A recent trip to Seoul has inspired our senior dining writer, gastronomically speaking
The K-fever is not limited to K-dramas and K-pop. The love extends even to its food, which has become a global phenomenon. Remember the scene from Oscar Best Picture Parasite that ignited the ram-don craze?
Excited about my first trip to Seoul, I collected a list of recommendations during conversations with colleagues, friends, and industry peers, and marked the respective locations on Naver (Korea's version of Google Maps, as the latter doesn't function in the country).
Out of the spots I managed to tick off the list, these were my most memorable meals.
Read more: The best croissants in the Klang Valley, according to pastry chefs
Wake early for breakfast at Café Onion Anguk
If you happen to be up at the crack of dawn, head to Café Onion Anguk, the hanok-themed cafe near Gyeongbokgung Palace. The line starts building up as soon as the café opens at 7am (even on a weekday) and can stretch around the road leading up to the eatery.
Staff walk out of the kitchen, carrying trays of weird and wonderful creations, the most popular being the mountain-like Pandoro, which are snapped up as soon as the tray is placed down. A firm favourite for me, however, was the savoury-sweet cheese and garlic bun.
As much as Café Onion Anguk is worth visiting for its Instagram-friendly interior and pastries, Seoul is not short of cafés, each with its own distinct theme. From Café Knotted’s doughnuts and Café Layered’s bear-themed bakes to Cheese Industry’s cheesecakes shaped like a wheel of cheese, walk around any neighbourhood and you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice when deciding what to try.
Cafe Onion Anguk, 5 Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, +82 70 7543 2123
