Bottoms Up - Bubble Tea

For anyone and everyone who knows me, you all know that I am big on bubble tea which is also known as boba tea. It is usually made with a sweet thick fruit syrup and green tea. After shaken and mixed, it is poured into a cup that is topped with tapioca bubbles made from corn starch. This chewy boba is the most addicting and delicious thing for me, especially because it is soaked in a brown sugar syrup prior to enjoyment.

It is a bit ironic that I am finally blogging about my favorite drink now that I am in Korea. The reason for this is because I wanted to share with the world, especially Korea, my favorite refreshing drink. I have been on the search for bubble tea in Korea for quite a while now. Although they do have bubble tea at Dunkin Donuts, the drink is made from a powder which is just not the same as the fruit syrup. Aside from DD, there are random places around town that carries bubble tea, but it is usually made as a smoothie from fresh fruit juice which is just not the same. It is not as sweet as the fruit syrup mix that I drink practically everyday back at home.

Luckily for me, I finally found a spot in my favorite weekend place, Hongdae. Quickly, a bubble tea chain that is my absolute favorite back at home. Although the drink is made a bit differently here in Korea, it is still delicious. Rather using milk, the popular Korean yogurt drink is added to this mix which gives it a delicious kick. I definitely can't wait to go back and satisfy my cravings!

Restaurant Review - My Thai

My Thai, one of my favorite foreign restaurants is a short walk from the Itaewon train station in Seoul. Itaewon is the place for foreigners to go and to have food from all over the world. For starters, My Thai is a restaurant that I suggest visiting in the warmer seasons, even up to fall. The reason for that is because My Thai is an outdoor restaurant for its lack of a whole entire wall. The interior consists of a wood layout and dim lighting which is great for a date and even a girls night to conversation over wine.

In regards to food, My Thai puts their own twist on the Thai traditions. The signature Pad Thai for example uses an egg to wrap the noodles and the chili powder is set aside for you to create your desired taste. Their curry is more on the traditional side of Thai curry, but it does skip out on the variety of vegetables that many restaurants include. Although peppers are the only vegetables, the amount if meat that is given has definitely surpassed any other restaurant I have been to for the size of its bowl. Plating and presentation deserves its appraisal because it matches the restaurant's look and feel.

My only chief complaint is that the traditional Thai Iced Tea which is a must have at every and any Thai restaurant was actually sold out. It might of been because of the winter season, but I do not find that to be an excuse for a restaurant to not have a popular drink of the culture. Another complaint is that rice is not included with the curry dish and it is an additional price that is a must pay for. In my opinion, it would just make more sense to add the additional price for the bowl of rice in the price of the dish, it does make a better look for the restaurant for the additional dollar rather than charging separate when your customer was not aware of the extra fee.

If you plan on eating at My Thai, just have a heads up for the extra 10% surcharge for each item that you order which is half of the tax and tip back at home. It is understandable because Itaewon is where are the foreigners live and hang, but it can be a shocker to those who have been accustomed to the no tipping rule in Asian countries.

Exit 2 from the Itaewon station on line 6 and take a left on the first side street next to Hamilton Hotel. My Thai will be on your right.

My Current Obsession - Skin Food Black Sugar Mask Wash Off

The Skin Food Black Sugar Mask Wash Off is a hit seller at Skin Food. Many travel from all over the world just to pick up this face scrub and stack up on a bunch as well. Made from black sugar, the sugar particles melt away on your face as your scrub in circular motions. This wash off is made from great food ingredients that help to bring minerals and vitamins to the face, leaving smoothness and glow to the skin. I think it is one of the best scrubs that I have used by far. It is definitely one of the products to stock up and bring back home.

It is suggested to be used three times a week, but using it every other day will work as well. Especially with the warm season coming, the humid atmosphere will leave your face sticky. For those who are going out for a tan, this black sugar wash off will be perfect to wipe away the dead skin and leave you with the smooth underlying layer.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Terrace Cafe

Terrace Cafe, a place that is in a hidden alley right off of the main street on Kongdae, is a small cafe that whips up a bunch of deliciousness. For an average price of $5 a drink and $5 a dessert, this is a must visit spot for anyone with a sweet tooth like me! These desserts measure up to the American standard, using the right amount of sweetness as well as real cheesecake. A lot of cheesecakes in Korea is made with a sponge flour cheese which is just not the same.

The must order dessert is their top seller Raspberry White Chocolate Cheese Brûlée, which is a definite hit on their marketing side. It is a mix of raspberry sauce, white chocolate cake mixed with cheese cake and a touch of creme brûlée mixed into the batter. Every bite just melts in your mouth and provides you with a different kick of each selective dessert. This slice is just absolutely amazing! I also suggest the Cafe Mint Mocha which is a blend of mocha frappe with a hint of mint. It is delicious and beats out the competitor's signature drinks!

