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.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Hans Cafe and Patisserie

Being that I am always running around from cafe to cafe, trying out all the desserts Seoul has to offer, expectations for those in the fancy shmancy area of Apgujeong are high. Unfortunately, I cannot praise Hans Cafe and Patisserie for much other than their drinks and chocolate muffin. That's quite the bummer with such a wide selection of desserts that are extremely appealing in appearance.

Maybe it is because I have the sweet tooth that I do, I expect a lot out of their desserts. The tarts and "cake in a cup" concept are extremely captivating which makes you want to eat everything. Unfortunately, they are not sweet enough for my taste buds and do not hit the spot. The most appealing factor of the chocolate tart was the fresh scrapes of chocolate on top and the "cake in a cup" is literally all crème. There's not much to rave about there.

Unexpectedly, the chocolate muffin was the best of all desserts maybe because I didnt' expect much from a chocolate muffin, but they were able to make that perfectly fine. In fact, it probably had a little bit more of a chocolate taste in a muffin than expected. If you’re looking to visit Hans Café and Patisserie, be ready to spend roughly $15 for a drink and a dessert. My suggestion is to definitely go for a drink only. Then again, you can practically find the drinks at another spot for cheaper. The one recommendation to order is their tea which is actually served in a small tea pot, giving you more for your money’s worth.

The environment at Hans Café and Patisserie is recommended for a date setting. It has sort of an elegant touch which fits the Apgujeong area. It is a place to enjoy a nice and relaxing chat with bright lights and open windows that allow for you to look out to the side streets of Apgu.

There are a few other locations in town, but this is the Apgujeong branch's information:

Phone:  02-515-4677

Address: Gangnam Gu, Sinsa Dong 570

강남구 신사동 570 (압구정 직영본점, 1F)

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Maman Gateau 마망갸또

Maman Gataeu is a dessert cafe as well as a baking academy that actually specializes in all things caramel. With a dessert menu that averages at $5 a plate and caramel for almost $1 a piece, it is honestly a must visit. They obviously offer other things on the menu, being it is a well-recognized baking school in Seoul. Maman Gataeu bakes up all things sweet which includes cheesecakes, roll cakes, layered cakes and more. They also offer a wide range of coffee selection and drinks for guests to enjoy, catering to the season and speciality items of that very season.

With two locations, one out in Hongdae and another in Sinsa, it is a must visit for anyone who is looking to enjoy some good dessert away from the busy streets. The location in Hongdae is closer to the Hapjeong station, where the quieter street of restaurants and coffee shops are in Hongdae. Although the Sinsa location is by the busy streets of Garosu-gil, you can definitely find peace at this dessert cafe.

Hongdae Location: 02-3141-9664 Opened from 12-11PM
서울시 마포구 서교동 395-113 (Mapo-gu, Seogyo Dong, 395-113)
Sinsa Garosu-gil Location: 070-4353-5860
서울시 강남구 신사동 524-27 1F Cafe, 2F Baking School (Gangnam-gu, Sinsa-dong 524-27)

Fresh on the Market - Cafe J BROWN

One of the newest chains to make its way over to Korea is the Artisan Chocolatier Cafe J BROWN.  Coffee shops are all over Korea and there's nothing special about a lot of the new ones. It is definitely great to find a new cafe that is specializing in all things chocolate and sweet, all desserts and drinks are paired with some kind of chocolate made fresh in store. With a new branch that opened in the Hongdae Hapjeong area, Cafe J BROWN is a must visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. 

As you pass this store on the corner, you may think it is just a storefront that sells desserts packaged to go, but in fact, there is a cafe downstairs. The concept is a little different where you pay separately for your dessert and drinks at the two different floors. Entrance is where all the dessert goodies are where you pay for your piece(s) and they will bring it downstairs to decorate and plate for your enjoyment. When you go downstairs, you will be given a drink menu where you pay again for your drinks. 

Desserts and drinks vary in price, on average costing about $6 a piece, a cup. Quite a splurge on an afternoon dessert, but this is actually average for drinks in Korea. The one good thing is that you feel as if you are getting more for your money because of the fact that they are dedicating a lot of effort into presentation. You may think that you are getting some kind of regular drink or dessert, but in fact you are in for a surprise. Desserts are decked out with some kind of chocolate addition, macarons included. The best part about the drinks is that they are all served with some kind of chocolate which makes your drink that much more amazing. Because many do not know about this, you can practically skip out on the dessert if you are consuming alone.

The one complaint to make about Cafe J BROWN is the fact that their Napoleon dessert is nothing like the traditional Napoleon that is made with layers of chocolate and cream. The Napoleon, like many other desserts in Korea is made their own way, with their own twist. Rather than using layers of flakiness, it is an actual cake. This cake is in fact great in presentation, but definitely not something I recommend for someone who is looking for more of the traditional cake. On another note, although this cake concentrates on chocolate, its cream and cake layers are overpowering to the point where you cannot really taste the chocolate, not the best splurge for $6.

