Hidden Treasures - Bassanova Ramen

Bassanova Ramen

76 Mot Street 

New York NY 10013

(212)334-2100

http://bassanovanyc.com/

This hidden gem is located in Chinatown, one unexpected location for a ramen spot. Lucky for those who know of this joint, you are in for some goodies. Personally, not being a big ramen fan, the dishes that Bassanova Ramen really do hit the spot. Bassanova Ramen incorporates a handful of flavors that would not be considered the "standard" for ramen. That is definitely what sets them apart from the rest.

Bassanova Ramen features a handful of fun foods for the big kid inside. Every dish is filled with a unique flavor that will have your taste buds kicking! Potstickers are not the traditional style of dumplings that are pan fried, but a flat, long strip of dough filled with meat and vegetables served on a hot grill to keep the appetizer warm. Although the style is a more fun eat, the potstickers at Bassanova Ramen are barely stuffed.

The ramen on the other hand, are each uniquely infused with its signature ingredient. With a strong flavor, be sure to pick an ingredient that is fits your desires. The Tondaku Green Curry Ramen is one that I suggest, but it can be a little on the salty side. Every bite is infused with so much flavor that the dish is one to be savored from the get-go. 

Bassanova Ramen features an open kitchen with a friendly staff so you can see every dish being made. It can take a while to get certain dishes with a high influx of guests so being patient is key here, but at the very minimum, they have a great rotation and style to whip up food (from observance), Another thing to make note of is Bassanova Ramen only accepts cash, just like many Japanese restaurants and Chinatown restaurants as well.  Ramen dishes are on average $11, with appetizers that are less than $10. Don't let this be a reason to stay away from this hidden treasure though!

Catering to the tastes of guests, Bassanova Ramen tweaked their menus and are now offering rice noodles for those who are on a specific diet. Gluten free dishes can be found in some of their ramen as well so be sure to ask!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - InDessert

InDessert1 E Broadway, New York, NY 10038(212) 528-3188

With the transition of infusion foods from everyday meals, desserts are of course, soon to come. Taking traditional Chinese desserts and bringing the new touch to the generation of food, InDessert is one place that maintains the taste of traditional goods with a more decorative and upbeat environment. The central touch of Hong Kong dessert is contrary to the French sweet pastries and such, evolving around soup bases, traditional Chinese desserts are much less sweeter, but full of flavor. 

InDessert specializes in all of the Chinese traditions with dessert soups, shaved ice, dessert drinks, but it doesn't stop there. Finding new ways to incorporate traditional eats, InDessert features a menu that has more Americanized desserts as well. With green tea waffles on the menu that is topped with ice cream and fresh fruits, it is one thing that is worth visiting for. A wide selection of cakes are available as well, catering to taste buds of all kinds. With soup desserts, customers are able to make their own creations to fulfill your every desire.

The menu is constantly changing, bringing new dessert goodies to the customers. With seasonal flavors and free cupcakes for customers, it is the one place you want to visit for all sorts of desserts. InDessert is built around bright lights and fun displays that keeps your stomach going. It is the perfect place to hang out and even enjoy a date setting. 

All desserts are made fresh when ordered which ensures the freshest ingredients possible. Opened almost twelve hours a day, anytime is the perfect time to visit InDessert. Opening at 12PM daily, be sure to get your dessert fix or a  not-so-simple drink to perk up your day. Be sure to also be on the lookout for any freebie cupcakes that may be on display at InDessert at your next visit!

A New Twist on Tradition - Ngam

Ngam 

99 Third Avenue

New York NY 10003

212.777.8424

http://www.ngamnyc.com/

Ngam serves up a new touch on Thai goods with a slight infusion twist, labeling it as the "Modern Thai Comfort Food." Taking traditional Thai food to the next level, Ngam is a place that will have you on your feet as to what culinary twist to expect. The best sellers include the Old School Pad Thai, a more traditional style of Thai dishes, as well as the Dark Knight, a bed of black squid ink noodles topped with fried calamari to it's perfection. Every dish at Ngam is infused with an immense amount of flavor, giving the right balance for your palette. The one thing that did not work for me was the Thai Taco, a stir-fry bunch of meat and vegetables topped on a pan fried roti wrap; there definitely could have been more to this.

