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 - 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.

     

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Bonespe

Bonespe is bakery, a Lotte trade that is in almost all of the Lotte Department stores of Seoul. There is a Bonespe bakery located in Cheonho, along Cheonho Rodeo, a popular drinking and eating street. With freshly baked pastries and breads, Bonespe offers a handful of delicious goodies to be purchased while you're shopping around for everything else. Furthermore, they offer packaged goodies that are extremely popular among Koreans to give as gifts and cakes to enjoy in a group setting.

It is one of the Korean favorites to bring home to enjoy with the family as well as a quick bite while shopping. The best part is the sale price that Lotte Department stores offer for their baked goodies. On average, pastries range from a little over a dollar to two, but they can be picked up as a lot for under a dollar. This is a deal considering breads and pastries are extremely popular in Korea, especially as a snack to share with co-workers. Like many other Korean bakeries, Bonespe offers the same kinds of pastries, but of course with their own twist as well. Be sure to pick up a freshly baked pastry to enjoy with your family or to refuel for a day of shopping!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - De Chocolate Coffee

De Chocolate Coffee is a Korean chain that is definitely different from the many coffee shops in Korea. Because there are so many coffee shops in Korea, it is good to break from the norm by offering something else. De Chocolate Coffee is a cafe that centers around all things chocolate. The main sellers is the hot chocolate which offers you a variety of options to find the perfect combination for yourself. Themed around the Callebaut Chocolate, there is the choice of milk, dark and white chocolate which can be served hot, iced or as a blend. The best part is that you can select your own chocolate topping for your drink which include shaved, chunks, or chips of chocolate.  

In addition to the amazing chocolate drinks, De Chocolate Cafe also offers handmade chocolate thats vary in different types.  They also offer a handful of desserts which include cakes, brownies and such. With so much to offer on the menu, it is the perfect place to go to for anyone with a chocolate addiction like myself. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Cafe Goodovening

Cafe Goodovening is a cafe that is themed around cupcakes. This was on my list for quite a while as one of the must check out cupcake shops in Seoul, what I thought would be the best cupcake in Seoul. There was just so many people raving about the cupcakes that I was dying to dry. With so many branches around Seoul, finding one wasn't too difficult especially because you can pick it up at the major shopping complexes as well. Nonetheless, I still wanted to check out an actual shop and the newest opening is the one in Myeongdong. 

On the second floor off the main shopping street in Myeondong, Cafe Goodovening is themed just like the other stores with a black and white interior. This simple but classic touch is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee break with a friend, especially after shopping. It has an awesome window view of the main strip of Myeongdong shopping and it's across from an awesome H&M that has a creative entrance. They are extremely popular with guests coming in to buy boxes for take out that they even run out of flavors.

Luckily for myself, they had an extra red velvet stacked in the back and of course, because of presentation, I had to go for the early grey tea cupcake. The only thing is the cupcake was not that amazing. For my taste, being that I am so critical with cupcakes, these were a little on the dry end. The flavors aren't as strong as the many other bakeries in Seoul, so there's not too much hype there. I will probably not return again which is a shame to say because it does remind me of Gentle Lady cupcakes.

Cute Eats - Noodle Box

One of the famous Korean chain restaurants in Seoul is Noodle Box, a fast food joint that whips up Thai food. It is probably one of the cutest eats in the world because your meal is actually serve in a replica of a Noodle Box. The concept is fun and makes it that much more appealing to enjoy your food, minus the metal bar that always gets in the way. For anyone who actually follows tips from buzzfeed, you'll know the real way to eat out of a noodle box is not from the opening at the top. The concept of Noodle Box is that the box can be opened into a flat plate so you're not digging into an extremely hot base of food. 