Address: 298-10 Mapo-gu, Seogyo-dong
마포구 서교동 298-10
Phone: 02-324-7676

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Lady M Crepe Cake

Lady M is known for her cakes made of crepe, twenty thin layers of crepe combined to form a perfect cake. The Lady M Green Tea Mille Crepes uses green tea powder infused into every layer. It is something worth trying to understand the complexity behind piling together 20 sheets of crepes. Luckily for those who are not in the New York area to enjoy this sweet, you can order it online for satisfaction and sharing maybe not in your household. The cake is extremely light in taste and a limited amount of sugar is used. Therefore, it can be enjoyed for those of all ages. 

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

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Duex Amis

Duex Amis is the one place behind the Garosu-gil shopping area to rave about for layered creme cakes. Cakes served at Duex Amis are topped alternate between cake and creme topped with a mini macaron for your pleasure. There is quite the number of cakes and pies to choose from, but you definitely can't go wrong with their signature Salted Caramel which is a layer between chocolate and caramel. For those who are looking for something fruity, their Strawberry Tiramisu is also a hit.

Duex Amis has open seating which is perfect for the spring and summer seasons. They have a center piece of fresh flowers daily which definitely sets the girly mood and is the perfect place to hang around to give you that bubbly feeing. It is the perfect down time location when in the area for some shopping damage. Because it is located in the back street, you are away from all the noise and busy areas which makes it that much more enjoyable. 

Cakes at Duex Amis are extremely moist in taste and layered perfectly that makes it hard to resist. With cakes by the slice ready to order, making a selection may be difficult. If you're looking to grab a whole cake to go, they also have the option in the store which allows for you to bring home the goodies. 

Directions to Duex Amis: 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 and you will see Duex Amis on your right within the same block.

Phone: 02-3443-0030 

Address: 539-9 Gangnam-gu Sinsa-dong

서울 강남구 신사동539-9

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

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Oliver Sweet

Oliver Sweet is an internet based bakery that caters to the community in Korea, delivering all baked goodies from holiday themed cookies to pastries to cakes. With a wide option of baked goods that cater to the occasion, Oliver Sweet makes packaging and ordering gifts easy. For those who are looking to sample the Oliver Sweet baked selections, there is one cafe in Banpo-dong that sells a selection of Oliver Sweet desserts. 

Oliver Sweet can also be found in some of the department stores which includes the Lotte and a selected handful of restaurants (including Vatos Urban Tacos). They break from the traditional catering and taste of cakes and pies by offering a twist to their goodies. The Cognac Pecan Pie for example is a liquor infused pie that is baked with the full blast of pecans. Baked with a chewy texture, the pecan pie's tart is not flaky at all, but more like a crust that is baked to perfection.

In addition to the pie, the Earl Grey Tea Cake infused with Grapefruit is a multi layered cake themed around cream, cake, and more cream. With a spongy texture, the cake offers grapefruit flavoring that is definitely different from from any other cakes offered in Korea. It is rather light in taste, not offering much of a strong green tea or grapefruit taste, but it does compliment one another pretty well.

It is definitely suggested to order an Oliver Sweet speciality cake or baked goody for an occasion. Going out of your way to try their cakes may not be worth it, but of course if you see it in the area you are in, do order one to give it a try. You never know if this is would be your kind of dessert. 

Cafe Address: 612-140 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea 137-713

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Bloom and Goute 블룸 앤 구떼

The concept of Bloom and Goute is a café centered around flowers. It is one of the most famous cafes in Sinsa for a luxurious meal, drinks, and a selection of desserts to enjoy. Bloom and Goute is the one cafe that serves baked goodies, coffee and many other drinks with the amazing aroma of fresh flowers. Bloom and Goute breaks from the traditional coffee shops that center around coffee as a theme. They offer fresh flowers as a view and use them as a center piece for each table. The theme is centered around a garden layout with wired metal bench seating and open windows to enjoy the outside view. 

It is also a place to enjoy food with a simple brunch menu that brings in guests of all kinds. The most common of course, is their drinks and dessert options. Drinks and desserts at Bloom and Goute are a bit pricier than other locations, with an average of $8 a drink, desserts at $6 and special desserts costing over $10 a plate. The café also serves foods for brunch and snacks that can be ordered, but most guests attend for the enjoyment of fully bloomed flowers and their drink selection. 

Because the café is small in location, seating is for an average of two or three guests which usually revolves around couples or a girl’s brunch, tea time. Bloom and Goute may be hard to find since it off of the main street of Garosugil, but it is worth visiting for their outdoor concept indoors. They are recognized for their strawberry cheesecake, but it is nothing like what we are used to in New York. The strawberry cheesecake is made with berries inside the cheesecake which is different, but still good.

The cakes and pastries take a different take on the more traditional tastes by incorporating a variety of flavors as well as infusions. Although it is not the perfect blend of taste and combinations, their drinks are on point. Bloom and Goute serves a strong full-on flavor of teas and coffees that are over the top and worth the splurge. 

Located between the Apgujeong and Sinsa station on the orange line 3, Bloom and Goute is in the hidden back street of the famous Garosu-gil shopping street. It is extremely easy to miss the store because it is deep inside a back street that is hidden by many other stores. The easiest way to get here will be from the Apgujeon station exit 5, straight four blocks and take a left into the back street. After three intersections, Bloom and Goute will be in the middle of the following block on the right.

Address: 545-24 Sinsa-dong Gangnam-gu Seoul
서울 신사동 강남구 545-24 
Phone: 02-545-6659