With the variety of Thai goods, expect nothing less than a packed madhouse when visiting Ngam. Be sure to make reservations well ahead of time to dodge the long lines. Although you may be waiting a while for your food, the customer service is at the top at Ngam, which may be hard to come across now-a-days. Staff is ready to tackle your every craving, minus the number of dishes that were ordered before you.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Sweet Buttons Bakery

Sweet Buttons Bakery 

84 Rivington Street
New York, NY 10002
(212)253-8484

A wide selection of amazing mini desserts can be found at Sweet Buttons Bakery in the Lower East Side from their "Just-For-Me Cupcakes" to the tarts and dessert cups. These little desserts are the perfect bite size treats that doesn't make you feel that guilty for a simple enjoyment. Opened into late hours of the day, Sweet Buttons Bakery is a popular spot for guests of all ages. They are the perfect treats to fill a quick sweet tooth or even to indulge in. Although the desserts are mini in size, they are still full of flavor. Each cupcake is still moist to perfection with the right amount of icing and topping that makes your mouth just water. The popular dessert cups are made of layers of creme and cake, piping it to the top. Unfortunately for me, creme is not my thing so skipping out on that just seemed like best choice.

The popular desserts at Sweet Buttons Bakery include the Nutella cup cake, Tiramisu dessert cup, and their salted caramel cups. With so much to choose from, finding the right one just might be difficult to do. At the very minimum, you can grab a handful to sample. Cupcakes are just a measly $1.50 and the most expensive are the dessert cups, priced at a low cost of $3. Sweet Buttons Bakery also offers a handful of freshly brewed drinks. With a busy crowd though, be ready to wait a little for a cup of latte art.

Fresh on the Market - Ramen and Co

Ramen and Co.

100 Maiden Lane
New York, NY 10038

With the hype of ramen burgers on the menu, Keizo Shimamoto just recently announced his newest store, Ramen and Co. located in the Financial District. With a soft opening that allowed the FiDi locals to consume his goods during lunch hours from 11 AM to 2 PM, it is official for the rest of the world to experience the ramen burger, hopefully with shorter lines. With a bun made of ramen and a patty made of extremely tender, juicy meat topped with a mouth-watering sauce, the ramen burger is something to try. Although I am personally not impressed with the ramen bun itself, it is definitely something that everyone should try for the simple ideology of FOMO.

Co-workers of mine rave about the ramen burger, but I personally preferred the juicy meat and freshly fried potato chips instead. The ramen could be a bit of a heavy touch for many, especially since it is composed of noodles. The unique presentation of the dumpling wrapping is something that makes you appreciate the little things that Ramen and Co. create, but going for a bowl of ramen here is definitely suggested. 

An average lunch will set you back about $10 which is honestly not bad at all. Going for a quick bowl of ramen on a cold winter day is probably recommended, but there's nothing wrong with a summer splurge. Although the address is written for 100 Maiden Lane, the actual restaurant is located at the cross section of Pearl Street, right around the corner of the Chipotle, next to Terri. 

Restaurant Review - School Food 스쿨푸드

School Food 스쿨푸드 is a restaurant that takes Korean school food for the young as an upgrade for the adults. School Food offers a fun play on traditional Korean foods of kimbap, ddukbokki, ramen, and naengmyeon, and other fried goodies. With an upgrade on the kid's menu, School Food offers more variety and a mix of deliciousness in the traditional eats. 

On average, dishes at priced at $8 a plate. Served with a cup of soup along with radish, the dishes are filling but it is always an option to order a large quantity to share. Anything on their recommended list is definitely recommended, especially with the sushi list. Kimbaps in Korea are so typical that it's hard to find good tasting kimbaps.

School Food offers you the next closest thing to Japanese sushi rolls, especially with their fried shrimp roll. It is definitely great to be able to find sushi rolls outside of a real Japanese restaurant. The food is simple, yet fun to eat, a big kid's version of lunch.

