Bottoms Up - Thanks Nature Cafe

With all the different animal cafes in Korea which are, but not limited to the dog, cat, and fish, there is the new staple of sheep. Yes, a sheep cafe. A little different from the other cafes where animals are not running around, but the sheep is caged. The concept of seating at Thanks Nature Cafe is definitely different to other cafes. Thanks Nature Cafe offers two types of seating which includes in door with air conditioner or outdoor with the natural breeze, right next to the two sheep. Although the smell may not be amazing, a lot of people like to sit outside with the sheep for another source of entertainment.

Many foreigners love to visit Thanks Nature Cafe for the concept of having a sheep in a cafe. Where in the world would you find a sheep in a cafe? It is definitely different which attracts all tourists and locals as well. Popularity of the cafe is within the younger crowd and couples, but it is definitely worth it to make a pit stop to see something that belongs in a farm, but is not. 

Although the drinks are not amazing, they are pretty popular with the waffles. Guests comes with a minimum of two, sharing a huge plate of waffle, cream, and fruits that looks amazing and a little over the top.

Another thing to keep in mind is that service can be a little slow, but that's because it's a popular place to visit for the two cute sheep that are in a pen outside. From Hongik University station on line two, take exit 9 and go straight until the light. Make a left and go straight for two blocks. You will be facing the university with gray buildings. Before reaching the end where the third light is, Thanks Nature Cafe will be on your left downstairs right after the eye glasses store.

Address: 마포구 서교동 486 서교푸르지오산가 B121
Phone: 02-335-7470

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction – Wafels and Dinges

I’ve been hyped about the Wafels & Dinges Food Truck since I seen it parked in the St Marks area. With a number of trucks around the New York area, this sweet and quick snack is a sweet tooth satisfaction to all. With the mini wafelini starting at a measly $3, this is a cheap eat. I definitely recommend getting a $5 wafel because you will crave for more!

I'm not going to lie, I definitely miss the truck, regardless of how famous Korea is known for their fresh waffles. Nothing beats this truck, not even the other trucks in town. Apaprently, Wafels & Dinges is rated the number one food truck in the city. Why? Because it's just that damn good. 

I ordered the brussels wafel topped with caramel and the spekuloos spread, specialty of Wafels and Dinges. The wafel is cooked to its perfection, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It was so good that I did not want to share even though I was the one who suggested sharing. A friend and I literally fought for the bites and that never happens. He doesn’t have a sweet tooth at all, but this is a true exception. Definitely says a lot and I am sad that I waited so long to try the Wafels and Dinges truck!

You can always follow them on Twitter and try out their Twitter challenges for a free wafel !

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.

Bottoms Up - Hello Kitty Cafe

The name says it all, Hello Kitty Cafe, a cafe that is based around the popular Hello Kitty cat that many women and girls are familiar with since their childhood. With a few Hello Kitty Cafes in Korea, this pink-decked out cafe centers around the the theme of Hello Kitty. With Hello Kitty cups, Hello Kitty shaped waffles and many other Hello Kitty decorations, it is a paradise for many girls. A bit overpriced, but it is worth it to experience the girly Hello Kitty theme at least once in your life!

With Hello Kitty shaped waffles, cheesecakes topped with fondant Hello Kitty faces, Hello Kitty drinks, Hello Kitty souvenirs, and Hello Kitty everything inside the cafe, it definitely proves a bubbly feeling to any guest. This popular Hello Kitty theme is the center of attraction for the cafe, but the drinks and baked goodies are measurable to the name.

This generation to generation popular kitty stirs up cute everything and is a great place to lounge out with a fellow female. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions for photos. It is a great experience to share with others.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Waffle Bant

Feeding off my obsession with waffles, Waffle Bant is a small Korean waffle chain in Korea is known for their coffee, waffle, and ice creams. I suggest the classic waffle with their classic ice cream. I warn you that their ice cream is not like that in America. The texture of the ice cream is actually made from their yogurt milk and not the mill form we are accustomed to in America. Although the ice cream may be a bit peculiar and something you can skip out on, the waffle is a must.

It may be a bit pricey for a small piece of waffle that costs two to three dollars as compared to the street food cheap eat, but this waffle is absolutely delicious. This small bite size piece of waffle is extremely fluffy and crispy on the outside that it makes you crave for more! It can be hard to resist the crave, but that supports the reason for its deliciousness and why you should definitely give it a go.

Street Food Yum - Waffles

One of the most popular sweet tooth satisfactions in Korea that is also a street food yum is the waffles. For only a dollar on average (in the streets), you can have a waffle topped with half honey and a cream of your choice. It is absolutely delicious and a quick pick up for anyone who loves waffles the way I do.

Because waffles are a popular snack to go with coffee, you can find waffles in may coffee shops, on average for a price of an American equivalent three dollars, but they are usually smaller in size. The best part about eating a waffle in a coffee shop is the many different toppings that you can have with your waffle which includes fruits and ice cream. 

The main difference between a street waffle and those in a coffee shop is the texture of the waffle. For those that are quick pick me ups on the street, it is usually the classic American thin waffle that is made with a  waffle pan. These are crispy and flat whereas the coffee shop's waffle vary in texture. Some may be flat, but usually it is a fluffy thick waffle that is made fresh. Regardless of what kind of waffle it is and the texture of the waffle, I believe Korea has one of the best waffles in the world!