Korean Twist - 누나홀닭 NOO NA HOL DAK

With so many Korean infusion restaurants around the world, it had to make their way to Korea. Hongdae, a popular young crowd in Seoul caters to a new take on the Korean infusion menu with a  restaurant, NOO NA HOL DAK, that focuses on all things chicken to come up with a chicken fajita wrap. Marinated chicken and a bed of vegetables made of onions and green peppers are served on a sizzling hot plate with a serving of flat tortillas. The concept is simple, take a piece of chicken, some vegetables and wrap it all up for consumption. 

The chicken is marinated to perfection with a glaze of honey and teriyaki taste. Shared between two, this dish will only set you back about $15 which is definitely worth it for the budgeted price. NOO NA HOL DAK is located from exit 8 of the Hongik University train station on the green line 2. Take a right at the exit and go straight to the second intersection. Make a right and NOO NA HOL DAK will be on your right with open seating up a semi-flight of stairs.

Address: Mapo-gu, Donggyo Dong 164-8
마포구 동교동 164-8

Bottoms Up - Bubble Beans

It is almost impossible to find a bubble tea spot in Korea that is centered around it being a real cafe for locals to hang out at and enjoy a good drink. Bubble Beans is the one place that offers an indoor and outdoor seating for guests to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere for bubble tea. The best part is that they offer a take out menu that provides discount to guests, even at their already low price of less than $4 a cup. 

With free wifi and brunch on the menu, Bubble Beans also offers desserts and deliciousness that allows guests to stay all day at the cafe. It is definitely different to have bubble tea served in a refreshing cup that is styled in a way that you want a continuing refill. Bubble Beans offer a stamp coupon that allows for guests to get a free drink after a number of visits which is always popular for bubble tea.

Take exit 8 of the Hongik University station on line 2 and take a right at the block. Follow the road straight down past the curved road on your left. Go straight to the dead end and take a right at that block. Take a left at the following block and go straight for almost 3 blocks. Bubble Beans will be on your right, right before the next intersection.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Maman Gateau 마망갸또

Maman Gataeu is a dessert cafe as well as a baking academy that actually specializes in all things caramel. With a dessert menu that averages at $5 a plate and caramel for almost $1 a piece, it is honestly a must visit. They obviously offer other things on the menu, being it is a well-recognized baking school in Seoul. Maman Gataeu bakes up all things sweet which includes cheesecakes, roll cakes, layered cakes and more. They also offer a wide range of coffee selection and drinks for guests to enjoy, catering to the season and speciality items of that very season.

With two locations, one out in Hongdae and another in Sinsa, it is a must visit for anyone who is looking to enjoy some good dessert away from the busy streets. The location in Hongdae is closer to the Hapjeong station, where the quieter street of restaurants and coffee shops are in Hongdae. Although the Sinsa location is by the busy streets of Garosu-gil, you can definitely find peace at this dessert cafe.

Hongdae Location: 02-3141-9664 Opened from 12-11PM
서울시 마포구 서교동 395-113 (Mapo-gu, Seogyo Dong, 395-113)
Sinsa Garosu-gil Location: 070-4353-5860
서울시 강남구 신사동 524-27 1F Cafe, 2F Baking School (Gangnam-gu, Sinsa-dong 524-27)

Bottoms Up - Cafe Organic

Cafe Organic, a two floor location in Hongdae is one of the recommended places to go to for all things organic. Being that there are so many coffee shops and different places that offer food and snacks, it's difficult to find those that are green and healthy. Cafe Organic offers something different by having organic coffee beans, teas and fresh juices. 

Being that they are using all things organic, the price of Cafe Organic is not like many other coffee shops that can average at $5 a drink. Cafe Organic averages $7 a drink, but service is extremely efficient. It is a recommended location if you are looking for a relaxing, open area to enjoy the quieter streets of Hongdae and a relaxing seating area. 

Directions: Take exit 8 of Hongik University station on the green line 2. Take a right at the exit, go straight pass the curved road to the back alleys. Take a right at the dead end and a left at the next block. Go straight for two blocks and Cafe Organic will be on the corner on your right. 

Address: 마포구 서교동 339-1
339-1 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Phone: 02-332-4650

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Cafe Etonne

Cafe Etonne, located in Hongdae, is probably one of the cheapest places to get amazing desserts that actually caters around presentation. In Korea, presentation of food is extremely important, but with that comes a big price> Cafe Etonne offers desserts that are appealing to the eye without splurging on the wallet. They are pretty on point with taste and they try to whip up desserts and drinks that are unique to the menu.