On average, a dish at noodle box costs $7. The dishes range in spicy levels, but they do have a wider selection that is not offered in a lot of Thai restaurants. One of the popular choices of course is the traditional Pad Thai, but the Mongolian is also great for those who are able to tolerate a bit of spice. Because this is a Korean chain restaurant, you have to keep in mind that the taste will differ from location to location. Nonetheless, it is a great place to go to grab a quick bite in a cute box. It probably wouldn't be the best place to take a date, but there are a lot of couples who visit Noodle Box anyway!

Kongdae location:

Charlie Brown Cafe

Previously blogging about the themed cafes of Korea, the Hello Kitty Cafe is one popular one in Korea, but the Charlie Brown Cafe is also a worldwide chain that originated in Hong Kong. It of course, focuses on all things Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the other characters with their well-recognized cakes and desserts made of character heads. The desserts at Charlie Brown Cafe are just too pretty to eat as well. 

Like every other cafe and coffee shop, the Charlie Brown Cafe offers a handful of other menu choices as well as beverages.  Because the branches differ in the countries, the Hong Kong branch serves up actual meals which include spaghetti dishes and burgers. In Seoul, you'll find smaller sandwich options as well as breakfast options of muffins and such. Although the coffee beverages aren't decked out in character heads, they are a staple to have when in Korea. 

With all things Charlie Brown from cakes to drink containers to the store in center pieces and displays, the Charlie Brown cafe is family friendly and can be found in a few locations around Seoul. Although the signature cakes are a little pricey to order, the rest of the menu options are pretty average and comparable in price to other options in Korea.

Restaurant Review - Kyochon

Kyochon is one famous Korean chicken joint back in America because it is practically the one branch that made its way to the States. Ironic enough that I have never had Kyochon back in America, but my first time was actually in Seoul, Korea. Catering to both the American and Korean taste buds, Kyonchon is actually one of the better Korean fried chicken chain restaurants in town. The fried chicken served at Kyochon differs from the other restaurants, being mostly there are a limited number of choices. 

Kyochon offers a few more flavors and different types of chicken which makes it that much more amazing of a chain restaurant. For starters, Kyochon is the one of the very few fried chicken restaurants that actually serves chicken strips. Best part is they actually have three different dipping sauces for you which include a honey mustard, sweet and sour and a more traditional BBQ sauce. In addition to this, you can find deep fried chicken that is not too heavily battered embedded in sauce. With a handful of different sauces to choose from, eating at Kyochon is difficult with a few people only because there is so much to choose from. Nonetheless, it is a spot that I will visit back home. Unfortunately for me, the prices just won't be the same because everything is cheaper in Korea.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Mango Six

Mango Six is the one place in Korea that allows for you to get mangoes in everything. They offer choices of drinks and desserts that incorporate this all time favorite. Using mangoes, they make drinks paired with tapioca, coconut, banana, kiwi and even served as a dessert with fruits and shaved ice. They do not skimp out on the amount of mangoes used and it is the place to go to for any mango lover.

For those who are not looking to indulge in the mango fruit, there are other options as well. Mango Six offers fresh fruit juices that can be served hot or cold after whipped up. Being that they are a cafe, they offer Kona bean coffee from Hawaii along with other small options of foods of soup bowls, and baked goodies.

Another signature mark of the Mango Six franchise is the concept behind their Kuki six dessert options. The six dessert options of choc chip cookie, double choc cookie, coconut cookie, orange cream cheese muffin, earl grey white chocolate muffin and the brownie all comes from the recipe from the famous girl group KARA. Nicole is known for her baking and Mango Six is the only place that you can find these baked goods.

Regardless of what your favorite is, Mango Six is the one franchise that is a must visit for all things good. Of course, it would be smart to go for the mango choice, but there's definitely something to satisfy everyone's taste buds! Be sure to visit a store that is practically located in all of the tourist areas of Seoul.

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

Quick Pick Up - Etarte

Etarte is a Korean chain that you can find in many subway stations that strictly whip up egg tarts. The difference with these egg tarts is the fact that they're topped with some kind of amazing flavor. It is the perfect snack and quick pick me up for anyone who is starving when trying to catch their train. Tarts range in price that start around $2 and goes up to $3 which can be a little pricey for a small bite sized dessert, but it is definitely recommended for anyone who's looking for a quick sweet bite. 