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:

Fresh on the Market - Dunkin' Donut's New York Pie Donut "Cronut" 뉴욕파이도넛

So the fad in America, which originated in New York is the "cronut" and the rest of the world, everyone and their mother is copying this thing. It wasn't going to be long before the Cronut reached Seoul. Who would have ever thought that Dunkin Donuts would be the first to replicate the Cronut and name it the "New York Pie Donut" 뉴욕파이도넛.  Although the lines aren't as ridiculous here in Seoul as they are back in New York, there are people lined up for the New York Pie Donut 뉴욕파이도넛. They only have it in a select number of Dunkin Donuts around town which include, but are not limited to: Jamsil, Myeondong, and Gangnam. Be sure to check the list (get a Korean friend to do it to expedite the process) and keep in mind that they are serving it during certain hours.

Lucky for me, I did not have to wait to try this "Cronut." To be honest, I probably wouldn't be so happy if I had to. I assume this is nothing like the original for the simple reason that it is not topped with icing. Koreans definitely do not have a sweet tooth like us foreigners so sprinkled sugar is enough for them. Nonetheless, although the New York Pie Donut 뉴욕파이도넛 has been out for a while, it is still flaky and I think the best way to eat it is by peeling. 

Honest to say, the top layer was the best and although there was a 2 per person limit, I'm glad I didn't go for the second one. I enjoyed the layer by layer texture of a croissant, but for the simple fact that it wasn't topped with icing was a downer for me. I would definitely have it again, just wouldn't stand in line for it. So I suggest if you must go, go on a weekday!

For the Jamsil location: take exit 3 of the Sincheon station. Go straight following the path for about four blocks and you will see Dunkin Donuts on the corner. 

Address: 송파구 잠실본동 242-9

Songpa-gu Jamsil 242-9

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Monster Cupcake

Monster Cupcake is a small cupcake shop in Itaewon that is one of the most recognized and longest standing cupcake shops in Seoul. Why? Because their cupcakes are extremely cute and fun to eat! For an average of $4.50 per cupcake, there are a handful of flavors to choose from that are whipped up in the shop. The favorites are red velvet and tiramisu, classic cupcake flavors. Although Monster Cupcake is recognized for their cupcakes, they're still a little away from signature cupcakes back at home. The cupcake isn't as fluffy, but made with a more dense batter. The icing is also different with a creamier texture, but their decorative gels are extremely flavorful and is the sweetest touch to the cupcake, literally. None the less, it is still a spot to go to satisfy a cupcake craving!

The concept of Monster Cupcakes is simple, make monster cupcakes. The theme is extremely cute, they make all their cupcakes around different "cute" and enjoyable monster looking things. They incorporate a theme of death into every cupcake that just takes it over the top. Because this is an extremely small cupcake shop, it is one of those where you grab to go. There is probably a total of four seats in the shop so people don't really linger around. If you do get lucky to stick around, you can enjoy your cupcake within the shop as you watch them whip up a new batter of cupcakes, ice them, and throw them onto display. It is definitely a cute place to be for all things cupcake!

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 straight across the street. Take a right as soon as you cross the street down to where Tu Can is and keep walking. You will see Monster Cupcakes on your left, be careful not to miss it!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Sugar De Chou

Sugar De Chou, located in Hongdae, is known to be a cupcake cafe with the cutest yet most simple cupcakes for the price of $4. The popular two flavors include Earl Grey Tea and the Chocolate, but they also offer a Green Tea and Lemon cupcake. Icing for the cupcakes differ depending on the one ordered, which includes an extremely decorative kind when ordered. 

The chocolate cupcake is extremely bold in taste, offering chunks of chocolate chips inside the cupcake which is different to other cupcake shops that finish with a basic cake base. The icing is extremely creamy in texture, offering a strong milky chocolate taste which definitely puts the chocolate over the top. Finished with a topping of sliced almonds, it is the perfect cup of chocolate in a cake. 