Of course, Cafe Etonne offers the regular desserts of cake slices, tarts, macarons and all, but the one thing that definitely stands out on the menu is their bing su, shaved ice. They are the only place by far that offers a Sangria Bing Su which is infused with a ton of fresh fruits, piles of ice, drowned in red wine and topped with a ball of ice cream. The only weird thing to this dessert is the chunks of cottage cheese. Koreans have something for cheese that is just explainable, but it is easy to remove and enjoyed. Better yet, tell them to take out the cheese which saves you the trouble of picking!

Cafe Etonne is definitely one place recommended for a date setting as well as girl time. They have a spacious open area with a variety of seating and open windows for you to enjoy the quieter streets of Hongdae. This is one place you do want to visit for cheap desserts in Seoul, Korea.  

Directions: Take exit 8 of Hongik University station on the green line 2. Take a right at the exit, go straight pass the curved road to the back alleys. Take a right at the dead end and a left at the next block. Go straight for two blocks and Cafe Etonne will be on the left upstairs from one of the shopping stores with an entrance at the corner.

Address: 344-14 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Telephone: 070-7583-6432

Cheap Eats - Monster Pizza

Monster Pizza located in Hongdae is probably the only spot in Seoul that serves their pizza by the slice. It may sound a little ridiculous, but this small shack resembles the quick stop pick up that New York is known for. It definitely reminds me of the dollar pizza that can be found in St Marks with seating for about 10. This quick pick up is the place to go for a quick bite that is satisfying for just $3.50 a slice.

This is not the place to go and sit around to chit chat. Monster Pizza has the atmosphere of stand up eating where you just grab your pizza, sprinkle on some pepper flakes and go, just the NY style. Opened late hours into the night, Monster Pizza also caters to the boozed and intoxicated locals and foriegners. There's been a few times that I've seen my friends go back for a second round through the night. The popular of course is the Spice Girls which is topped with pepperoni, olives, jalapeños, bacon, and ham, but they also offer the traditional pepperoni slice!

Directions to Monster Pizza: From Hongik University station on line two, take exit 9 and go straight until the light. Make a left and go straight for two blocks. You will be facing the university with gray buildings. Take a right at the light and go straight. Monster Pizza will be about two blocks down where Club NB, Harlem and Phantom is.

Restaurant Review - Burger Joint New York

Burger Joint New York chases the dreams of a perfected burger, fries, and a drink New York style.  Bringing the location from the original in New York, the restaurant is located in Hongdae off of the main party streets on the second floor, Burger Joint New York is the place to go for a simple set meal. The concept is simple where you tell DON'T want on your burger. Yes, tell them the things you do not want to include which makes life a lot easier. Just goes to show the amazing service that goes into each and every burger. 

With an extremely simple menu, which is recommended for most burgers anyway, making an order is extremely easy. Because they are cooking up their burgers fresh, it can take a while if there is a line. For the most part, Burger Joint New York is extremely popular with the locals as well as the foreigners. It is one of the very few restaurants that offer Dr Pepper which is a must have for many. This hip hop themed restaurant is a place for foreigners to feel comfortable with staff that speaks a good amount of English, making you feel like you are at home. 

Directions: Take exit 9 of the Hongik University station stop on the green line 2. Go straight until the light and take a left after you cross the street. Go straight until you pass the Taco Bell on your right. After the Tony Moly on your right and before the light, take the street on the right going up. Go straight and before you reach the intersection, Burger Joint New York will be on your left in a hidden alley by the Watson's drug store. Be sure to look carefully because you can miss this second floor restaurant with a black exterior. 

Address: 358-51 Seogyo-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul

서울 마포구 서교동 358-51

Phone: 02-324-8999

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Bing Bing Bing

Bing Bing Bing 빙빙빙 is one place that is serving up quick shaved ices, the Korean traditional eat of bingsu or just patbingsoo (with red bean). It is an extremely small location that seats roughly fifteen and almost always has a line. With a limited number of flavors, the most popular and recommended is the blueberry lemon and condensed milk. They also have a regular one that caters to the more traditional taste, but definitely try them all. 

Because the location is extremely small in size, locals are always lined up outside waiting for a seat. One of the better things about Bing Bing Bing is the fact that the small space allows for the locals to quickly enjoy their dessert and get on with their day (unlike most other places in Korea).  Bing Bing Bing offers extremely quick service and allows for take out as well which is one popular thing to get if you're on the go. 

