Recent Posts, Posted by Matt in ALL DESTINATIONS,Food & Drink,Seoul,Video, 44 Comments
Seoul’s Best Bakeries
Seoul’s best bakeries prove one of my many contentions, that Korea’s food culture eagerly samples what other traditions have to offer, adjusts it to fit the Korean palate, and then incorporates the foreign import.
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When it comes to baked goods, historically, bread hasn’t figured prominently into the Korean diet, and most Korean homes still lack a conventional oven. And yet, the neighborhood bakery has become as ubiquitous in Seoul as another import: the gourmet coffee chain. Of course, Seoul’s best bakeries have taken a Korean twist on Western baking traditions. For example, red bean and sweet potato is more likely to fill your dough ball than a miscellaneous berry compote. Overall, I’d say that Korean pastries err on the side of subtle sweetness rather than fructose overload.
Many of Seoul’s best bakeries have French words in their name. But beyond the tall white baking hats and aprons, traditions like warm, fresh bread early in the morning haven’t arrived…
Brown Bread
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| From Seoul’s Best Bakeries |
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Case in point is Brown Bread (브라운브레드), a tiny bakery in western Seoul’s Edae neighborhood. If you’re hoping to sample one of their best-selling white baguettes, don’t plan on it for breakfast. The attractive storefront doesn’t open its doors until noon. The charming, two-man operation started after they studied baking abroad. Today they specialize in loaves of white and rye baguettes, campagnes and ciabattas. They also make “bretzels,” a crisp pretzel-baguette hybrid. No matter your choice, all go perfectly with a house-made honey-butter glaze.
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Abientot Bakery
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| From Seoul’s Best Bakeries |
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Another favorite bakery is Abientot Bakery (아비앙또 베이커리), an unpretentious mainstay of the Daeheung-dong neighborhood for the past 30 years. From the French term meaning, “see you soon”, the bakery opens at 6:00 am and stays open until midnight, and the smell of baking bread is how I found the small store over a year ago. Inside the cheerful spot, an impressive selection of creative tartes, cookies, fritters, loaves of bread and even beautiful cakes and handmade jams are on offer.
Unlike the big franchise bakeries, Abientot can’t invest in expensive marketing efforts. Instead, they rely on “jeong”, a uniquely Korean word meaning deep affection. Instead of discount cards, they thank customers by dropping generous extras into the bag. I’ve always found myself exiting with a smile, a hint as to why they keep flourishing even after a big chain bakery moved in next door. (UPDATE 1/13/2013: Abientot recently closed their Daeheung-dong location, but plans to re-open in the Hongdae area shortly. I’ll let you know when they let me know^^
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La Bonne Tarte
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| From Seoul’s Best Bakeries |
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Our final stop is another spin on the French baking theme. As the name suggests, La Bonne Tarte (라본느타르트), an immaculate bakery and café located in the Daesin-dong neighborhood near Yonsei University’s east gate, specializes in tarts. From macadamia nut and fig tartes to other seasonally-appropriate confections, it’s hard to decide what to order. But no matter your choice, the bakery uses only organic and trans-fats-free ingredients. La Bonne Tarte also serves a wide variety of coffees and teas. Especially delicious is their ginger tea, complete with ample slices of raw ginger and sweetened with local honey.
Although it’s located in a new building, La Bonne Tarte’s classic furniture, brown tile and booth seating offer an old charm. For the perfect gift, choose their selection of tartes – packaged individually or as eight mixed slices in a striped box topped with a bow.
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So there you go – three of Seoul’s best bakeries sure to impress even the most fickle connoisseur. But what I’m wondering about is what Koreans think of the American chain Dunkin’ Donuts’ kimchi-flavored croquette that was introduced last year… I guess it’s a question for another post..
