Korean Traditional Eats - 부대찌개

One of the popular dishes in Korea is this spicy pepper soup base of the general term 찌개 that is topped with a variety of different eats. This particular blog focuses on 부대찌개 which is a huge pot of deliciousness.

The selection varies from restaurant to restaurant, but it is usually mixed with a bunch of goodies such as luncheon meat (usually the Korean version of Spam), kimchi, slices of hot dog, a braised pork meat, mushrooms, pearl noodles, tofu, leafy vegetables and others. Most pick a bag of ramen to top the dish off for an extra price, usually a dollar. Many restaurant provide you with one ramen per soup, but you can order more to fill up, especially when sharing between a group of people. It is recommended to share this dish with a minimum of three people, it may be difficult to share between just two people unless you are expecting to leave with a  bloated stomach like I always do!

The best part about this dish is being able to cook your ramen to be the way you like, some like it mushy, some crunchy, and some the in-between. All you have to do is set your fire and cook away. It is one of the must have dishes in Korea. If you are not a fan of the spicy soup base, just add water to your bowl to dilute the taste. I must say though, it is just not the same without the spicy kick. Although I do not eat much spicy foods, it is definitely worth it to consume as served. With time, your taste buds, like mine will change as well. I have learned to love the 찌개 soup base and eat it almost every week now. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Peggy Pie

I randomly stumbled upon Peggy Pie when looking for a cafe to get some work done at. Peggy Pie is a small chain in Korea that serves up all kinds of pies, sweet and salty. Sweet pies, of course, are the dessert pies that are commonly consumed. In regards to salty pies, these are the meat pies that are extremely flaky and filled with a warm saucy meat filling.

Although I have not tried a meat pie, it looks to be absolutely delicious. Their fruit pies are extremely popular because of the variety they offer. The hot sellers are the strawberry and apple pie. I definitely suggest trying both, but do not expect it to be as sweet as those American pies. I do miss the extra sweet kick that I get from a bite of pie back at home, but Peggy Pie will settle my craving for the time being.

The pie is best paired with a cup of coffee, especially a sweet Caramel Mocchiato which helps to give that extra sweet kick. It is definitely worth it to sit around and enjoy a cup of coffee and dessert with a friend, but for those of you who are looking for something more filling, Peggy Pie also offers sandwiches. At the very minimum, a take out pie is needed!

My Current Obsession - Innisfree Almond Sugar Scrub

I am absolutely in love with this all natural sugar scrub from Innisfree. Innisfree is one of my favorite beauty stores in Korea for their all natural products that is great for the skin. The Almond Sugar Scrub is perfect for those with sensitive skin like me. It is one of the most gentlest scrubs that I have used thus far. Made with sugar and almond, this almond paste scrub has bits of almonds that helps to rub off dead skin cells in the most gentle way possible. It is extremely soft to the skin, but the only bad thing is the not so appealing smell of the scrub. Aside from that, it is a definitely recommendation on my hands that is great for those with psoriasis and other skin conditions as well. 

Bottoms Up - Adults Capri Sun

Depending on the area of Seoul you are in, you can have an adult's version of Capri Sun for an average of $6 that is made from alcohol in a little street tiki or van vendor. The cheapest I have seen this drink get sold for is $1.80, but of course there was very little alcohol in it, it tasted a lot like a regular capri sun. I do suggest giving it a try for its cute packaging as well as its look because let me tell you, this thing is delicious. I suggest the Sexy Mild which is a blue drink made with the famous Asian yogurt drink which makes this alcoholic beverage absolutely tasty! You can find it all around town in locations like Gangnam, Hongdae, Itaewon, and probably a handful of others as well. It's definitely adult's fun to have alcohol served in a capri sun look a like.

My Current Obsession - Crispy Cacao Chip Chocolate

My current obsession is the Crispy Cacao chip candy that I recently discovered. Shaped like a Pringles chip, but made out of chocolate, this crispy cacao chip is just too good to share! It definitely brings me back to the states, satisfies those cravings that I have for American chocolate, especially the Crunch bar. It is the thin version of the chocolate Crunch bar that is impossible to find in Korea. This chocolate obsession comes in a pack of 24 pieces, not even enough for me in one sitting, especially for the late night munchies! Sometimes, I feel that this goody is just too cute to be consumed, but too bad I'm such a fatty that I will eat the whole box within ten minutes!

Restaurant Review - Saffron Restaurant

The Saffron Restaurant in Myeongdong, is one of the high end restaurants for Middle Eastern foods with prices for appetizers that are on average eight dollars and entrees for twenty. Although this restaurant is located in what looks to be a corporate building, it is one of the decent priced restaurants. The fancy interior composes of elegant throne chairs that serves as a royal setting.

A few of the must order dishes at the Saffron Restaurant include their hummus, naam bread, falafel, palak paneer, and the pot rice which includes chicken or shrimp that is mixed in with vegetables and topped with a thin bread that is ovened fresh. The dishes are so good, it may have you licking the plate. The food comes out fresh and steaming hot, I will definitely go back again for the good service and great foods.

In addition to food, the Saffron Restaurant also carries hookah sets for customers. I did not try the hookah, but it is sitting around ready to be served, especially for businessmen that eat in the restaurant.

Address: 59-5 Myeondong 1(il)-ga, Jung gu, Seoul, South Korea
Phone: 02-6361-8644
The restaurant is located on the first floor of the Ibis Hotel (SK Myeondong building) which is a straight walk from Euljiro 1-ga tration station from ine 2 exit 6. Take a left at the third block and you'll see a sign for the restaurant on your right.

Street Food Yum - Sausage Hot Dogs

I am constantly in Hongdae and almost always see a line for this hot dog vendor that took me quite a while to try. Ran by a group of guys, this street food yum puts a twist on the traditional New York hotdog. Made with a flat sausage patty squished in a bun, this sausage hot dog is topped with cabbage, mayonnaise and a BBQ sauce that is absolutely delicious. It is the finishing touch to the hot dog which makes you crave for more.

In addition to the taste, the price of the hot dog is worth every bite. For just $1.50, it is a must have for those who are looking for a quick bite or even to fill a stomach. Open until early morning, it is a must to stop by this line that moves rather quickly for this cheap eat.