Life in Korea - Take Out

Living in Korea is pretty amazing for a variety of things, especially in comparison to the states for the very reason that it makes life easier and more convenient. One of the amazing things in Korea is of course, the food. It's a little crazy how the same chains that we have back in America are here, but a lot more amazing here. In fact, because of these amazing differences, it is the one reason why I probably eat out here than in back in the states.

Because food in Korea is never a disappointment, eating out all day and grabbing food to go is a common thing. It's also amazing when you are able to get takeout packaged in a special way. There’s a handful of things that is frustrating about getting takeout back at home because the food can get sloppy messy, or simply difficult to handle on the way home. 

Ironic to say the least though, that living in Korea, I’ve definitely learned a handful of new ways and tricks to package takeout which just might come to use when moving back to America. For starters, they always plastic bag everything for you which makes it easy for you to carry it. Utensils are also wrapped in plastic packaging (straws included) which makes it extremely sanitary and you'll always get some kind of utensils, even from Baskin Robbins.

Baskin Robbins is actually amazing in Korea for amazing flavor combinations and a new flavor every month. In addition to this, Baskin Robbins offer actual ice cream cakes that are the cutest thing and made with different flavors. They even slice cakes of different ice cream flavors and piece them together for the ultimate ice cream cake, without an actual cake bottom like back at home. Last rave about Baskin Robbins in Korea is that when you get ice cream packaged up, you actually pick the flavors that you want, not the ones that are fridge packaged already. It is extremely common for families and friends to get buckets to go or enjoy within the ice cream shop. For anything to go, they will offer utensils and candles for cakes, along with dry ice to keep the ice cream from melting.

In addition to my favorite place in Korea, real food takeout in Korea is also amazing. Mini cakes and desserts are always packaged up in palm sized boxes that keeps the cake from sliding around and smashing the cakes against the walls of boxes. Pizza takeout is even more amazing with handles that help to balance the box when walking. This definitely makes it easy to hold a pizza pie without having to burn your hands.

 

The one last thing to rave about is combination takeouts. When ordering a mix of dishes, they will separate the two to prevent any sauces from spilling over. This goes for fried foods as well. When paired with a salad, crispy chicken is separated from the veggies and dressing is on the side (even for doggy bags). It's pretty amazing that Koreans actually care about their food tasting good outside of the restaurant. That's definitely the total package there.

Fresh on the Market - Dunkin' Donut's New York Pie Donut "Cronut" 뉴욕파이도넛

So the fad in America, which originated in New York is the "cronut" and the rest of the world, everyone and their mother is copying this thing. It wasn't going to be long before the Cronut reached Seoul. Who would have ever thought that Dunkin Donuts would be the first to replicate the Cronut and name it the "New York Pie Donut" 뉴욕파이도넛.  Although the lines aren't as ridiculous here in Seoul as they are back in New York, there are people lined up for the New York Pie Donut 뉴욕파이도넛. They only have it in a select number of Dunkin Donuts around town which include, but are not limited to: Jamsil, Myeondong, and Gangnam. Be sure to check the list (get a Korean friend to do it to expedite the process) and keep in mind that they are serving it during certain hours.

Lucky for me, I did not have to wait to try this "Cronut." To be honest, I probably wouldn't be so happy if I had to. I assume this is nothing like the original for the simple reason that it is not topped with icing. Koreans definitely do not have a sweet tooth like us foreigners so sprinkled sugar is enough for them. Nonetheless, although the New York Pie Donut 뉴욕파이도넛 has been out for a while, it is still flaky and I think the best way to eat it is by peeling. 

Honest to say, the top layer was the best and although there was a 2 per person limit, I'm glad I didn't go for the second one. I enjoyed the layer by layer texture of a croissant, but for the simple fact that it wasn't topped with icing was a downer for me. I would definitely have it again, just wouldn't stand in line for it. So I suggest if you must go, go on a weekday!

For the Jamsil location: take exit 3 of the Sincheon station. Go straight following the path for about four blocks and you will see Dunkin Donuts on the corner. 

Address: 송파구 잠실본동 242-9

Songpa-gu Jamsil 242-9

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!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Dunkin Donuts

I recently went on a bubble tea crave because I have bubble tea every week back in New York. I thought I wouldn't be able to find any bubble tea in Korea, but who would have ever thought that I'd find it in Dunkin Donuts. The only upset that I have is that the bubble tea here is made of powder which makes me a bit bloated afterwards. I try to stay away but they do have the common flavors of milk tea, green tea, and taro. It definitely helps to satisfy a random craving, although the bubbles are microwaved. I just wish they would sell it to me alone! This way, I'd be able to make my own bubble tea :]

Asia is known to put a twist on American chains in order to satisfy the difference in taste requirements. I love the fact that I was able to find bubble tea in a Dunkin Donuts, along with some of the traditional drinks that they carry back in America. It does cater to the taste of the Asians as well as those American drinks as well. 

One thing that I do want to point out is the Dunkin Donuts in Korea definitely has better looking donuts than those in the states. The best part is Dunkin Donuts have cake. These cakes are way too pretty to eat which makes me a little sad. Lastly, the price difference is high. Dunkin Donuts is known to be the cheap spot for coffee, not in Korea. As seen on the right, donuts cost $1.50 and you can find some for a little cheaper, but it usually starts at over $1 per donut.