Bing Bing Bing is probably the only place in Seoul that offers the bingsu to go, but it makes it that much more enjoyable as you're on the run in the heat, especially if you're trying to check out the many locations of Hongdae. It can be a little pricey for just a cup, but it is the perfect quick pick me up for you to be well on your way.

Phone: 070-7723-7191

Address:마포구 서교동 395-199 독막로7길 57, 서울특별시

395-199 Seogyo-dong Mapo-gu Seoul

Hours from 12PM to 11PM daily

Fresh on the Market - Share Tea

Share Tea is labeled the number one bubble tea spot in Taipei, Taiwan. Being that I have traveled to Taiwan (will be going back in December again this year) I definitely do miss having Share Tea every day. I'm glad they opened a branch in Hongdae 홍대 because I've been dying for the bubble tea. It's nice to have traditional taste when it comes to milk tea and not made from powder.

The one thing that sets Share Tea from every other bubble tea chain in Korea is the fact that they actually have pudding. PUDDINGGGGGGGGG ! You do not understand how difficult it is to find the traditional Chinese pudding in Korea, but I'm glad to have it here!

Share Tea is extremely small in size so I would not recommend lounging out for a while. There is a total of rougly ten seats in the store, in a very small space as well. Nonetheless, it is a must visit for anyone craving for pudding with their bubble tea the traditonal Chinese way. 

Directions: From Hongik University station on line two, take exit 9 and go straight until the light. Make a left and go straight to the next light. Keep going straight past the light and you will see a row of buildings. Share tea is on the bottom section of the two floor of buildings and food.

Restaurant Review - Burger B

Burger B is one of the best burger places in Hongdae for an outdoor seating over amazing food, burgers to be exact. It is the one place to enjoy an outdoor view over burgers, fries, and the choice of a beer or a milkshake. Better yet, you can get the Burger B platter that serves you an amazing burger with fries and a shot of milkshake. Yes, a shot of milkshake. You can then proceed to ordering your own or going for a beer as a refreshment.

Burgers are priced at a decent $8 which makes it easy for customers to get filled without splurging too much. The one thing that is recommended is to go to Burger B with an open stomach because the food is amazing. It is also a great spot to enjoy a drink with friends before heading out for a chaotic night in Hongdae. Burger B is extremely popular among locals and foreigners because foreigners know a good burger. The meat is definitely different compared to other burger restaurants in Korea, maintaing that juicy texture.

With an open balcony area, it is the perfect place to lounge around during the day, and at night. You grasp the crisp air from outside and it's very welcoming to conversations and booze. Burger B caters to both vibes of the Hongdae community with good food and drinks, one recommended location for sure.

With three locations in town which include the popular Hongdae, Apgujeong, and Sangnam, the location visited was the one in Hongdae at 362-7 Seogyo-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Sugar De Chou

Sugar De Chou, located in Hongdae, is known to be a cupcake cafe with the cutest yet most simple cupcakes for the price of $4. The popular two flavors include Earl Grey Tea and the Chocolate, but they also offer a Green Tea and Lemon cupcake. Icing for the cupcakes differ depending on the one ordered, which includes an extremely decorative kind when ordered. 

The chocolate cupcake is extremely bold in taste, offering chunks of chocolate chips inside the cupcake which is different to other cupcake shops that finish with a basic cake base. The icing is extremely creamy in texture, offering a strong milky chocolate taste which definitely puts the chocolate over the top. Finished with a topping of sliced almonds, it is the perfect cup of chocolate in a cake. 

The best thing about the menu is that they offer a handful of other drinks to consume with their cupcakes. Opening at 1 in the afternoon and closing at 11PM everyday, it is the place to go to enjoy with a friend or just as a simple study session. They even have delivery services which can be made if you speak Korean of course. The environment is extremely cute offering indoor and outdoor seating with outlets everywhere to charge anything and everything you need, even with seating in the middle of the floor. Another bonus of the cafe is that they offer take out coffee for just $2. Nothing beats a low price and an environment that is relaxing and calm from the outskirts of the crazy Hongdae party night scene. 

Address: Seoul, Mapo, Seogyo-dong, 396-32 

Phone: 070-8221-2223

Restaurant Review - The Joe

The Joe in Hongdae is definitely not the place to rave for their burgers, but the menu is extremely cheap. Because the patties are frozen and not the best patties are used, the burgers from the Joe is just something to fill a stomach. The one thing that is special about The Joe is their tangy sweet and sour sauce that they layer the burger with. It is definitely something that takes it up a notch. Their fries, on the other hand, is something that is worth making the splurge on. There is a small number of restaurants that actually use nacho cheese on their fries and that is why the freshly battered and nacho cheese melted fries is to die for. Nonetheless, it is the place to go for a quick bite to satisfy any stomach of a club goer and partying in the busy streets of Hongdae. 