The best thing about the menu is that they offer a handful of other drinks to consume with their cupcakes. Opening at 1 in the afternoon and closing at 11PM everyday, it is the place to go to enjoy with a friend or just as a simple study session. They even have delivery services which can be made if you speak Korean of course. The environment is extremely cute offering indoor and outdoor seating with outlets everywhere to charge anything and everything you need, even with seating in the middle of the floor. Another bonus of the cafe is that they offer take out coffee for just $2. Nothing beats a low price and an environment that is relaxing and calm from the outskirts of the crazy Hongdae party night scene. 

Address: Seoul, Mapo, Seogyo-dong, 396-32 

Phone: 070-8221-2223

Korean Traditional Eat - 뻥튀기

Ppeongtwigi 뻥튀기 is the Korean take on the Western popcorn which is just popped grain. It comes in all different shapes, sizes, and colors which makes it a heck of a lot of fun. Watching people on the street make Ppeongtwigi is a full blast of fun and loud of course (the more traditional kind) If you ever pass a truck that is selling 뻥튀기 and see how it is made, you'll see that a frisbee like rice grain is literally popped out of a metal machine. It's quite a bit of fun to watch them make it and consuming it fresh is just as good. This cheap eat can usually be picked up for a measly price of $2 for a whole big bag that will last you quite some time. 

It is extremely common to be served in bars and hof restaurants for guests to enjoy drinks with (as shown in the photo). The smaller and bite sized 뻥튀기 is usually served in restaurants just so you can pop them in your mouth. As always, this is served as a "service" which means free with your drinks and an unlimited amount of refills. They all range in texture depending on where you go, but for the most part, they are all made of rice grain and it is the perfect snack with your beer. This extremely cheap street food is popular among children as well and it's extremely light in calories which makes it that much better. This Korean traditional eat takes it to a new level of fun, something to share with everyone in the family. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - The Cupcake Factory (Seoul)

The Cupcake Factory (not a branch of the NY version) is a hidden treasure in Hongdae of Seoul that is baking up cute cupcakes that are extremely moist and flavorful. This small shop offers the traditional vanilla, red velvet, and cookies and cream flavors, but they also break away from the traditional kinds and bake up their own which include, but not limited to cappuccino, mint chocolate, and my all time favorite is the midori with no lime. 

The Cupcake Factory offers one of the moistest cupcakes I have had in Korea. The midori with no lime was actually a great compliment of a vanilla cupcake-like base with a lemony frosting. It was a great compliment of tangy and sweet fluffy icing to the cake. Unfortunately, I could not say the same about the mint chocolate. The one thing that was different about the mint chocolate cupcake is the fact that the mint icing is light in taste initially, but the mint flavor kicks in after a little. The mint flavor can be a bit overpowering because it really does taste like mint and doesn't quite compliment the chocolate cupcake. Furthermore, the cupcake base was a bit dry to taste which is one thing I do not recommend.

Although the cupcake shop is small in size, the pink interior offers a cute seating area in the back to enjoy your cupcake. The Cupcake Factory offers a handful of drinks to order as well and enjoy in a seating with pillows under a tree of yarn. It is extremely girly in decoration and a great location to visit with a group of girls. Cupcake are priced at $4 a cup which is average for Korean standards. To find this hidden location, turn into the only street where Baby Gorilla and Club Naked in Hongdae is. You will see it on your left: bright and pink.

Address: 364-11 Seogyo-Dong Mapo-Gu
Phone number: 82 2 337 4585
website: www.thecupcakefactory.com

Korean Traditional Eat - Jumok Bap 주먹밥

My all time favorite Korean tradition eat is the Jumok Bap 주먹밥 which is a rice ball with different kinds of fillings depending on the restaurant and what you order. My all time favorite is tuna and anchovies which I just can't get enough of! This rice ball is topped with either sesame or dried seaweed and maybe a touch of other delicious ingredients. The best part about this fun eat is that is is extremely cheap, usually just a measly $1 will provide you with a pretty filling rice ball (or two) depending on the location. It is definitely on the top of my list for best eats in Korea!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Lee Saem Cupcake

Lee Saem Cupcake who's motto is "life is just a cup of cake" is one of the most popular cupcake locations. In fact, it is the most popular location to go to for cupcake in Itaewon. This small little white shop is hidden in a little alley from the Itaewon station in the basement floor. Once discovered, you will find yourself in a cupcake fairytale, surrounding by all things cupcakes and picnic seating to enjoy your cupcakes. With a small number of seating, it is recommended to grab these goodies to go.

