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.

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

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Dilly*Dally

Dilly*Dally is one of the cutest bakeries in Korea with three franchises in the area offering all things cute and sweet. Dilly*Dally breaks from the traditional names of pastries by offering a special thing called The Ugly Veggie, making food fun. The pastries are extremely cute, fun, and delicious in taste. It is the cutest place to bond with girl time or even on a date for yummy pastries, baked goodies, and drinks.

Dilly*Dally offers a brunch menu for you to enjoy actual food if you are not looking to sample their variety of baked goodies (breads, pastries, cupcakes, croissants, cakes, and so much more). They also offer the popular Shaved Ice (patbingsoo) that can be shared between two. With a variety of things on menu, it is the perfect place to go at all hours of the day with a variety of guests. It has been seen that some Koreans even have speed dating at certain facilities of Dilly Dally which definitely makes the experience that much more amazing.

For the Bundang branch: From Jeongja Station exit 4 on the yellow Bundang Line. Take a left at Woori Bank and a right at Waffle Bant. Go straight and you will see the Bundang branch on the corner to your right. Phone: 031-719-0994

For the Sinchon branch: Take exit 2 from the station. Phone: 02-335-0114

The Gangnam branch address: 서울 강남구 논현동 49-17 Seoul, Gangnam-gu, NonHyeon-dong 49-17 Phone:  02-598-7571

Daily Refreshments - Brick Pop

Brick Pop, located inside the Shinsegae department store of the Express Bus Terminal in Gangnam is the a unique stand that is stirring up things for summer. The reason for this is that Brick Pop is infusing all things flavorful and ice to give you a refreshing treat for a hot summer day. On average, brick pops are about $4 with a full blast of flavor, everything wonderful on a stick.  Although it seems to be a little pricey, it is definitely worth the splurge for the ice pop. They are constantly changing their menu options, offering pops that cater to the season and the fresh fruits and seasonal goodies. They even offer specials when you purchase a large amount of pops which makes it easy to share with others, or not. Because it's just that amazing, sharing might not even be on the option's list, totally understandable!

Take exit 8 of the Express Bus Terminal station that intersects with the line 3, 7, and 9 towards the Shinsegae mall. Take the escalators downstairs to the basement and explore all the other food options before you make your way over to Brick Pop for dessert. If you're looking to take out, they have ice packs that they can package for you, keep the pops frozen for up to 30 minutes. 

Address: 19-3 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu Seoul

서울특변시 서초구 신반포로 176

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Snowmounteen

Being that there are so many different version of patbingsoo 팥빙수 (the shaved ice dessert) in Korea, every cafe and restaurant has their own take on it. Why? Because of the way the ice is shaved down for the sole purpose of being a refreshing dessert that is topped off with all things amazing. 

Snowmounteen is a place that serves up this traditional Korean eat along with other drinks that include coffee and bubble teas. For the most part, many go to the popular Korean chain for it's shaved ice. The patbingsoo at Snowmounteen is definitely different from the rest. The texture of the ice is so flaky and thin, it is softer than snowflakes. Is that possible? It sure is at Snowmounteen. 

Topped with a variety of flavors that are milky and fruity, it is definitely a way to refresh yourself on a hot summer day. In addition to the $5 single and $9 double servings of flavored snow ice at Snowmounteen, there are also the option of the fruit incorporated patbingsoos which is something that can be shared between two. With a handful of chains in Seoul, it's definitely worth making a visit to Snowmounteen. 

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 - Molly's Pops

Molly's Pops (몰리스팝스) is one of the most famous places for foreigners, locals, adults, and children of all ages. For what reason? For their ice pops. Molly's pops is the one place in Seoul that offers fun and amazing flavor to all guests for their refreshing ice pops. For just $3 a pop, that pretty much beats the price of any convenient store ice cream, as well as my ultimate favorite Baskin Robbins. Molly's Pops take ice pops to another level by incorporating all kinds of flavors.

The best sellers are of course the ones made with booze for a different kind of kick as well as the signature Wasabi. Yes, a wasabi ice pop. As peculiar as it may sound, this bizarre food is actually not so bad when incorporated in a popsicle stick. Refreshing and cold, there is definitely enough of a taste of wasabi at the end that surprises you. 

Although they are labeled as an ice pop, the texture of the popsicles are extremely milky to the point where they melt in your mouth. It is a smooth blend of amazing flavor, incorporating all things good from sweet to tart and tangy. It is all things good on a stick you can't go wrong with that or any choice of ice pops at Molly's pops. 

This small shop is located from exit 8 of the Hongdae station on line 2. Take a right into the first block when you walk out of the station and follow the block straight down after you pass the curved road on your left (technically walk on it). Go to the very end until you hit a dead end and make a left. Molly's Pops will be on your right within a two blocks walk.

Address: 330-20 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-Gu, Seoul
서울 마포구 서교동 330-20

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).

Bottoms Up - Angel in-us Coffee

Having coffee is extremely common for both New Yorkers and Koreans. The difference between New Yorkers and Koreans, though, is the ability to enjoy your coffee. Koreans enjoying grabbing a cup of coffee with a  friend and sitting back at a coffee shop chatting for hours whereas us New Yorkers, are constantly on the go. It is almost rare for us to stop at a coffee shop and chat the day away. One of the popular Korean coffee shop chains is Angel in-us Coffee. Almost every Angel in-us Coffee that I have seen in Korea consists of two floors which is plenty of seating for an afternoon of chit chat with a friend. The drink ordered on the left is the Cookie Frappe which is a blend of coffee, ice, cookies and sweetness. Absolutely delicious!

Bottoms Up - Bubble Tea

For anyone and everyone who knows me, you all know that I am big on bubble tea which is also known as boba tea. It is usually made with a sweet thick fruit syrup and green tea. After shaken and mixed, it is poured into a cup that is topped with tapioca bubbles made from corn starch. This chewy boba is the most addicting and delicious thing for me, especially because it is soaked in a brown sugar syrup prior to enjoyment.

It is a bit ironic that I am finally blogging about my favorite drink now that I am in Korea. The reason for this is because I wanted to share with the world, especially Korea, my favorite refreshing drink. I have been on the search for bubble tea in Korea for quite a while now. Although they do have bubble tea at Dunkin Donuts, the drink is made from a powder which is just not the same as the fruit syrup. Aside from DD, there are random places around town that carries bubble tea, but it is usually made as a smoothie from fresh fruit juice which is just not the same. It is not as sweet as the fruit syrup mix that I drink practically everyday back at home.

Luckily for me, I finally found a spot in my favorite weekend place, Hongdae. Quickly, a bubble tea chain that is my absolute favorite back at home. Although the drink is made a bit differently here in Korea, it is still delicious. Rather using milk, the popular Korean yogurt drink is added to this mix which gives it a delicious kick. I definitely can't wait to go back and satisfy my cravings!