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44 Comments
18 February 2010 22:13
lunare
2 things: ^-^
1. This French flair of korean bakeries is pretty interesting. Funny how it only dawned upon me now that there was indeed a lot of those Paris Baguette shops all over Myeongdong and Hongdae. The movie Antique also came to mind ^-^. On one hand, this actually makes it less intimidating for a foreigner to come in and browse around granted that the breads and ingredients would be a tad more familiar. But it makes me wonder how the more traditional korean bakeries are really like.
2. Everything looks too cute! Intricate attention is paid to presentation eh? It makes it hard to eat them ^-^. I guess the intimidation factor returns here. No complaints though.
I like this post a lot. I’ll make sure to check those bakeries out when I come back to Seoul. Thanks, Matt!
February 19 2010 12:51 pm
Matt Kelley
Hey! Well... the French imitation only goes so far. How many times have I walked into a Korean bakery at 9:00 am desperate for some warm delicious bread and all that's there are yesterday's leftovers!? Despite the tall white French hats and outfits, the fresh bread at sunrise is a rare treat here.
Also, I agree that it can be intimidating trying out new places when traveling, but I'd say that bakeries aren't terribly intimidating places :)
Glad you liked the post, and thanks for saying so!
Best, Matt
19 February 2010 00:12
solotune
Hi Matt! I really want to fly back to Seoul after reading this post, well at least now I will have more reasons to keep going back there…and I sure want to taste that kimchi-inspired donut! May I also “order” an episode on the traditional tteok cafes, if there’s any to recommend besides those within the Insadong vicinity? 고마워요!
February 19 2010 12:48 pm
Matt Kelley
Hey there! 좋은 생각이에요! I like the tteok café idea... Stay tuned! ~Matt
21 February 2010 13:19
Allie
Hi Matt!
I love your blog and video packages! I just wanted to tell you that I e-mailed you recently about KBS. I hope to hear from you!
Thank you and I look forward to your next blog post! :)
-Allie
March 05 2010 07:49 am
Matt Kelley
Hi Allie,
Thanks for your note. I'll take a look and respond off-blog.
Best, Matt
23 February 2010 10:04
stella
im def. checking out one of these bakeries on my next trip to 서울. thanks again for all the great insight.
February 24 2010 15:02 pm
Matt Kelley
Hi Stella,
My pleasure!
~Matt
24 February 2010 21:07
Jung min Han
Wow~ Great video!
The information that you provided for these bakeries are great! I never been to those places even though i live in Seoul~ I should visit those bakeries~
Great information! ^_^
March 04 2010 15:52 pm
Matt Kelley
Hi Jung-min,
Wow... so delicious. I want to go and get a white baguette after work today :)
7 May 2010 13:43
Kristy
Hi Matt,
Would like to ask if I could get a bit more information on the Brown Bread Bakery.
Both my parents have great love for breads. They also love to try bread made in various different countries that they get to visit.
I’m taking them to Korea this Fall. They asked about breads there. Your post on the bakeries gave me good idea (once again).
Is it possible for me to ask for a bit more direction to the Brown Bread Bakery (from any subway station)? I’ve been to Edae area a few times but couldn’t find where it is.
Any help on direction would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.
Kristy
May 20 2010 15:23 pm
Matt
Hi Kristy,
Sorry for my delayed response... OK, here goes... Take Ewha Woman's University Station and take exit #1. Walk a few blocks until you hit a major three-way intersection. Turn right and you should see the big Megabox Theater / Sinchon Train Station (not subway) up ahead. Keep walking straight ahead. You'll pass a JA-3 Hair Salon on your right... and a Hana Bank and then another JA-3 Hair Salon in a tall (15 story) grayish building that says: 효자가이아 on the side. Immediately after that building is a small alley (just before the neighborhood police station). If you turn right, immediately behind the police station is Brown Bread. Hope you find it! Two things: they don't open until noon (closed Sundays) and they sell out quickly.
Best, Matt
9 June 2010 12:28
Vyatka! @Twitter Name
Hello from Vyatka River!!! Thank you for information! Itґs a good idea for next full revision…
Write more!!! :)))
June 10 2010 14:01 pm
Matt
Thanks, Vyatka!
16 June 2010 18:59
Name
If it’s not to much trouble, could you post subway directions to Abientot Bakery? (if there is a line nearby that is) I can’t wait to check it out. Thank you for the informatio!
June 17 2010 09:53 am
Matt
Hi there,
The directions are at the very bottom of the article:
→ A Bientot can be reached via Daeheung Station (Line 6, Exit #3)
It's only about 1 block after the exit. It's just before the Paris Baguette chain bakery. Hope you enjoy it!
Best, Matt
15 September 2010 18:17
Anis @@AnisIbrahim
Great post, A Bientot’s breads look lovely! I’ll be dropping by when I visit Seoul in November
October 13 2010 23:18 pm
Matt
Hi Anis,
Thanks for your post. As I no longer live in the Edae neighborhood, it would be great if you can let me know if they're still there... I wonder how the "Kim Tak-gu" drama phenomenon has impacted them!
Best, Matt
27 September 2010 01:27
hitesh pamnani @Twitter Name
ur shop is looking so attractive m also inspired from it m also owner of bakery in india
October 13 2010 23:15 pm
Matt
Hi Hitesh,
Thanks for your post. I'm curious to see what your bakery looks like as I have no idea of what a typical Indian bakery sells!
Best, Matt
28 October 2010 18:28
Mindy Lim @Twitter Name
Hi Matt,
I’ll be visiting seoul in December(winter). Will the bakeries be open ? Would love to try the breads at Brown Bread. Thanks.
October 30 2010 07:43 am
Matt
Hi Mindy,
Thanks for your note. Sure, I expect that Brown Bread will still be open when you arrive. I'll be in the neighborhood later today and I'll let you know if the bakery is no longer there, as things tend to change quite quickly here in Seoul.
I hope you enjoy your time here! Best, Matt
30 October 2010 17:17
Mindy Lim
Hi Matt,
Thanks for your reply. Have been reading the various topics in your blog and watching some of the videos. Love it. It’s really informative. I’m using your blog to help me plan my trip.
Keep up the good work.
Have a nice day!
3 November 2010 17:07
Discovering Korea – All Destinations
[...] Seoul’s Best Bakeries [...]
21 November 2010 20:00
Krista @@krista_redbox
Hi Matt: You have an addictive blog! I’m from Malaysia and as you know, Malaysians are mad about Korean dramas and Korean cosmetics (think BB Cream). I found your blog when searching for cherry blossoms. I’m planning to visit Seoul next year and stay with my uncle for a week so that’s why your blog is just up my alley. I love the in-depth information you have here. Will definitely bookmark it! Love the photos too! Keep up the fab work!
November 26 2010 23:00 pm
Matt
Hi Krista,
Thanks a lot for your nice words. I'm also mad about Malaysia!^^ Glad to hear you will be here for the cherry blossoms next spring. Now that we're really starting to feel winter here, those will come as a very nice break to the months of bitterly cold weather!
Best, Matt
16 January 2011 19:01
Kay @Twitter Name
Hi Matt. Your posts were great and informative. Came across while i was trying to get more info for my Seoul trip this summer. It definitely was a great help. Mind providing me with a more detailed direction to Le Bonne Tarte, their tarts looks so appetizing will like to try it during my trip there. =)
Keep up the great work.
2 March 2011 01:26
Chinggay Lising
Hello Matt! I love this article! I’m leaving for seoul this Friday and I will definitely make time to visit these bakeries especially A Bientot and La Bonne Tarte! I can imagine how good their treats taste! Thanks so much for sharing!
All the best!
8 March 2011 16:00
yokee @http://twitter.com/yokee55
greetings from malaysia^^
it has been 6 years since i last touch ground with korea. i remembered how i went gaga over their bakeries and regretted not writing down the name of one i found in gangnam. would you mind updating whats good (if any) around myeongdong or gangnam? i’ll be on my 4th trip coming spring ^^ thanks!
21 March 2011 17:00
emcc @Twitter Name
mmm looks great! will definitely have to look around for these spots. would be nice if the post highlighted a few products and listed prices too though ;)
6 November 2011 21:29
Kate @Twitter Name
Hi Matt! I’m an exchange student at Sogang University this fall, so I’m right near the Edae neighborhood. I wanted to buy gifts for my Korean teachers and decided to stop by A Bientot bakery. I can see why it’s still around. The breads were great but the service was awesome too. Thanks for the recommendation!
December 22 2011 02:10 am
Matt
My pleasure! They really are some of the nicest people I've met, and they've been so appreciative for the heads-up on the blog. It's nice to connect them with new potential customers ;)
Best,
Matt
14 January 2012 22:50
meemee @minozmee
i live in the philippines, but i want to give cakes to my friend in korea. can you make a personlize cake and send to my friend?
February 27 2012 20:23 pm
Matt
Hi Meemee,
It's a very nice gesture, but I can't personalize and mail your friend a cake! :)
If you want to contact this bakery yourself (and can speak Korean), call them at: +82 2-713-6174
Best,
Matt
26 January 2012 00:10
Ann Marie @Twitter Name
I’m wondering if it is possible for me to have a cake delivered to my son who is living in Guui-dong, Gwangjin-gu currently. Perhaps a bakery that I can communicate with in English. Thank you for your time and I enjoyed your Youtube.
February 27 2012 20:21 pm
Matt
Hello Ann Marie,
I'm sorry for my late response. I bet your son's birthday has already passed, but if you're still looking, my guess is that your best bet is to get in touch with a bakery in Itaewon. Off the top of my head, Tartine is quite popular. What a fun surprise for your son!
Best,
Matt
15 February 2012 00:40
Maharaj
Hi Matt,
Thanks for this great post – I love walking around in new places and discovering little treasures like the bakeries you described. Next time in Seoul I shall search them out and eat to my hearts content!
Time to book the next flight to Korea!
Best,
Maharaj
15 May 2012 19:53
meemee @@minozmee
hello matt! i am here in The Philippines but i want to buy a cake in Korea because my friend is in korea and i want to send him a cake on his birthday… is there a chance to buy a cake in Abientot Bakery (아비앙또 베이커리) may i know their contact number? thank you…
9 August 2012 18:26
77. korea tour « toeysk.
[...] Seoul’s Best Bakeries [...]
27 August 2012 11:46
juliana @darckness23
Hello, i want to thank you for this very informative video. i am a Le Cordon Blue baking student and i am working on doing my internship in Korea. i did not wanted to do it at a hotel because there is a lot of tourists and i want to gain knowledge of Korean baking not just practice what i have learn here already. thanks again for the info. ^-^
5 December 2012 12:48
Mary Anne @wyleen2u
Hi there! I like to know where can I buy roasted turkey in Seoul? What’s the price range like? Do they have delivery services? I’m from Malaysia.
Thanks.
February 06 2013 07:06 am
Matt
Hi Mary Anne,
I'm sorry I cant help you on that one. The Dragon Hill Lodge's deli makes U.S. Thanksgiving meals for take-out every November for civilians. If you have a contact on base, my guess is that they always have delicious turkey available... Sorry I can't be of more help! Best, Matt
4 February 2013 00:50
Samantha
Hi, I’m a baking and pastry student that specializes in cakes and I’m looking for internships right now. I’m planning to go to Korea for my internship and would like to know if you know any cake shops in Korea. I would be going to Korea myself in a few months, but I would like to know where to start looking. Thank you!
February 06 2013 07:07 am
Matt
Hi Samantha,
Thanks for your note, but I'm not aware of any baking/cake shops that offer internships. Good luck!
Best, Matt
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