Lee Saem Cupcake offers one of the more moist cupcakes in Korea. Offering traditional flavors as well as more creative ones, cupcakes are paired with a different kind of icing and sprinkle. The matcha cupcake is extremely bold in green tea taste which is recommended for anyone who is in love with green tea, sprinkled with a light touch of matcha powder. The blueberry is one of their best sellers and extremely fruity. It takes you back to being a kid because they sprinkle it with candies that pop in your mouth, just like the childhood favorite of Pop Rocks. The classic vanilla, which is the sweetest of them all, is topped with a mix of white and chocolate cookies which is the one recommendation to make. 

Address: 93-28 SangSu-dong, Mapo-gu
Phone: 010 7112 6770

From the Itaewon exit 2, go straight and follow the curve around at the bottom of the hill. Take a left at the dead end without crossing the street (follow the hill). After two blocks of going straight, Lee Saem will be in a small block on the left after the turn.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Sugar Daddy

Everyone knows I have the craziest sweet tooth, especially for cupcakes. I have been on the search in Seoul for forever now to find the best cupcakes and constantly let down each time. Sugar Daddy is definitely the only one that comes close, almost the perfect cupcake. Sugar Daddy is an extremely small shop in Itaewon where the baker is in the store baking and decorating as she sells cupcakes from the same table. This extremely small and cozy spot is filled with all things delicious which are not only cupcakes! 

Sugar Daddy offers cupcake sized pies, mini cheesecakes, fudge bars, cookies, and cupcakes of traditional flavors as well as all things crazy. Many of the ingredients used in the recipes are ordered from foreign markets and online stores which explains the quality of the baked goods. Furthermore, the owner (Yumi Jung) tries to incorporate all things crazy that Americans love into her baked goods which provides her with another bonus thumbs up.

I am absolutely in love with Sugar Daddy for the amazing service for starters. Yumi had two stools in front and offered seating for us to consume our root beer cupcake and key lime pie. She then proceeded to offer us a cup of tea, Australia's T2 tea which she allowed us to choose from a wide selection of flavors. Halfway into our baked goods, she then offered us a freshly baked cookie from her cooling rack. 

In terms of her baked goods: the root beer cupcake is definitely a special kind of cupcake which is a fun eat. The root beer kick to the cupcake takes it to a whole new level. I'm personally not a fan of root beer, but this cupcake definitely changed my mind. Topped with a "scoop of icecream" and a "straw" for consumption, this cute it is a blast of flavor with a fluffy cake base, whipped fondant-icing like cream, and a drizzle of deliciousness. 

The mini key lime pie, made of a graham cracker base that is topped with a key lime filling is also on point. The tart key lime is not overpowering and it is the perfect blend with the crust, definitely a recommendation for anyone looking for something tangy but not too sour. The cookies are made of all things crazy as well, but like most Korean cookies, they are all hard and not soft-baked, but still delicious in taste!

For my cupcake hunt in Korea, I think I have found the best and closest thing. I definitely recommend Sugar Daddy to anyone who is looking for that perfect cupcake. With so much to choose from, you may be spending a little more than anticipated. Cupcakes and baked goods average at $4.50 a pop, cookies priced at $1 and totally worth every penny of it!

From the Noksapyeong station on line 6 of the brown, take exit 2 and go straight to the light. Take the hill up on your left and go straight. Go up the hill and you will see the small shop of Sugar Daddy on your right. This location in Haebangchon is actually closed.

updated
For the Itaewon Sugar Daddy shop that recently opened in replacement of the location above in Haebangchon, take exit 4 of the Itaewon station on line 6 and go straight by the McDonald's.

