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 - Cacao Boom

Cacao Boom is the one recommendation to make for anyone who is looking to enjoy a fresh cup of hot chocolate. Yes, a fresh cup of hot chocolate in Hongdae and Samcheongdong which is right by Insadong and the famous palace. Cacao Boom is a chocolatier that is known for their hot chocolates. With different kinds of hot chocolates, mild, dark, orange, mint, it is the one place to go to to enjoy real authentic chocolate drinks. Freshly brewed, just the way coffee is brewed, Cacao Boom puts consideration into how much and what kind of chocolate that is used. 

In addition to flavorful hot chocolate, there are many choices of chocolates that are available as well. For those who are looking for a certain percentage of chocolate, there is a refrigerator with a range of percentage which allows you to select the one of your choice. In addition to chocolates of all different percentage, they make fresh chocolates and truffles everyday so the chocolate menu is constantly changing. 

This chocolatier is extremely popular with locals who love to indulge in chocolate and is looking for a place to hang out. In the Hongdae location, like many other cafes, Cacao Boom has wifi available and two seating areas, an indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor seating is centralized around a picnic area with bench seating and the indoor seating is like a regular coffee shop. For colder winter days, there are blankets available for guests to use. 

Be sure to stop by the chocolatier after a day of shopping in Hongdae. This small cozy chocolatier is the place to go for all guests. Chocolate drinks average $6 a cup with chocolate pieces at $2. The chocolatier is one of the very few that offer a "service" which is free chocolate with the purchase of a chocolate beverage.

Address: Mapo-gu, Seokyodong 337-16
Phone: 02-3141-4663
Directions: Take Hongdae station on line 2, exit 9 and make a left and another left. When you reach Buy the way, take a right and walk towards the end, the shop will be on your left. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - cocobruni

cocobruni, a relatively new barista and chocolatier that opened in Gangnam, is a must visit spot for it's open space and modern interior. Known for their decorative chocolates and specialty drinks, it is a short walk from Gangnam station, exit 11 to the right off of the main road. There is also one in Hongdae and a few other tourist spots.

It is the perfect place to visit to chit chat and even solo just to enjoy a cup of coffee and a few sweets which include their wide selection of cake slices, chocolates, and a few baked goodies. With soothing American music constantly playing, this place is one of the few in Gangnam that provide a more relaxing feeling compared to the other busy coffee shops. 

Catering to the more urban and modern taste of locals, desserts average at a price of $5 a slice, chocolates at $2.50 per piece and specialty drinks that range from $3.50-6. There is a set menu with a drink and baked good combo for $7 which is a recommendation for those who are on a budget. In addition to food and beverages, souvenir goods can be purchased which includes planners, notebooks, and cups for a take home gift.

It is definitely a place to stop by during the day or at night. The open window is a great attraction with sunlight during the day, and bright lights of the cafe that attracts anyone passing by. The only problem is the bathroom is far from the building, it is actually located in a regular building so a heads up for that would be great!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Jubilu Chocolatier

With a few locations in Seoul, Jubilu Chocolatier is a great spot to go to satisfy any chocolate cravings, including other dessert goodies. With a wide selection of chocolates, cupcakes, cookies, macarons, and drinks, it is the perfect place to relax and cheat on a diet. The suggestion is to sit around and consume the goodies in the cafe because of presentation and warm goodness. 

The fondant cupcakes (cupcakes with jam or melted syrup in the middle) are warmed up before served to maximize the fondant touch. The fondant cupcakes are a must have for just $2.70 each, but a total of four for $10. Dark chocolate, blueberry, and coffee is the recommended. The cheese fondant cupcake is a bit different to the foreigner's tastes, but it is definitely a popular one amongst the locals. 

  

The other must tries are the cake pops which has very little cake, the real cheese cheesecake, and of course the chocolates. With so much to choose from and only $2 a piece, a handful of pieces should have your stomach satisfied for a while. Check out the locations in Itaewon and Myeondong, it's definitely a great place to lounge out.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Laderach

Located by the man made river, close to the city hall of Seoul, Laderach is a Switzerland based chocolatier in Korea that will have your every chocolate desires fulfilled. With chocolate truffles to chocolate bars, desserts and chocolate drinks, Laderach has some kind of chocolate goodie for all taste buds. 

 

I am absolutely in love with their dark forest chocolate pie an the chocolate pecan pie that is topped with an unbelievable amount of chocolate. The dark forest pie may be a little too much to handle for one person, myself included, and that almost never happens! For those looking for a less chocolatey dessert, I suggest the coconut opera cake or going for a drink which includes the raspberry dark chocolate. Surprisingly iced is just as good as hot, infused with the right amount of raspberry and topped with dried raspberries that melt in your mouth.

Laderach is definitely one of my favorite chocolatiers in Korea, providing me with all kinds of sweet tooth satisfactions. Prices are decent, average for the fancy plates of dessert and delicatessens that is served. Drinks and dessert dishes range from $4-6 and chocolate pieces can cost a dollar or two a piece, just like those chocolatiers back at home. There are a few locations in Seoul which include the Jongro, Joong and in Gangnam. Be sure to stop by and pick up these sweet goodies!