In addition to being a cafe, there are alcohol beverages that are served so it is a perfect dessert place to go after dinner to grab a drink. This cozy "indoor garden" feel is a great place to take a date with the interior made of benches and pillows for a comfortable feel. It is a relaxing place to even have a bite with the girls or have a solo study session with a number outlets around. The best thing in addition to service and food being phenomenal is that they speak English, a definite plus for foreigners!

Story Of My Life - 선암사 Temple Stay

One of the must participate in events in Korea is the Temple Stay. Temple stays are extremely popular in Asian countries because of the popularity of the Buddhist religion. It is one of the most peaceful places to go after being stressed out due to city life. Many Koreans take a few days off from their stressful jobs to catch their breath during Temple Stays, but it is also a great experience for foreigners.

The program is usually a one night, two day program with meals included. These meals, of course, are vegetarian. Rooms are divided up to the number of participants in your group, which is great because it allows for co-ed. Groups can be as small as two people and as big as a family. I recommend going with others because it is an experience you want to be able to share with others and reminisce about it. It also helps to have someone there as a support system because some of the activities you engage in may be difficult to submerse yourself in. 

In addition to eating and sleeping at the temple, there are a list of activities to perform and participate in during your time at the temple. The activities differ from temple to temple as well as a variety of prices that covers certain activities which require a bit of research, but I definitely recommend the stay. The basic activities consist of a tea ceremony, bowing, and hiking.

The 선암사 (Sunamsa) mountain is so beautiful, there are a number of hikers that visit the temple daily. In addition to 선암사, there are a handful of other temples that are surrounded or in the mountain area which allows for great hike and exercise. It definitely helps to work in a hike with mother nature, especially after some meditation in the temple. 

In regards to my personal experience, I would definitely go for another Temple Stay. I have never thought of meeting a monk that I've learned to love, but I have grown close to a monk over the course of 24 hours. It was such a great experience, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the Buddhist religion, it allows for great absorption of the culture and understanding. I am grateful for the experience and it was definitely nice to get away from the city life of Seoul to a more relaxing and calm environment down south. The weather was amazing and it can only get better in the summer time!

Restaurant Review - 스시쿠니

I'm a big fan of sushi served on a conveyer belt in the restaurant so I can take my pick and eat until my stomach's content. I have yet to visit one since my favorite East Restaurant back at home, but this long weekend lead me to great discoveries. In the Star City building of Kongdae on the east side of Seoul, there is a Japanese restaurant 스시쿠니that serves freshly prepared sushi on a rolling belt. 

I finally was able to try out the restaurant. There are two ways of ordering food. One is pick up the desired plates of sushi that you wish to consume and the other is to order from their menu. Each plate is a different color which distinguishes the pricing of each dish. It can be a bit hard to limit yourself when using the conveyer belt because everything looks to be so appealing and there are so much to choose from, you my want to sample every piece of sushi there is. The good thing is that the sushi are set off in pairs so you are able to sample each piece with a  friend and move on to the next dish. It is recommended to order plates of sushi from the menu if eating a large quantity but they are usually plain pieces of sushi which are not decorated with the various sauces and presentation is not as great. 

Although the restaurant is a little on the expensive side, and the selection of sushi is limited, the pieces are phenomenal. They do not serve the cliche sushi and sashimi pieces on a rolling belt. 스시쿠니 dresses up each piece of sushi and provide you with the best complimenting sauces they have. I am a big fan and will return again.

Restaurant Review - 美味堂 Umaido

Let's not get confused by the Chinese name of the restaurant for what it serves. 美味堂 Umaido is an extremely small and cozy Ramen restaurant located in Kondae on the Eastern side of Seoul. This restaurant is an extremely popular and cheap spot for freshly made ramen noodles. The menu is small, mainly consisting of two different types of ramen soups and Gyoza. The rest are add ons to the soup which I recommend because their food is just that delicious!

In regards to the ramen soup, it comes with thin strips of ramen noodle that is made on the spot, bean sprouts, scallions, slices of pork, and a soy sauce egg. A fair warning to be made is that the egg is not thoroughly cooked, but it is a delicious mix to bite into the egg and mix the uncooked yolk with your soup. For just $7 a bowl, this cheap eat is extremely delicious and worth the wait.

The name behind the restaurant is Delicious Heaven, 100% backed up by the food that it serves. Located off the main street of Kondae, it is a bit of a walk from the train station. It is a bit hidden in an alley, but it is worth the time and energy to find this restaurant. The one down side is that the restaurant is closed for a few hours everyday. These hours is the downtime from 2-5pm where there are very few customers so be sure to plan your trip accordingly!

Coming from exit 2 of Konkuk University on the green line 2, follow the same street (on your left down) where the Angel-in-us Coffee is. Go straight and pass two main intersections. Umaido is in a hidden alley on your left up the stairs after the second intersection. Phone: 02-467-8788

For a more visual map, visit http://wikimapia.org/13410386/美味堂-Umaido-Hakata-Ramen