For anyone looking to sample The Joe and review it for yourself, take exit 9 of the Hongik University station on the green line 2. Make a left when you exit the station to the first street you see. Take a right at the first intersection and go straight to the corner. The Joe will be on your left before you reach the corner of Taco Bell. 

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!

Restaurant Review - Chir Chir Chicken 치르치르치킨

Chir Chir Chicken 치르치르치킨 is a Korean fusion chicken spot that is dispersed across Seoul. The restaurant offers something new to chicken lovers that break from the traditional Korean norm of chicken and beer. Chir Chir Chicken not only has amazing boneless chicken, but they top it with sliced almonds, Korean rice cakes and an amazing sauce of course. There are also chunks of fried sweet potato which is a Korean staple and nonetheless, a good combo as well. This Korean fusion breaks away from using potatoes and fries, but it is still nom-alicious. 

In addition to their popular saucy boneless chickens, they also offer fried chicken that is paired with a simple salad. Basic, but over the top for someone who loves chicken, but can't splurge on the extra calories. A bed of fresh salad always does the trick! It may make you feel less guilty about the extra calories from the amazing sauce, but be careful of the dressing. Because it is so delicious, you may consume a lot more than you plan to. 

Touching on the topic of chicken and beer. Chir Chir chicken definitely offers beer with their menu options because it is the most popular thing, but they offer something that many chicken places do not and that is American alcoholic beverages. Served in pitcher sizes, their refreshing drinks makes any chicken explosive. 

Being that Chir Chir Chicken 치르치르치킨 is extremely popular for those who are drinkers, there are a few locations across Seoul, including two in the Hongdae area down the alley of fun. 

Restaurant Review - Best Croquettes Ever 칠리차차

Chilly Cha Cha 칠리차차 is a hidden treasure that takes fried food to a whole new level. This small Korean owned restaurants cooks up all things deep fried that is absolutely amazing. They also offer the traditional Korean eats of ddukboki and kimbap, but the menu is beyond imaginable. The one thing that is to die for is their amazingly stuffed croquettes. The batter is on point and the food is extremely cheap which makes being full for lunch or dinner within budget. Fried items average at $2 a pop and because it is so cheap, ordering everything on the menu just might happen. 

Although Chilly Cha Cha offers a menu that is low in price and you would assume that their items are not filling, being that it is the equivalent to a Paris Baguette's croquette, these croquettes are palm sized. Consuming two can probably fill you up already! Being that there are so many different kinds to choose from, including a mystery flavored one, there is definitely one that caters to everyone's taste. The most popular ones include the curry, pumpkin, and corn which comes with a mashed potato blend. 

Pictures give this croquette no justice so it is something that you have to try to believe. Initially, I thought it was a little overrated by Eat Your Kimchi, but I've come to realize that it is that amazing. I've been craving for it since I left and realized that this is one of the very few places I actually go back to. Can you say amazing?

With directions from the Eat Your Kimchi website, an additional important note to point out is that form the Sangsu station exit 1, walk straight until the Dunkin Donuts on the corner and taking a right onto the Parking Lot street. When you see the C for U mart on the corner, take that street down to the left. Staying on the right side, Chilly Cha Cha is on the corner across the street from the seven eleven next to a Cafe Bar. It is not exactly on the corner, but towards the right after you see the 7/11.

Bottoms Up - Thanks Nature Cafe

With all the different animal cafes in Korea which are, but not limited to the dog, cat, and fish, there is the new staple of sheep. Yes, a sheep cafe. A little different from the other cafes where animals are not running around, but the sheep is caged. The concept of seating at Thanks Nature Cafe is definitely different to other cafes. Thanks Nature Cafe offers two types of seating which includes in door with air conditioner or outdoor with the natural breeze, right next to the two sheep. Although the smell may not be amazing, a lot of people like to sit outside with the sheep for another source of entertainment.

Many foreigners love to visit Thanks Nature Cafe for the concept of having a sheep in a cafe. Where in the world would you find a sheep in a cafe? It is definitely different which attracts all tourists and locals as well. Popularity of the cafe is within the younger crowd and couples, but it is definitely worth it to make a pit stop to see something that belongs in a farm, but is not. 

Although the drinks are not amazing, they are pretty popular with the waffles. Guests comes with a minimum of two, sharing a huge plate of waffle, cream, and fruits that looks amazing and a little over the top.