Traditional Korean Eat - Fish Cake 오뎅

This Korean traditional eat is usually a street food yum, but some restaurants take it indoor for those who are looking for a more special kick and an upgrade on the dish. Restaurants specialize in making a spicy radish soup base and serve it boiling with sticks of fish cake 오뎅 for your enjoyment. The best part about eating this street food yum indoors is that you're sheltered from the cold and you are able to sit down and enjoy it. 

Such restaurants also have other dishes to add with this meal and for most Koreans, the most important is the option of alcoholic beverages to enjoy with a group of friends. Side dishes and other snacks can be ordered for those who are looking for more of a filling meal, but definitely one of my favorite street food yums and I just can't get enough of. Price differences of course is extreme, considering a stick of fish cake from the streets can cost you a measly 50 cents for the very least, average at a dollar a stick, but in restaurants, look to pay at around $20-30 for a bowl with about 10 sticks. 

Street Food Yum - Schneepang

Everyone knows that I am a big foodie and my recent discovery in Myeondong is a handful of new standing venues offering "Schneepang." A hard waffle ball that is topped with different flavors which include chocolate, caramel, strawberry, cinnamon or a plain glaze, originating in Germany. This ball is thrown into a bag and banged by a hammer a few times before given to you. A bag of broken up pieces of a hard waffle cone topped with a syrup, the ultimate sweet snack that is like a cookie mix. For just $3 a ball, it is a cheap street food yum that you can splurge on the calories by making it up with excessive walking and shopping in Myeondong.

This new yum yum can also be found in the Lotte department store food courts. Be sure to look for this goodie when you are shopping around for delicious eats. The only difference is the price in a Lotte department store is a little higher, but just a measly 50 cents. Slowly taking over the market, Schneepang is appearing in many different markets and taking over the food industry. They even have their own stores to specialize in selling balls of fun eats.

Updated:
There is now a store dedicated to Schneepang in Hongdae. From exit 9 of the Hongik station on line 2,  go straight until you hit the light. Take a left at the light and go straight until the end. You will see grey buildings of Hongik University in front of you. At the very end, take a right and take the first street uphill. Go straight and the Schneepang store will be on your right.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Tartine Bakery & Cafe

In a little hidden street alley of Itaewon, which is an area known as the foreigner's spot, has a tiny bakery and cafe called Tartine in Seoul, Korea. This very small and cozy spot has palm size pies and tarts that are absolutely delicious. In addition to the pies, there is also cookies, cheesecake, dessert squares and actually cakes. Because the popularity of Tartine, there is actually three locations to sit and they are directly across from one another.

I definitely recommend the cafe for their tarts. Do not get any of the other desserts because it's just not the same. Desserts vary from day to day so you may or may not be able to find the same items on the menu, but a definite recommendation is the dark hot chocolate, nanaimo bar, the key lime pie, and the banana cream pie which are usually available on the weekends. Tartine is known for their tarts and it should stay that way. The cheesecakes taste nothing like a New York style cheesecake and the brownie is just layered with cream.

When in the store, be sure to order their drinks as well. They have a wide selection of drinks that incorporate a handful of flavors that beats the cliche coffees. You'll be in for a pleasant surprise because mine included an actual blackberry at the bottom. One of the best things about Tartine is the service. On every fifth visit, you are able to score a free treat just for being a wonderful customer.

For just $2.70 single cookies to $7.50 for a palm size pie, it helps to satisfy any dessert cravings. Tartine is known for their pies, cookies, cheesecakes (the Korean style which is half cheesecake texture, half fluffy cake texture), butter tarts, rhubarb pies, chocolate taste, nanaimo bars and other special orders. Next time you're in the area, be sure to stop by and pick up one of these goodies! They can be found all around Seoul, including many of the department stores due to the popularity and high demand for the goods. For those of you who are looking to sample the real thing, definitely visit the store in Itaewon.

Address: 119-15 Itaewon Yongsan-Gu Seoul
용산구 이태원 119-15
Phone: 02-3785-3400