendation to anyone for a special meal that is not only cheap, but delicious. What is there to know? You're paying $4-5 for a Moroccan sandwich that is made fresh from scratch, including the bread. Baked fresh everyday, the small restaurant opens at 5PM and closes when the bread sells out. Exactly that, the bread sells out as early as 8pm. 

The two brothers bake up a fresh crispy and flaky bread on the exterior and soft and fluffy on the interior. The fresh bread helps to accentuate the taste of the sandwich that is made with maokooda (a special spiced fried potato patty with lettuce, tomato, onion, olive, and pickles). Although the restaurant is known for their chicken sandwich, the lamb chili is the one recommendation to be made. If possible, buying the bread should be an option, but too bad it's not. 

It is totally worth it to make a travel up a hill just to grab a sandwich from the two brothers. Although the restaurant is extremely small in size, they try to serve up the goodies as fast as possible and take out is the way to go if there is no seats available. In addition to the amazing sandwiches, there is a small menu of cheap goodies which includes side salad and a small soup. This quick stop restaurant is the place to go to grab a bite and be on your way for drinks elsewhere in Itaewon.

From the Noksapyeong station on line 6 of the brown, take exit 2 and go straight to the light. Take the hill up on your left and go straight. Go all the way up and after a long 5 minute walk, you will see an international market on your left. Past the market, you will see Casablanca on your left. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Sugar Daddy

Everyone knows I have the craziest sweet tooth, especially for cupcakes. I have been on the search in Seoul for forever now to find the best cupcakes and constantly let down each time. Sugar Daddy is definitely the only one that comes close, almost the perfect cupcake. Sugar Daddy is an extremely small shop in Itaewon where the baker is in the store baking and decorating as she sells cupcakes from the same table. This extremely small and cozy spot is filled with all things delicious which are not only cupcakes! 

Sugar Daddy offers cupcake sized pies, mini cheesecakes, fudge bars, cookies, and cupcakes of traditional flavors as well as all things crazy. Many of the ingredients used in the recipes are ordered from foreign markets and online stores which explains the quality of the baked goods. Furthermore, the owner (Yumi Jung) tries to incorporate all things crazy that Americans love into her baked goods which provides her with another bonus thumbs up.

I am absolutely in love with Sugar Daddy for the amazing service for starters. Yumi had two stools in front and offered seating for us to consume our root beer cupcake and key lime pie. She then proceeded to offer us a cup of tea, Australia's T2 tea which she allowed us to choose from a wide selection of flavors. Halfway into our baked goods, she then offered us a freshly baked cookie from her cooling rack. 

In terms of her baked goods: the root beer cupcake is definitely a special kind of cupcake which is a fun eat. The root beer kick to the cupcake takes it to a whole new level. I'm personally not a fan of root beer, but this cupcake definitely changed my mind. Topped with a "scoop of icecream" and a "straw" for consumption, this cute it is a blast of flavor with a fluffy cake base, whipped fondant-icing like cream, and a drizzle of deliciousness. 

The mini key lime pie, made of a graham cracker base that is topped with a key lime filling is also on point. The tart key lime is not overpowering and it is the perfect blend with the crust, definitely a recommendation for anyone looking for something tangy but not too sour. The cookies are made of all things crazy as well, but like most Korean cookies, they are all hard and not soft-baked, but still delicious in taste!

For my cupcake hunt in Korea, I think I have found the best and closest thing. I definitely recommend Sugar Daddy to anyone who is looking for that perfect cupcake. With so much to choose from, you may be spending a little more than anticipated. Cupcakes and baked goods average at $4.50 a pop, cookies priced at $1 and totally worth every penny of it!

From the Noksapyeong station on line 6 of the brown, take exit 2 and go straight to the light. Take the hill up on your left and go straight. Go up the hill and you will see the small shop of Sugar Daddy on your right. This location in Haebangchon is actually closed.

updated
For the Itaewon Sugar Daddy shop that recently opened in replacement of the location above in Haebangchon, take exit 4 of the Itaewon station on line 6 and go straight by the McDonald's.