Another thing to keep in mind is that service can be a little slow, but that's because it's a popular place to visit for the two cute sheep that are in a pen outside. From Hongik University station on line two, take exit 9 and go straight until the light. Make a left and go straight for two blocks. You will be facing the university with gray buildings. Before reaching the end where the third light is, Thanks Nature Cafe will be on your left downstairs right after the eye glasses store.

Address: 마포구 서교동 486 서교푸르지오산가 B121
Phone: 02-335-7470

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Be Sweet On

Be Sweet On is a dessert spot in Hongdae that is constantly swarmed with people who are looking to enjoy a sweet tooth satisfaction. With pastries that are baked up fresh daily, there is a crunchy crisp to very flaky pastry, a fresh taste to every dessert. Sweets start at the price of $5 and can cost well over $10, but it is one place that is always packed with locals because the pastries are that amazing. 

The one suggestion to be made is the Mille-Feuille Chocolat Au Lait which is the perfect blend of a layered pastry consisting of mille feuille and chocolate creme topped with a sweet glazed orange, vanilla ice cream and a chocolate fan. It is then drizzled with caramel and plated to enjoy. The presentation of the dessert alone is worth splurging the $10, but the taste takes it to a whole new level. There is no perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and sweet in a pastry.

Opened in the afternoon, it caters to the later hours of the busy Hongdae area. Take exit 8 of the Hongik University station on line 2 and take a right at the block. Follow the road straight down past the curved road on your left. Go straight to the dead end and take a right at that block. Take a left at the following block and go straight and Be Sweet On will be on your right on the second floor. 

Address: 339-3 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

서울 마포구 서교동 339-3

Telephone: 02-323-2370

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Bingsooro

Patbingsoo 팥빙수 is an extremely popular shaved ice dessert in Korea for the simple fact that is an amazing blend of everything. One place that has a limited menu (which sometimes should be kept that way) to enhance the best flavors of a dish, is Bingsooro in Hongdae. Having just four different options on the menu, Bingsooro offers a milk and green tea blend, strawberry, red bean and a regular snow blend. Fairly priced, patbingsoo is marked at roughly $6. Bingsooro offers an open seating of basic wood interior which is welcoming to a young crowd. Located close to the university, a lot of students drop in for a quick refreshment and are on their way. Because these shaved ice are made fresh, it can take a while with a large crowd, but for the most part, is it an amazing blend of flavor, red bean, mochi and thin pellets of ice that will practically melt in your mouth! 

From the Hongik University station on the green line 2, take exit 9 and go straight until the light. Make a left and go straight for two blocks. You will be facing the university with gray buildings. Before reaching the end where the third light is, Bingsooro will be on your left on the second floor after the light.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - My Little Cafe

My Little Cafe in Hongdae 나의작은카페 (the literal translation in Korean as well) is an extremely small cafe that is the cutest thing ever. Themed around a garden concept, there are always fresh flowers on the table and dimmed lighting that provides a warm atmosphere to bond over a cup of coffee and their amazing desserts. With the morning sunshine that peeps through their little window and white door, it is the perfect daytime setting for a day date as well. The everything cute can be found in My Little Cafe because they actually bring a lot of the home feeling to their environment, grasping the touch of small garden for the child inside.

My Little Cafe offers all kinds of cakes with their own twist. Most cakes are based on a cream concept that is layered perfectly on top of a cake base. The recommended is their Earl Grey Tea cake which has a few layers of flavor and topped with half a macaron. The concept is definitely different where they incorporate a macaron and small twists on the traditional desserts. The best part is their macarons are sold at the lowest price seen in Seoul, just $1.50 a piece which is even cheaper than the prices listed in New York. 

The recommendations to be made will definitely be the affogato which is brewed after ordered. topped with chocolate chips and a chocolate macaron. In addition to this amazing beverage, their macarons are on point, as well as their delightful cakes. Shaved ice would not be the best recommendation here, signature desserts is the way to go. Beware because this shop is limited in space, closed on Mondays and open at noon regularly, catering to couples and tea time until 11PM at night. 

Directions: Take Hongdae station exit 8 on the green line. When you exit, take a right at the corner block until you reach a semi curve in the road. Take the block going straight into an alley (My Little Cafe is literally straight down but because there is no direct street, you will have to make a U-like walk). Therefore, make a left at the dead end and take a right at the next intersection. Walk down to the third block and take a right. Go straight to the middle of the block and My Little Cafe will be on your right. Phone: 02-323-0507