Hidden Treasures - Kam Hing Coffee Shop

Kam Hing Coffee Shop
Address: 119 Baxter Street, New York, NY 10013

Phone Number: 212-925-0425

One of the hidden treasures for generations now is the Kam Hing Coffee Shop that many local residents are familiar with. In fact, they are regulars here where their orders are pretty much picked up once they enter the door and delivered by the time they get to the counter without having to wait. Keeping the tradition of generations of soft and moist Chinese sponge cakes (the Chinese version of a cupcake that is less sweet without the icing), the exterior has been maintained for years already. 

This is reflected with their original cafe layout. The door, sign, store front and even most of the store is preserved since the beginning. The best part, of course, is the sponge cakes that have been handed down from generation to generation. With the original sponge cakes, Kam Hing Coffee Shop has been making small tweaks on the this traditional cheap eat.

In addition to the best seller original for the older generations and even young children who crave for a twist on the morning cupcake, the Kam Hing Coffee Shop in Chinatown has added new flavors of green tea and chocolate chip. The green tea, also known as matcha is fused with sweet and bitter green tea which may not look appealing, but it is the first twist on the traditional recipe that has customers craving for more. The chocolate chip sponge cake is just as popular made with thinly sliced chocolate chips baked in rather than the traditional chocolate chip muffin.  These two are blasted with flavors that simply just melt in your mouth along with the sponge cake. Those at the Kam Hing Coffee shop is now experimenting with new flavors that include the sweet strawberry. This is definitely one to be anticipated!

Be sure to swing by Kam Hing Coffee shop and pick up your morning coffee or milk tea along with their traditional Chinese style cup cakes; you definitely won't regret this one located at the Southern end of Chinatown just before Little Italy. There's definitely some competition there, but nothing beats the price of Kam Hing's sponge cakes for just a dollar, especially with early hours of operation to cater to the early birds of both the younger school generation along with the older working generation.

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 - 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. 

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. 

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.

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.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - La Eskimo

La Eskimo is a small bakery serving up some amazing desserts and bagels on the second floor of the famous Garosu-gil shopping street. They are well known for the number of tart choices they have that is filled with all things from cremes to fruits. In adition to that, there are pound cakes and laof cakes that are over the top and filling.

My one favorite from La Eskimo is their bagel section. This is one of the very few places in Seoul that offer different kinds of fruits, nuts and toppings baked into the bagel. Toasted and served with a homemade cream cheese without the extra charge, it is my recommendation for just $2.80. In addition to the many good dessert choices, there is a wide selection of drinks from coffees to refreshing lemonades.

The seating of La Eskimo is extremly fun and opening to guests. They offer a long table seating that can be shared with a group of people or just between strangers. In addition to that, there are round tables for bigger groups which is usually not available in Seoul. There are also seating for smaller number of guests and date settings as well.

Directions: From the Sinsa station on line 3, take exit 8 and go straight until you reach Tous Le Jours bakery on your left. Take a left at the corner and go straight along the Garosu-gil shopping street until you see a sign for La Eskimo on your right, leading up to the second floor.

Address: Apgujeong 12 Gil 27
압구정로 12 길 27

Korean Twist - 40192 Roll

40192 (DalRoll) is a place in the Itaewon Noksapyeong area that is swirling up a traditional Japanese cake. For just $4.50 a pop, 40192 offers a handful of flavors which include plain, caramel, green tea, chocolate, tiramisu, and biscuit choux. Just about palm size, it maybe a little pricey and not worth it if you have a crazy sweet tooth. There is a lot more cream than cake taste and the problem is the cake is not sweet at all. It is perfect for those who look for something bland, but it's a total let down when you're looking for a blast of green tea taste and all you get is cream and cake.

Drinks at DalRoll start at $3.50 and an Americano is priced at $4 which actually beats out a lot of the main chain and fancy cafes if you ask me. 40192 is extremlly small in size with sliding doors that is different from other cafes. Seating roughly 12 with booths and 4 at a bar-like setting, it can be hard to find seats here when it gets packed.

Address:용산구 녹사평대로 228-1

Yongsangu Noksapyeong Dae-ro 228-1

Directions: Take exit 2 of the Noksaypyeong station and go straight until you see an underpass to go across the street. Take the underpass going down to the other side. Take the exit on your left and go to the corner. 40192 DalRoll will be on your right before reaching the end of the block.

