Waffle brunch set
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Samcheong-dong has grown into a place to take stylish photographs, shop for exotic products and taste good food, ― from a simple brunch to a wholesome meal.

A new place has come into view with its tall and bright red building, located nearly at end of the Samcheong-dong street.

Funny, it has no name yet. But it is a stylish yet cozy cafe where you can find tasty coffee, a bakery and delightful brunch and dessert menus. Inside, there are high ceilings, dark wooden benches, chairs and tables, complete with an old stove and a fireplace. Thanks to the cozy atmosphere, it has become popular for coffee, waffles, and a wholesome chat.

Curiously enough, you cannot find a signboard of the restaurant anywhere around the building. This makes the guests wonder where the place is, when they are actually standing right in front of it. Although the cafe is known as ``Wallpaper,'' the waiters say they haven't decided on the name just yet. Just call it whatever you like for now, they say.

The brunch set menu is offered from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and comes with a sausage, some bacon, a hard-boiled egg and a fresh cup of freshly brewed Americano. The Belgian Waffle set (9,500 won) did seem a little too pricey for its proportion, but the waffles were warm and crispy at the edges. The cafe also offers a French Toast set (9,500 won) and a Raisin Bread set (8,500 won).

Along with the brunch set menus, the cafe offers dessert dishes. The Waffle Ice Cream (9,900 won) was a piece of art. Three ice cream scoops, whipped cream and a cream puff is carefully arranged on top of a big thick waffle. A nutty wing-like decoration completes the dessert.

The overall dish was scrumptious. The waffle was big enough to enjoy with all the other delicious decorations, and the wing decoration was crispy and nutty to the core.

But for those who want to enjoy a typical brunch with waffles, order the combination set. The Waffle combination (12,000 won) comprises of the tasty waffles with a salad, sausage, bacon and eggs.

The cafe also uses the underground floor, which has a bigger terrace with larger tables and chairs. While the upper floor offers desserts and coffee, the lower floor carries a menu of pasta and other light yet delightful dinner selections. For a full experience, start at the bottom floor, enjoy pasta and wine then move up for dessert and coffee.

Near the entrance of the cafe, there is a also small bakery full of bread, baguettes and scones. The cafe bakes the bread at certain times, so be sure to check the bread schedule hanging on the wall for a warm piece right from the oven.

Get off Gyeongbok Palace station on subway line 3, walk straight along the main street of Samcheong-dong until you find the tall building on your left. For more, call (02) 733-7187.

sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr