Restaurant Review - Pio Pio

Pio Pio is probably the cheapest place to have Peruvian. The restaurant specializes in all Peruvian goodies for a low cost and extremely filling belly. Their trademark rotisserie chicken is a must order, along with the rice and beans, avocado salad, and plantains. A whole baby chicken is roasted and served whole, maintaining all its juices. Simply pull apart and enjoy the tender meat that easily slices from the bones. 

In addition to the signature chicken, the avocado salad is to die for. Topped with their homemade dressing, it is the perfect way to start and pair with every meal. No Peruvian meal is without rice and beans, but dont fill up on this yum dish. There's just too much more in stored to enjoy, even if the menu is simple. 

Pair your meal with a glass of sangria or even a can of Peruvian soda. Its definitely a different kick that will have your taste buds going. Many order the sangria for an evening buzz, but anything will have your tastebuds going.

Their dishes can be ordered and shared between two, with more to spare. With a few locations across town, the menu is maintained in taste and price which is great for those looking for a delicious cheap eat. It is definitely one place that you'll find a lot of the locals going for because it is a great place for the wallet. The amount of food for the price that it is listed is definitely a no brainer for anyone who is looking for a filling meal. In fact, the meal can be shared a few ways and you probably still won't be able to eat it all!

Hidden Treasures - Cofioca 커피오카

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a total bubble tea fanatic. I have been exploring all of Seoul for the best of the best bubble teas and I have found the spot for the best smoothie versions. Cofioca 커피오카 in Apgujeong offers blended drinks and one of my ultimate favorite is the combination of coffee and milk tea. Yes, coffee and milk tea the traditional way of half half, Ying Yerng, Ying Yang, the one go to! They of course, offer a handful of other blends and it is an extremely small shop that is whipping up a lot of amazing blends and flavors. For just $5 a cup which is not too expensive compared to other places that offer smoothie drinks, Cofioca is the one place that is a go to for sure.

With two Cofioca locations, one in Myeondong and one in Apgujeong, the one that is a must visit is the one in Apgujeong for the chance to bump into a celebrity. Yes, the area in Seoul is the fancy rich area that all of the upper class likes to hang around. For this very reason, there are a handful of celebrities that work in the area and need their bubble tea intake as well. You'll find the walls of the small Cofioca shop filled with posters and paper writings of celebrities who have all visited the branch. For the Apgujeong location, take exit 6 of the Apgujeong Rodeo station on yellow Bundang line. Go straight until you pass H&M and see a coffee shop on the next corner. Take a left at the coffee shop and take a right on the second block in. Cofioca will be on your left.

Address To Apgujeong branch: 659-9 Gangnam-gu Sinsa-dong Seoul

서울특별시 강남구 신사동 659-9

Telephone number: 02-515-3032

Bottoms Up - The Coffee Lab

The Coffee Lab is one place to go for anyone who loves coffee for the simple reason that they offer cheap refills on their hand drip coffee. With speciality coffee beans from Brazil, many love the fresh roasted smell of the Coffee Lab along with the many other flavors they have to offer. 

It is one of the most popular places for those who are looking for a place to study for a long period of time. They're known for having specialty beverages, a place that is different from the other Korean chains around. Coffee branches are all over in Korea and for that very reason, it's difficult to distinguish between the branches. The Coffee Lab is one of the very few places that offer cheap refills so it's definitely worth making a visit when in Korea because coffee does get pretty expensive for locals.

     

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.

Bottoms Up - Coffeeyah

Coffeeyah is one of the local coffee shops in Gwangjin-gu that caters to those who live in the area. With that said, drinks are extremely low in price which is great for the Korean community that is always looking for a cup of coffee to chat over with a friend. Coffeeyah offers a wide range of drinks which are not limited to caffeine beverages, but also teas and fruit drinks as well. The best part about Coffeeyah is the environment. The setting differs from the classic coffee shops like Starbucks and other Korean chain interiors. With a garden setting, wood based furniture is used along with an area for plants and an outdoor patio with street view. It is one of the recommended cafes to visit for a different atmosphere, even on rainy days. 

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!

Fresh on the Market - Brew 3.14

Brew 3.14 is a cozy spot in a hidden street by the famous tourist area of Jong-ro where all the traditional Korean locations are. The only thing is, Brew 3.14 is not so traditional. Serving up fresh pizzas and calzones to order, it is the perfect place to grab a drink as well as a bite without splurging your wallet. Pizzas are made on a fresh pizza base that is thin and crispy like a flat bread, topped with fresh ingredients. 

This small bar opens at 5pm, catering to the foreigners in town that live in the nearby hostels and hotels. It is the perfect place to go to for a drink that ranges from beers to their twist on bombs. Incorporating fruits, beer, and alcohol, it is a way to satisfy a big kid's stomach in a way that keeps you lingering around. 

Address: 서울 중로구 인사동 95-1번지

Jongno-gu Insadong 95-1

Phone Number: 070-418-3014

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

Restaurant Review - Japanese Kitchen 미카

Japanese Kitchen is a small cozy restaurant located in Sinsa behind the famous shopping street of Garosu-gil that is stirring up a lot of tasty Japanese dishes that range from udon noodles to curry dishes. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating that allows for guest to enjoy a cherry blossomed theme view with an interior that is based around a cherry blossom tree. The concept is extremely traditional, but offers a more modern and classic look. 

Japanese Kitchen serves a food menu up until 5pm where they switch over to a Hof-like location, serving dishes with their wide selection of sake bottles and Japanese beers. Being that it switches over to a Hof, you must order a small dish to consume. Dishes are rather pricey, ranging from $15 to $30, but it also has to do with location. Although it is a bit more expensive, their fried chicken is actually an amazing side dish to enjoy with your drinks. Fried crispy and topped with a sweet and salty soy sauce, it is an amazing combination. 

The one recommendation for Japanese Kitchen is to go during their regular lunch hours for authentic Japanese food. Going later in the night is perfect if you are looking to enjoy a drink with a group of friends. 

Directions to Japanese Kitchen: Directions: Straight from exit 8 of Sinsa station of the orange line 3, take a left when you reach the Tous Le Jours bakery on the corner. Take a left and a right at the following block to walk parallel to the Garosu-gil shopping street. Go straight to the very end and you will see Japanese Kitchen at the four way intersection in front of you. 

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

Hidden Treasures - Fresh Green

Fresh Green is a small and extremely hidden spot in Itaewon that is serving up fresh Lemonade, Limeade, and Sugar Cane Juice. When I say fresh, I mean fresh. They have the fruit right there in their small outdoor stand. A refreshing lemonade is always the go to, but if you're looking for something sweeter, go for the fresh sugar cane juice. This is not something that is offered everywhere, but naturally sweet and enjoyable for all. Looking for a taste of both? Go for the mix which is a twist to the traditional drinks, yet still awesome!

Fresh Green only has seating for just two so this cute little yellow shack is a stop by for a quick pick up. Drinks start at a measly $3.50 and is the perfect go to for a hot summer day, especially for those who are shopping in Itaewon. Because the drink is made fresh to order, it is recommended for anyone who is looking to satisfy a thirsty stomach. Located right by the famous Tartine bakery, take exit 1 from the Itaewon station and go straight. Take a right up the second alley and you will see this little stand on your left.

Daily Refreshments - Kirin Ichiban Frozen Beer

Kirin Ichiban Beer is known to be one of the popular Japanese refreshments in Seoul, Korea. For that very reason, a lot of people go to visit the many locations that have Kirin Ichiban Beer. One of the unique touches to this Japanese beer is the fact that it comes with a frozen foam. This frozen foam is the rave in Seoul because it helps to keep your beer cool as you consume it. It's definitely the go to for anyone who loves beer, with waits in the Sinsa Garosu-gil area for an hour. An hour just for a frozenbeer, yes. Although it is the most recognized pace to go for the frozen beer because of atmosphere and it's a popular tourist area, the Kirin Ichiban Frozen Beer can be found elsewhere as well. The concept is still the same where you are poured the Kirin draft beer and topped with the frozen foam that comes from a soft-serve like machine. On average, look to pay $8 for a cup of this popular beer. It's definitely worth it to try once, but then again it can be just a hype considering you can get a larger amount of beer for the same price. 

For those of you who are looking to visit the famous Kirin Ichiban beer garden in Garosu-gil, keep in mind there is a two hour down time from 3-5PM. It is definitely recommended to go on the weekdays where lines are shorter!

Straight from exit 8 of Sinsa station on line 3, take a left when you reach Tous Le Jours bakery on the corner. Go straight along Garosu-gil shopping street right after  the Fossil store. 

Address: 534-5 Sinsa-dong Gangnam Gu

신사동 강남구 534-5

Phone: 02-548-8858

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.

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.

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

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!