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

Bottoms Up - A Twosome Place

A Twosome Place is a popular Korean coffee chain that specializes in a handful of drinks outside of the caffeine beverages that can be found at all cafes. A Twosome place offers coffee beverages, smoothies, juices, teas, desserts, and chocolates. Pricing is much like other coffee shops, averaging $6 a cup depending on size. 

The one thing that makes A Twosome Place different from the other Korean cafe chains is their frappe and latte list. They have a handful of flavors that you are not able to find elsewhere. One that I find to be eye-cathcing is the ginseng frappe. Ginseng is an extremely popular eat in Korea, but never did I think the herb would be infused in a drink, especially in a chained coffee shop. I have yet to try it, but I am big fan of a Twosome Place, especially since it is available in most CGV theaters. It definitely pays to have a cup of tasty coffee when watching a 3 hour movie in the middle of the night!

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. 

Traditional Korean Eat - Cold Noodles 육쌈냉면

Nangmyeon is a popular traditional Korean eat, especially in the summer time because it is served in a bowl of ice. Although it sounds to be peculiar, it is probably the most refreshing meal that you can have. The best part about nangmyeon is many restaurants serve it in addition to their signature dishes. 

육쌈냉면 is one Korean chain restaurants that is favored among locals for this traditional Korean eat. Because the store focuses on the traditional eat of cold noodles, there is a very basic menu to order from. Most order either the regular or spicy nangmyeon. Each order is served with a marinated BBQ pork without the need to order (unless of course you want a bigger portion). This extremely cheap eat will only set you back $5. SAY WHAAAAT? Five bucks for noodles with BBQ meat? Yes. Because it such a cheap eat, there is almost always a line. Service is usually rather quick since there is a basic menu and customers expect a certain quality of food. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Rotiboy

Rotiboy is a bakery that originated in Malaysia and made its way to Seoul, bringing the signature rotiboybun with a butter filling and coffee flavored topping over a freshly baked round bun. For just a measly $2, this delicious bun is the perfect snack or even meal taken fresh from the oven with a soft and moist interior, crispy coffee topping. It is one of the most recognized coffee buns that has made its way into the hearts of Korean and a bun that many Korean bakeries incorporate in their menu as well. Rotiboy is the original and nothing can compare to the fresh delicious coffee bun that you can find in a Rotiboy shop so be sure to stop in the next time you see one of these franchises around!

Bottoms Up - Caffe Pascucci

With so many coffee shops in Korea and everyone having their own favorite, it's difficult to distinguish one from another because the menus are relatively the same. One thing that sets Cafe Pascucci from the rest is the fact that their frappes are topped with a ball of ice cream rather whip cream. It doesn't help you save on the calories, but its definitely perfect for someone looking for an Affogato without having to sacrifice a cup of blended coffee, definitely perfect for a hot summer day. 

Korean Traditional Eat - Raw Fish Bibimbap 회덥밥

With all these different takes on the traditional Korean eat of bibimbap, which includes vegetable, beef, squid, and even raw beef, there is one for raw fish as well. This raw fish bibimbap (회덥밥) is another take on this traditional dish by infusing sashimi fish with rice and a blend of vegetables. Raw fish is definitely on the top of the list for Korean food choices of huey so having a raw fish bibimbap is expected. 

This dish is extremely delicious, pricing and vegetables that are mixed in varies from restaurant to restaurant. There are some places the allows for you to mix in your own choice of vegetables by serving it on a platter whereas other restaurants have this dish served ready to eat. The concept is still the same where you served a bibimbap (rice with a mix of vegetables), red pepper sauce (고추장 gochujang), and fresh sashimi. Simply mix and enjoy!

One restaurant chain across Korea where you can find this traditional eat is Misoya. For those looking more of an authentic meal, be sure to go to a restaurant that specializes in fresh fish sashimi. 