Hidden Treasures - Around the Corner

Around the Corner is a new concept store along the Garosu-gil shopping street of Sinsa Apgujeong area that incorporates a shopping store with a well established bakery by the name of Publique in Hongdae, Seoul. It is a collaboration that takes the shopping experience to the next level. Located on the corner, it allows for guests to sit along the corner of the busy Garosu-gil street to people watch and enjoy coffee along with the famous Publique pastries. 

This three floor store consists of an art gallery upstairs, a cafe and shopping area on the first floor and the basement of more shopping brands. Around the Corner carries brands that cannot be found in the regular shopping areas of Korea which makes it popular with locals and foreigners. The one Korean catch phrase to sum this store up agijagi 아기자기 which means all things cute. They offer many international brands and special items that only boutique stores will carry. In addition to the many clothing and shoes, Around the Corner carries accessories and cute gadgets that are extremely popular in the Korean community that is gradually branching out to the world around us.

Whether you are in the mood for coffee or a bit of shopping and exploration of the younger generation in Korean culture, Around the Corner is a must visit along Garosu-gil. It's always nice to break from the traditional styled stores by incorporating the best of Korea in one.

Directions: From the Sinsa station on line 3, take exit 8 and go straight until you reach Tous Le Jours bakery on your left. Take a left at the corner and go straight along the Garosu-gil shopping street until you see Around the Corner on the corner.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Mouse Rabbit 마우스래빗

Although it is located in Mouse Rabbit (their Korean website) located in Kongdae is a well-known coffee shop amongst Kpop fans because of the famous celebrity that owns the cafe. Yesung 예성, the lead vocalist in Super Junior opened this three floor cafe with his brother that attracts locals and tourists to the area. With an outdoor patio and smoking area on the first floor, open windows for sunshine and a traditional black and white movie playing on the second floor, the cafe takes it to a whole new level offering private rooms where you have to remove your shoes in the basement. 

When visiting the shop, there is a high chance Yesung's mother will be working, but it is more difficult to see the celebrity himself. Although he has been spotted at the coffee shop, it definitely takes quite some chance since he is a celebrity after all. None the less even without the chance of seeing Yesung, it is worth visiting Mouse Rabbit for their cute mugged hot drinks and desserts. 

Their marble cheesecake is on point with the perfect blend of New York styled cheesecake, dark chocolate base and chocolate filled cake. Although they are more recognized for their Oreo cheesecake, it is nothing like an Oreo cheesecake. Anyone looking for a lighter, fluffy textured cream cake should definitely go for the Oreo cheesecake which is cream and fluff on top of a chocolate base cake, topped with an Oreo. 

In addition to the desserts, there are a variety of drinks which includes coffee, teas, and even alcoholic beverages. They are on point just like any other coffee shops. Mouse Rabbit also offers the popular Korean dessert, patbingsoo which is a shaved ice as well as a handful of small eats. 

You would think a place opened by a celebrity would charge an outrageous amount of money for their drinks and goodies, but it is actually measurable to all the average coffee shops in Seoul, even cheaper than a lot of the fancy ones. You can easily find drinks and desserts priced at less than $5 a pop which is truly amazing because you're actually spending more at a Starbucks. 

Opened from 10AM to 12AM daily, it is the perfect place for a chat, bonding, and even just to study. There are many locals that hang around the coffee shop just to enjoy a cup of coffee without it being too chaotic knowing a celebrity owns the place. Service is amazing and the staff is extremely friendly. They always have Mouse Rabbit hand fans ready to give to any fan of Yesung which makes it that much more amazing.

Directions to Mouse Rabbit is fairly easy. Take exit 2 of Konkuk University Station where Line 2 and 7 intersect. When you exit the station, take a left before the light where the Angel-in-us coffee shop is and go straight until you see the Samsung mobile store on a small corner. Take the small street that goes in on your left and Mouse Rabbit will be on your right. 

Address: 서울 광진구 화양동 5-14번지
5-14, Hwayang-dong,. Gwangjin-gu, Seoul


BLOG UPDATE: For those TRUE fans, you will know when you see. I was a little too embarrassed to ask for a photo, plus the 23492374982374 signs that asked politely not to take a photo. At the very minimum Yesung 예성 did take my order and did speak to me in a combination of Korean and English ^.^ totally made my day and made me feel like a little girl at heart. He is actually flawless in person.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - My Little Cafe

My Little Cafe in Hongdae 나의작은카페 (the literal translation in Korean as well) is an extremely small cafe that is the cutest thing ever. Themed around a garden concept, there are always fresh flowers on the table and dimmed lighting that provides a warm atmosphere to bond over a cup of coffee and their amazing desserts. With the morning sunshine that peeps through their little window and white door, it is the perfect daytime setting for a day date as well. The everything cute can be found in My Little Cafe because they actually bring a lot of the home feeling to their environment, grasping the touch of small garden for the child inside.