Korean Traditional Eat - 뻥튀기

Ppeongtwigi 뻥튀기 is the Korean take on the Western popcorn which is just popped grain. It comes in all different shapes, sizes, and colors which makes it a heck of a lot of fun. Watching people on the street make Ppeongtwigi is a full blast of fun and loud of course (the more traditional kind) If you ever pass a truck that is selling 뻥튀기 and see how it is made, you'll see that a frisbee like rice grain is literally popped out of a metal machine. It's quite a bit of fun to watch them make it and consuming it fresh is just as good. This cheap eat can usually be picked up for a measly price of $2 for a whole big bag that will last you quite some time. 

It is extremely common to be served in bars and hof restaurants for guests to enjoy drinks with (as shown in the photo). The smaller and bite sized 뻥튀기 is usually served in restaurants just so you can pop them in your mouth. As always, this is served as a "service" which means free with your drinks and an unlimited amount of refills. They all range in texture depending on where you go, but for the most part, they are all made of rice grain and it is the perfect snack with your beer. This extremely cheap street food is popular among children as well and it's extremely light in calories which makes it that much better. This Korean traditional eat takes it to a new level of fun, something to share with everyone in the family. 

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

Restaurant Review - Vatos Urban Tacos

Vatos Urban Tacos is one of the most recognized restaurants in Seoul, not only for its amazing take on Mexican tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, but the whole menu. Vatos puts a twist on the traditional Mexican foods but taking it up a notch with newly incorporated flavors which includes the most basic thing on the menu which explains why they had to move from their original location with a three hour wait to a bigger space that has a two hour wait. 

For starters, the Kimchi Carnitas Fries is Vatos Urban Tacos' signature take on the traditional fries by incorporating bulgolgi meat, kimchi and a mix of salsa and sour cream over a bed of fries. The best part is the fresh ingredients and amazing flavor when combined. This is definitely a must order between friends or even for yourself because it's just that amazing. 

One recommendation for the entree that must be made is the chicken quesadilla. Vatos Urban Tacos is the only place that actually has a layer of cheese to top their already amazing quesadilla. Filled with chunks of chicken meat and cheese, the extra crispy and extra layer of cheese makes this quesadilla that much more amazing. Of course, a ton of fresh ingredients thrown on top takes it to the next level. 

In addition to amazing quesadillas, playing favorites is definitely not my kind of thing. The burritos at Vatos Urban Tacos is stuffed with meat, veggies and rice that you would never expect to have a full blast of flavor. Because there is so much variety in their burritos, the owners incorporate a different taste to the traditional burritos which includes a kick of cinnamon. Beans are infused with a hint of cinnamon which brings a taste that traditional burritos lack. With so many options on the menu, it can be difficult to choose the best.

The last of the traditional Mexican foods include tacos, soft and crispy shells. In regards to their tacos, many do not believe it is worth the splurge because Vatos Urban Tacos actually uses a different kind of taco shell. They deep fry their tortillas daily and use a plain flat tortilla, no option of a crispy shell. Nonetheless, although it breaks from the traditional norm, the shrimp taco is actually amazing. Battered, deep fried shrimp is topped with lime juice and a variety of salads and then of course the signature fresh salsa and sour cream. From a personal opinion, the Chili Lime Shrimp is a definite recommendation and for just $7 for two pieces and $10 for three, it is worth a try.

Lastly, it isn't Mexican without any booze. Vatos Urban Tacos offer the traditional beverages of frozen margaritas, and bull dogs but they also offer a twist on the traditional drinks. By incorporating a Korean twist of the Makgeolita, the best of both worlds: Korea and Mexico is bought together. The most popular among the foreigners just may be their iced tea in a mason jar which is nothing closed to an iced tea. Infused with a ton of alcohol, this drink can definitely get a night started. Although it is on the pricier end for about $15 a glass, it is quite the matchmaker with any grub at Vatos Urban Tacos. 

Quite frankly, is it worth it? Yes. You can get lucky on some days and even make reservations a day or two prior to enjoy the amazing food. With superb service and extremely friendly staff on board, it is definitely the go to place for amazing food and drinks in general. Although pricing is a little higher than what most would pay for a taco, it is worth the splurge at least once in your life. 

The Itaewon location's address is: Yongsan-gu, Itaewon Dong 181-8 Phone 02-797-8226 Take the Itaewon train station exit 1 straight and Vatos Urban Tacos will be approximately four blocks down when you reach the light before the McDonald's on your left. Vatos Urban Tacos is on your right along the hill that goes up.

With a second location opening in the famous shopping street of Garosu-gil today, Tuesday June 18th, the address is: Gangnam-gu, Sinsa dong, 532-11 on the Third floor of the Giordano building. Phone 02-548-8226.