Restaurant Review - Irish Potato

If you are looking for the ultimate adult's finger food of little kid's favorites, Irish Potato is the place to go! Irish Potato is a popular Korean food chain known for their freshly fried french fries that is topped with a handful of different toppings is one popular eat in Korea. Guests of all ages are welcomed to enjoy this fried yumminess that is probably not that great for your health. Hey, it's okay to treat yourself a little every now and then. At the very least, it is healthier than indulging yourself in a pack of McDonald's fries only because of the oil that is used. Don't plan on having a full meal at Irish Potato unless you are dining with their healthier options though!

Life in Korea - Convenient Store Goodies

There is one good thing about the handful of convenient stores in Korea. Located in all areas which include popular tourist areas and hidden alleys, these convenient stores can be the biggest life saviors. Not only are they opened late hours, heck 24 hours, it is the one spot to go to for cheap goodies (including amusement parks and other family places Americans would raise the price at). They offer all kinds of daily necessities, making traveling and everyday life that much easier. A few of the more popular convenient stores in Korea are Family Mart, Buy the Way, GS 25, CVS, and 7-11 (but its nothing like the ones back at home).

Although the name varies, they generally all have the same goodies inside. Depending on the size and location of the store, you may be able to find more goodies than in other locations. Basic toiletries like any corner store can be found: tissues, pens, toothbrushes, cups, utensils, and a handful of packaged foods that can be cooked in the comfort of your own home (spam, rice, cereal, sauces and such). Moving on to the more important goodies in these convenient stores is the food of course!

For starters, Koreans love breads and baked goods so you can always find some sort of pastry for those who are in a rush. You can find the weirdest kinds sometimes which makes me wonder if there is anything that Koreans can NOT come up with? Although most packaged pastries we at room temperature, some stores offer warm breads fill with red bean jams and such.

One of the more popular goodies to have is the ramen of course. There is hot water available to cook up a bowl of ramen. The best part is being able to upgrade your ramen with sausages, eggs, fish cakes, and the many other microwaveables that are available. Each convenient store has their own microwave that is ready to be used so you can be as creative as possible. You'll be amazed at what you can find!

For those who aren't looking for a full on meal with their ramen can pick up a kimbap. There are cheap triangle kimbaps that are less than a dollar or even a two dollar roll! In addition to kimbaps there are cold cut sandwiches with all kinds of flavors and even half half selections. Yeap, half ham and cheese sandwich, half spicy chicken, my all time favorite to get the best of both worlds.

Looking for warm goodies? There are microwaveable burgers that are in the bag. Simply microwave and grub. Talk about fast food! They also offer hot dogs, pizzas, and a whole bunch of random microwaveables that you can consume within minutes. If you're looking for a healthy option, many stores offer fruits and such. It is definitely the place to go for a quick, cheap meal.

The one thing that the States should adapt from the Korean convenient stores is the warm fridge. Yes! The warm fridge. Ever go to the store and just want a hot drink that is not powdered or is not as fancy as a Starbucks cup of coffee or tea? There's an invention here in Korea that keeps drinks warm. This is not limited to coffees, teas, vitamin drinks and juices. You name it, they have it. It's a high controlled temperature box that keeps bottle and canned drinks warm. Usually this fridge is by the microwaves, but it differs from store to store. There is even some open fridges that are fancy and have different temperature rows. One row of coffees may be cold whereas the other is warm. This is probably my one obsession with Korean convenient stores other than a low priced lunch. There's nothing better than being able to pick up a can of hot tea to soothe a sore throat as easy as 1-2-3.

Moral of the story is do not underestimate what you can find in a convenient store. You'll be surprised how you can live off of your corner store for a week of travel. Be sure to be health conscious of what you are consuming though. After all, these packaged goods have been sitting around for a while and they must be packaged in a certain way so there is a high concentration of sodium. Of course a meal a week wouldn't hurt, unless you're dieting!