My Little Cafe offers all kinds of cakes with their own twist. Most cakes are based on a cream concept that is layered perfectly on top of a cake base. The recommended is their Earl Grey Tea cake which has a few layers of flavor and topped with half a macaron. The concept is definitely different where they incorporate a macaron and small twists on the traditional desserts. The best part is their macarons are sold at the lowest price seen in Seoul, just $1.50 a piece which is even cheaper than the prices listed in New York. 

The recommendations to be made will definitely be the affogato which is brewed after ordered. topped with chocolate chips and a chocolate macaron. In addition to this amazing beverage, their macarons are on point, as well as their delightful cakes. Shaved ice would not be the best recommendation here, signature desserts is the way to go. Beware because this shop is limited in space, closed on Mondays and open at noon regularly, catering to couples and tea time until 11PM at night. 

Directions: Take Hongdae station exit 8 on the green line. When you exit, take a right at the corner block until you reach a semi curve in the road. Take the block going straight into an alley (My Little Cafe is literally straight down but because there is no direct street, you will have to make a U-like walk). Therefore, make a left at the dead end and take a right at the next intersection. Walk down to the third block and take a right. Go straight to the middle of the block and My Little Cafe will be on your right. Phone: 02-323-0507 

Bottoms Up - Standing Coffee

Standing Coffee is a coffee shop where you literally stand in a line in the streets to order your coffee whipped up by a group of handsome barista "Standing guys" dressed in a white dress shirt, black slacks, and topped with a tie. It is the cutest concept with a quick way to brew up your coffee from a small menu. It's said that they only hire "handsome guys" which is definitely an eye candy for all guests, guys included.

Coffee of course, is the number one choice from Standing Coffee, but they are also known for their blue lemonade. Made with fresh lemons and blue caracao, this spiked lemonade is the perfect drink for any hot summer day. Don't worry about getting a "buzz" from the drink because it is extremely sweet in taste and made from a low percentage of alcohol. Drinks are priced at most $5 and they even have shots of alcohol for sale, another plus for many.

The original Standing Coffee is located straight from the Noksapyeong exit number 2 of line 6. It will be across the street from you on the right side so before reaching the light, take the underpass that will facilitate crossing the street. From Standing Coffee Two in the Hongdae area, the easiest way to get there is a straight walk from Sangsu station exit 1. Within a two minute walk, it'll be on your right (a bigger location than the original).

Bottoms Up - daily coffee 121

Located in the famous Jeongja-dong, daily coffee 121 is one of the many coffee shops along the main strip of Bundang which is south of Seoul. This peaceful area offers guests a nice scenic street of plants and families to enjoy a cup of coffee along with some shopping. Offering freshly brewed coffees, daily coffee 121 is recognized for their tall standing coffee brewing machine inside the cafe. 

In addition to their signature coffee machine, they are recognized for their venti drinks. Korea is known to be the place with small and mini everything. daily coffee 121 breaks from this norm and actually offers all guests a large drink with their purchase. This justifies their higher cost for coffee, priced at an average of $7, but totally worth the drink that you are getting. 

With so many coffee shops to choose from, definitely make a visit to daily coffee 121 if you are looking for a venti cup of coffee to refresh your mind and go on with your day. From Jeongja Station exit 4 on the yellow Bundang Line and go straight until you see Woori Bank (make a left here). For a more detailed list, visit here.

Restaurant Review - Stone Wall Brasserie

One of the most famous places in Bundang which is south of Seoul is Jeongja-dong for the street of coffee shops. In addition to having the best coffee shops and outdoor setting, brunch is one recommendation when you are in town served from 10Am to 3PM. Bundang is known to be a quiet residential and family area which is the perfect place to enjoy an outdoor brunch, especially at Stone Wall Brasserie. 

Stone Wall Brasserie is a spacious restaurant that offers outdoor seating to guests to enjoy during a sunny day. The best part is their menu. The brunch menu offers a plate of deliciousness served American style. Everything on the menu is a recommendation, but the one thing that definitely does stand out is Sunday Brunch - the French Toast platter. Served with a slice of french toast made fresh, two eggs, sausage, bacon, and fries are served on a huge plate with the option of a coffee or orange juice. It is an extremely filling meal to have for just $15. 

