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. 

Restaurant Review - Michelles Steak

The local spot in Kongdae, Michelle's, is the go to place for those who are looking for a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. It is almost impossible to find the right touch, but Michelle's is whipping up the closest thing.  With two types of sandwiches, the original and the mini, to cater to the foreigners who know cheesesteaks and the local Koreans who like a softer sandwich, Michelle's is a must try. Cheesesteaks are how they are back at home: beef, real cheese, vegetables, served on a fresh roll. 

The best thing about this small cozy restaurant is that you can practically order any combination that you want, even if it's not on the menu. Because sandwiches are big in size, it is suggested to share with another. Sandwiches begin at the price of $9 with a drink, definitely worth every penny when you have a crazy craving. It is definitely a bit difficult to find considering it is off the main street and up a small alley, but it is worth the walk.

Your best bet is to go from Children's Park station and follow the directions via their Facebook page.
Address: 능동로 16길 35 Seoul Korea
Phone: 02-3437-0700 

Restaurant Review - Thunder Chicken

Thunder Chicken, one of the local spots in Guui Dong has one of the lowest priced chicken that I have had in Korea. The best part about it is the chicken is freshly fried when ordered and dunked in a bucket of sauce. My ultimate favorite that I order almost everywhere is 양념 치킨 (Yang Nyum Chicken). Prices for a plate of chicken average at $9, definitely beats any chain that serves it for $15 a plate. The best part is being able to enjoy it with friends over a 3000 cc pitcher of beer, the Korean way. 

Be sure to stop by the next time you're in town on this street. Straight from exit 2 on Guui Station (line 2). Make a left at the second light which is the first big intersection and go straight for about four blocks. Thunder Chicken will be on your right.

Restaurant Review - Ma-Indian

One of the newest Indian restaurants that opened up in Seoul include Ma-Indian on the east side by the popular Gangbyeon station. After running a sister restaurant in Itaewon, the owner decided it was time to open another Indian restaurant and I’m glad he decided to have it over in my side of town.

Ma-Indian whips up the freshest dishes daily with the chef in the kitchen around 10. Without any Korean infused tastes, the dishes are served the way homemade Indian food would taste, but with a bit of presentation. The absolute must order dishes include the Garlic Nan which is fluffy nan bread topped with fresh garlic baked in. Another must order dish is the beef curry which is served with vegetables. The spiciness level is measurable with Korean food, I expect a bit more spice with Indian food, but it is nonetheless delicious. The beef is so soft and tender, it can be shredded apart with just a spoon. This is my absolute favorite from Ma-India.

A few other mouth watering dishes include the Chicken Tikka which is not dry at all. Topped with a bit of lemon and it will have your taste buds kicking. Lastly, I am in love with their fresh fruit and vegetable salad that is topped with a pink yogurt sauce. It is an extremely well blend of fruits and vegetables that compliments one another.

Main courses average at a price of $18, but it is extremely worth the order. Ma-Indian also carries set menus for lunch where you can have a sample of all popular items on the menu. Because there is a limited staff, going during peak times may decrease the amount of service there is. Although it sounds to be a bit discouraging, I definitely recommend paying a visit to this restaurant on the second floor corner between the train station and bus terminal. Without any advertising, Ma-Indian receives a large number of customers so it does show the tastiness that keeps customers returning. 

Korean Traditions - Garten Bier

An obvious Korean tradition is going out eating with a group of friends which almost always includes a bit of alcohol. Usually, for late night get togethers afterwork, natives visit a Hof which includes week days. Hofs are spots that you have casual drinking usually with a few or big group of friends and enjoy a few dishes of food. It allows for mingling with the natives, but that is up to you to initiate the conversation.

My recent discovery is the Garten Bier, a Hof chain in Korea that is a spot for casual drinking with friends. I am absolutely in love with this place for a number of reasons. For starters, each table has its own mini fridge that helps to keep your drink cool so you never have to worry about a watered down drink or your beer getting warm. In addition to the mini fridge, I am in love with their unique beer glasses which almost no one orders, but it was a must for a first timer. The photo shows a 1100 cc glass of beer which is the largest and prettiest size that Garten Bier carries. I'll be quite honest, it is a bit difficult to drink out of the bubbly shape, but it sure is a great experience.

In addition to the cute glass, their pitchers of beer are served a bit classier than any other Hof I have been to which is with a glowing light that centers your beer. Yes, it does take away a bit from the amount that you are receiving, but I absolutely love the unique concept behind the theme. I definitely think it's worth the attraction to lose a few drops of beer. Plus, the price you pay for beer is still cheaper than those back at home and even at the bar!


Aside from beer and alcohol, you must order foods at most Hofs. The only dish that I have tried at Garten Bier is their chicken pizza which was not bad at all for a homemade pizza. Do not expect a pan pizza like back in the states because it is a thin flat bread that is topped with cheese, vegetables and meat, served to you on a flat board. I do hear the salad is pretty good, but I have yet to try it. There's just something about drinking beer and eating a salad that bugs me. There will be updates again about Garten Bier because I am in love with the place and design that I will return!

Cheap Eats - Pomato Soup

This was perhaps one of the most cheapest eats that I have had in Korea since I've been. Pomato Soup, what seems to be a more edgy touch to the Korean traditional eats attracted me as I was exploring one of the markets over in Guui. I ordered the Pork Katsu which comes with rice and a salad. When I say salad, I mean chopped up lettuce with mayonnaise and a bbq-like sauce. Don't get me wrong, I love my little salad, but the best part of the meal was the price. It only cost me $3.50 because they were running a special promotion on the dish on the random day that I decided to try it.

Pomato Soup is also known for their cheap prices with dishes that range from $4-6. It is quite filling so it is a recommendation on my end! Try the many fried rices or the katsu. You can never go wrong with getting a fried dish imo!