Menya Sandaime (멘야산다이메)

Hey! Hey, you! Yeah, you! Today's your lucky day, because we're about to tell you about the best ramen shop in Seoul. Buckle up.

As you can probably tell by this point, we're a little on the pickier side when it comes to dining out. We've munched and grubbed far and wide and, through our travels, we're throughly impressed with this little ramen shop called Menya Sandaime (멘야산다이메) in Hongdae.

Okay, so here's what you need to know: it's a teeny tiny place, so if you come during prime time hungry time, it's likely there will be a little bit of a wait. But don't let that discourage you, though. They're really quick and efficient so people come in and out all the time. Since it's cold and frigid now in Seoul, make sure you're already bundled up just in case you have to *literally* chill out for a few minutes.

Once you're inside, they'll set you either at a table or right up against the bar. Being by the bar is pretty cool because you get to see the chef making dinner creations. Under the bar there's a little nook area where you can shove your jacket or bag, but, again, everything in this place is small so you can't really fit much under there.

The menu is written in Japanese, Korean, and English. Ashley can read Hiragana, so she's our secret weapon whenever we venture out for Japanese food. All hail Ashley!

Oh! and this is important - some of the words on the menu, even though they're written in English, are just the Japanese words written with the English alphabet. So, for example, Egg is written as "Tamago" or Pork is written as "Chasyu." Just FYI!

There are 5 ramen options to choose from, but honestly, they're all amazing. You can't go wrong here - Kimmy's favorite is the Karakuchi (ie. Spicy Miso) Ramen. Then you can customize your order with additional toppings listed at the bottom of the menu.

They also have insanely delicious gyoza that we 3000% recommend trying.

So what are you waiting for? Go fill your bellies!

Address

Menya Sandaime

Seoul Mapo-gu

Seogyo-dong 355-25

멘야산다이메

서울 마포구

서교동 355-25

Directions

Just follow the directions below:

~from the Hongdae subway station (홍대입구역)

• Go out Exit 9
• Walk straight until you get to the big intersection with Spao and Forever 21
• Cross the street and turn left
• Turn right and walk up the street (after Bershka and before Tonymoly)
• Turn right again (before the Trick Eye Museum) heading towards 마포갈매기
• Take an immediate left (right before 마포갈매기)
• Walk down the street for a minute or two
• The restaurant will be on your right (if you walk past Åland, you've gone WAY too far)

Alternative Directions

If you have Naver or Kakao Maps, just type in 「멘야산다이메」

If you have Google Maps, just type in "Menya Sandaime"

Participants

Kimmy (instagram) (soundcloud)

Seoul Casserole (instagram) (twitter) (youtube)

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Misfits (미스피츠)

Last week, Ashley and Kimmy had a strong craving for burgers while strolling down the side streets of Dongjak. After some leisurely moseying for a few minutes in the frigid cold, they luckily came across Misfits (미스피츠) Burger & Pub! Man, was this ever a good find.

To be perfectly honest, we're a little picky when it comes to burgers. If we're going to go spend upwards of 10,000 won on a burger, it better be a damn good burger, amirite?

What first caught our eye was a banner waving outside of the restaurant that had pictures and prices of their burgers. The Misfits burger was only 8,000 won and everything else was under 15,000 won. They also had craft beers and multiple flavors of Moscow Mules available - and as they say in Jerry McGuire, "You had me at Moscow Mules."

We quickly scuttled inside and were immediately seated in a prime spot in the corner. Perfect for people watching and incognito filming for the blog.

When you order a burger, they bring it out to you on a plate with a clear lid on the top - inside smoke is spinning around, flavoring your meal. Next, they provide you with a sand timer. When the time goes out, you can release your burger from its glass prison.

That was definitely the coolest part and it got us so hyped to start eating.

The burgers are hefty, so you're guaranteed to feel pleasantly plump after you clear your plate. You have the choice of either ordering just the burger or opting for a set that includes fries and a drink (of your choice).

Oh! And we almost forgot to mention that they have an English menu if you need it! Yay convenience!

