Life in Korea - Take Out

Living in Korea is pretty amazing for a variety of things, especially in comparison to the states for the very reason that it makes life easier and more convenient. One of the amazing things in Korea is of course, the food. It's a little crazy how the same chains that we have back in America are here, but a lot more amazing here. In fact, because of these amazing differences, it is the one reason why I probably eat out here than in back in the states.

Because food in Korea is never a disappointment, eating out all day and grabbing food to go is a common thing. It's also amazing when you are able to get takeout packaged in a special way. There’s a handful of things that is frustrating about getting takeout back at home because the food can get sloppy messy, or simply difficult to handle on the way home. 

Ironic to say the least though, that living in Korea, I’ve definitely learned a handful of new ways and tricks to package takeout which just might come to use when moving back to America. For starters, they always plastic bag everything for you which makes it easy for you to carry it. Utensils are also wrapped in plastic packaging (straws included) which makes it extremely sanitary and you'll always get some kind of utensils, even from Baskin Robbins.

Baskin Robbins is actually amazing in Korea for amazing flavor combinations and a new flavor every month. In addition to this, Baskin Robbins offer actual ice cream cakes that are the cutest thing and made with different flavors. They even slice cakes of different ice cream flavors and piece them together for the ultimate ice cream cake, without an actual cake bottom like back at home. Last rave about Baskin Robbins in Korea is that when you get ice cream packaged up, you actually pick the flavors that you want, not the ones that are fridge packaged already. It is extremely common for families and friends to get buckets to go or enjoy within the ice cream shop. For anything to go, they will offer utensils and candles for cakes, along with dry ice to keep the ice cream from melting.

In addition to my favorite place in Korea, real food takeout in Korea is also amazing. Mini cakes and desserts are always packaged up in palm sized boxes that keeps the cake from sliding around and smashing the cakes against the walls of boxes. Pizza takeout is even more amazing with handles that help to balance the box when walking. This definitely makes it easy to hold a pizza pie without having to burn your hands.

 

The one last thing to rave about is combination takeouts. When ordering a mix of dishes, they will separate the two to prevent any sauces from spilling over. This goes for fried foods as well. When paired with a salad, crispy chicken is separated from the veggies and dressing is on the side (even for doggy bags). It's pretty amazing that Koreans actually care about their food tasting good outside of the restaurant. That's definitely the total package there.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Bonespe

Bonespe is bakery, a Lotte trade that is in almost all of the Lotte Department stores of Seoul. There is a Bonespe bakery located in Cheonho, along Cheonho Rodeo, a popular drinking and eating street. With freshly baked pastries and breads, Bonespe offers a handful of delicious goodies to be purchased while you're shopping around for everything else. Furthermore, they offer packaged goodies that are extremely popular among Koreans to give as gifts and cakes to enjoy in a group setting.

It is one of the Korean favorites to bring home to enjoy with the family as well as a quick bite while shopping. The best part is the sale price that Lotte Department stores offer for their baked goodies. On average, pastries range from a little over a dollar to two, but they can be picked up as a lot for under a dollar. This is a deal considering breads and pastries are extremely popular in Korea, especially as a snack to share with co-workers. Like many other Korean bakeries, Bonespe offers the same kinds of pastries, but of course with their own twist as well. Be sure to pick up a freshly baked pastry to enjoy with your family or to refuel for a day of shopping!

Bottoms Up - Bubble Beans

It is almost impossible to find a bubble tea spot in Korea that is centered around it being a real cafe for locals to hang out at and enjoy a good drink. Bubble Beans is the one place that offers an indoor and outdoor seating for guests to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere for bubble tea. The best part is that they offer a take out menu that provides discount to guests, even at their already low price of less than $4 a cup. 

With free wifi and brunch on the menu, Bubble Beans also offers desserts and deliciousness that allows guests to stay all day at the cafe. It is definitely different to have bubble tea served in a refreshing cup that is styled in a way that you want a continuing refill. Bubble Beans offer a stamp coupon that allows for guests to get a free drink after a number of visits which is always popular for bubble tea.

Take exit 8 of the Hongik University station on line 2 and take a right at the block. Follow the road straight down past the curved road on your left. Go straight to the dead end and take a right at that block. Take a left at the following block and go straight for almost 3 blocks. Bubble Beans will be on your right, right before the next intersection.

Story of My Life - Nami Island Travels

Namiseom (also known as Nami Island) is the perfect place to visit as a one day trip for it's fall colors. Although the weather is getting colder, it is worth the travel to Chuncheon (north of Seoul). This moon shaped island is known for the popular Korean drama, Winter Sonata. It is the ultimate couple's spot with rental houses by the water to vacation.

Although the island is extremely small and you can walk the whole thing within 30 minutes, there are a ton of activities. A handful of concerts have been held on the island, which includes Jason Mraz. There are also a handful of group activities and many photo friendly places to visit. There is even a map to guide you to each recommended photo locations and a handful of signs with Winter Sonata memorable locations.

A few of the must sees are the "wild ostriches," the "foe hawk" chipmunks, the fat lady naked statue, and of course the Winter Sonata statue. You'll definitely find a handful of other things along the way, but make sure you have a little scavenger hunt for these things!

One of my ultimate favorite thing about Namiseom is the recycle project they have. They are extremely green and try to recycle as much as they can. In addition to this, there is also a UNICEF building. I am a big fan of this because it has been difficult to find UNICEF in Korea, but I'm glad I found one in an unexpected place!

It is easy and cheap to get to Namiesom, but a little time consuming. Depending on which part of Seoul you are coming from, it can take at an average of two hours. Simply hop on the train and take a ferry boat over to the island. When getting off the subway, it is recommended to walk to the ferry which is 15 minutes away because everyone is waiting to grab a cab and hop on the bus. Worse part is, there's probably a bunch of traffic heading that way so you can beat the rush.

Plan accordingly on the time to leave the island because the wait for the ferry boat can stretch from the beginning to the end of the island (we were nearly at the end), but because the ferry holds a lot, the wait was roughly 30 minutes. There will be a handful of people cutting in as well, it's going to happen!

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)

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.

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.