With friendly service and a menu in English, eating at Stone Wall Brasserie makes life easy. It is particularly hard to get an American breakfast, especially for Sunday brunch, but this is the one place to go. It makes it that much better that you escape the crazy city life in Seoul. Able to enjoy fresh air and family-oriented neighborhoods is one thing that is needed every now and then.

Address: 101 Paragon, 13-1 Jeongja-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-shi, Gyeonggi-do
Telephone: 031-719-1542
Directions: Straight from exit 4 of Jeongja station on the yellow Bundang line. Take a left at Woori Bank and a right at Waffle Bant. Stone wall will be on your right between Paragon 104 and 105 with a stone exterior.

Bottoms Up - Twosome + Coffee

Teddy's Twosome + Studio is an upgrade from A Twosome Place coffee shop that is the place to go for their signature black toast sandwich that looks like burnt toast. For just an average of $5 per menu item of sandwich and coffee, the menu is not limited to just these two delicious choices. The coffee shop offers an open fridge of pre-made sandwiches, soups, salads, yogurts, pastries, and many other desserts that are ready to be picked up and prepped to be served on a plate for your satisfaction. 

Teddy's black toast is served on a plate with melted cheese and heated filling. It is the perfect place to grab a quick and even healthy bite. Themed around music, this cafe differs from the rest with more upbeat music playing at a louder frequency. Promoted by Big Bang, this more urban coffee shop is the place to go to for hip hop and up tempo music, mostly American, to bump to over a cup of coffee or brunch. This urban cafe offers three floors of black and white themed seating as well as an outdoor setting for nice weather. 

It is extremely popular among college students being that is it located right next to Hongik University, but it is also the spot to go to for many tourists as well. Because of the environment, it is a location recommended for grabbing food and or chatting with a friend. This would definitely not be the location to go to if you are trying to get some work done! Located from exit 9 of the Hongdae train station on line 2 (the green), it is located across the street from Nescafe and Starbucks. The easiest, but longer way to get there is to go straight from exit 9 until the light. Take a left and go straight to the end (you'll be facing Hongik Univeristy). Take a left at the light when you see the grey buildings of steel (do not walk past the gates) and the cafe will be on your right. 

There is a second branch in the Garosu-gil shopping area of Sinsa-dong. Straight from exit 8 of Sinsa station on line 3, take a left when you reach Tous Le Jours bakery on the corner. Go straight along Garosu-gil shopping street and you will see Twosome + Coffee on your left within a block's radius. 

Bottoms Up - Chloris Tea & Coffee

Chloris Tea & Coffee is a more traditional looking tea location recommended for brunch. They offer a more tasty and blend of traditional tea in their drinks which is something different than what you find at regular coffee shops in Korea which comes from a tea bag. With so many drinks offered, the most popular is the milk tea selection, which also includes the Milk Tea Snow Blossom which can be shared between two. 

This open window second floor cafe offers food along with their tasty tea and coffee drinks allows you to take in the breeze of the outdoors. It is one of the best places to people watch since it is on one of the busier streets of Hongdae. For a more calmer environment from the overwhelming number of Hongik University students, Chloris Tea & Coffee is definitely the place to go to hide from the loud, busy life.

Straight from exit 9 of Hongik University station, take a left at the light. Pass one intersection and it will be in the middle of the block on your right after Ho Bar and before the Lotteria store.

Address: 마포구 서교동 358-18 (홍대점, 지오다노 2층), 서울특별시

Bottoms Up - VB Cafe

VB Cafe, a healthy cafe in Sinsa-dong of the Garosugil street is the one place to go to for a drink and healthy eats without feeling guilty of a splurge. VB is a cafe on the first floor and a diet lab on the second floor, offering products and services for guests. 

In the VB Cafe, the drinks are all made of healthy ingredients, with the most popular being red ginseng. It is extremely strong and overpowering taste if you are not a fan of ginseng, I do not suggest going for it. The VB fruitade is a suggested drink that is recommended for anyone looking for a cool refreshing drink. 

The best part is the healthy desserts VB Cafe offers which include a strawberry roll cake and a green tea soy cake. Made of all healthy ingredients and even vegan, VB Cafe is the one place to go to for anyone on a strict diet or looking to maintain beauty.

Straight from exit 8 of Sinsa station on line 3, take a left when you reach Tous Le Jours bakery on the corner. Go straight along the famous Garosu-gil shopping street until you reach the corner where VB cafe is on the left.

Phone Number: 080-023-5454

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.