All in all, a great dining experience. Misfits burgers, you complete me~

Address

Misfits

Seoul Dongjak-gu

Sadang-dong 1008-1

미스피츠

서울 동작구

사당동 1008-1

Directions

Just follow the directions below:

~from the Isu subway station (이수역)

• Go out Exit 9
• Take an immediate left and walk down the street
• Misfits will be on your left

Alternative Directions

If you have Naver or Kakao Maps, just type in 「미스피츠」

If you have Google Maps, just type in "Misfits Burger & Pub"

Participants

Ashley (instagram)
Kimmy (instagram) (soundcloud)

Seoul Casserole (instagram) (twitter) (youtube)

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OSULLOC (오설록)

If you're familiar at all with Jeju Island, you've probably heard that it's famous for oranges and black pork. BUT did you know that Jeju also produces some amazing green tea? Osulloc (오설록) tea really is something special!

So, first thing's first: there are a few Osulloc locations around Seoul, so chances are that you're likely to stumble across one when you're out and about. The one we went to was in Gangnam but there are other stores in Insadong, Myeongdong, and Hongdae.

Anyway, there's all sorts of things you can purchase during your visit if you're into tea and tea accessories. Free samples are scattered across the upper and lower level, so you can try out some of the more popular beverages before buying.

We 1000% recommend that you try the 세작 (Saejak) tea. It's basically traditional green tea, but DAMN is it GOOD! Juliana and Kimmy are partial to the iced version, but on a cold day, you can't go wrong with something to warm your insides.

If you plan to drink the tea there, they'll tell you how long to steep the tea before drinking so you can get the most primo flavors.

The green tea bingsoo and ice cream are also pretty amazing if you have a hankerin' for something sweeter.

The upper level in the Gangnam store is massive. It's pretty relaxed, too, so it's a good option if you want to take a few minutes to chill or get some work done outside of your humble abode. Also, since outlets are everywhere, laptops and other smart devices will be happy during your visit^^

Seriously, though, this tea is amazing. It's our favorite and hopefully you'll enjoy it, too!

Address

OSULLOC

Seoul Seocho-gu

Seocho-dong 1328-2

오설록

서울 서초구

서초동 1328-2

Directions

Just follow the directions below:

~from the Gangnam subway station (강남역)

• Go to Exit 5
• Once you get out of the exit, turn in the opposite direction and walk to the corner
• Osulloc will be on your left

Alternative Directions

If you have Naver or Kakao Maps, just type in 「오설록」

If you have Google Maps, just type in "Osulloc Gangnam"*
*remember! There are multiple locations, so you can probably just search"Osulloc" and find a location that's close to you! 

Participants

Ashley (instagram)
Juliana (instagram) (twitter)

Kimmy (instagram) (soundcloud)

Seoul Casserole (instagram) (twitter) (youtube)

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Cuchara (쿠차라)

Ask any American expat what they miss most about the motherland, and 9 times out of 10, you'll get the same answer... Chipotle. Luckily, the burrito gods have smiled down upon us bestowing the gift that is Cuchara (쿠차라). We are not worthyyyy *weeps in burrito*

Okay so here's what you need to know: They got tacos, they got burritos, they got burrito bowls, they got salads - all the usual vessels you would expect from Chipotle or a similar establishment.

They have white and brown rice, too. The consistency isn't perfect, but it's not bad. We like it.

As for the meats, they have the little steak nuggs, chorizo, chicken, beef somethin', and also a tofu option. Yay vegetarian meal choices!

Oh and did we mention that they have guac? THEY HAVE GUAC! *screams from the mountain tops*

The sauce is mighty tasty, too, if we do say so ourselves. They have hot and mild so you can request an additional side to go with your feast.

There's even margaritas on the menu. We haven't gone down that road, but boy, do we wanna!

Everything is right in front of you, written in Korean and English, so it's really easy to order. Or you could always point and nod aggressively to communicate your needs.

Maybe we've been in Korea for too many years, but to our tastebuds, this place is pretty legit. It's definitely on par with Chipotle-style burritos. You might as well give it a go and see for yourself!

Address

Cuchara
Seoul Seocho-gu

Seocho-dong 1320-10

쿠차라
서울 서초구

서초동 1320-10

Directions

Just follow the directions below:

~from the Gangnam subway station (강남역)

• Go to Exit 8 (you don't really exit the subway station)
• Walk through the revolving doors towards the Samsung Building
• Go up a set of escalators
• Cuchara literally will be right in front of you

Alternative Directions

If you have Kakao or Naver Maps, just type in 「쿠차라」*

If you have Google Maps, just type in: "Cuchara Gangnam"

*we went to the Gangnam location, but there's another one in Hapjeong!

Participants

Ashley (instagram)
Juliana (instagram) (twitter)
Kimmy (instagram) (soundcloud)

Seoul Casserole (instagram) (twitter) (youtube)

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