Jungsik Cafe (정식카페): A Premier Space for Afternoon Treats
The summer months in South Korea are known to be notoriously hot. At first, I thought that being a part-time resident of the Philippines would help me endure the heat. Unfortunately, when I experienced the Korean summer for the first time in 2021, I was completely unprepared for the sun’s beams.
Thankfully, there is no shortage of noteworthy (and air-conditioned) cafes in South Korea. Today’s review is focused Jungsik Cafe (정식카페), a high-end oasis for refreshing drinks and cooling desserts. Situated in Seoul’s luxurious Gangnam district, Jungsik Cafe is bound to be frequented by celebrities, models, and other affluent individuals who reside here. It also helps that it shares the same restaurant group with Jungsik, which continually appears on list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.
For hungrier customers, the menu consists of appetizers, pastas, and main plates (sandwiches, tacos, etc.). For those passing by for a quick drink or snack, there are a few pastry and dessert options available too. At Jungsik Cafe, coffee lovers and wine enthusiasts are welcome thanks to their diverse wine list and usual coffeehouse libations . To our surprise, we could also order from the adjacent Balvenie Bar, which offers scotch tasting sets and cocktails.
One of the most unique items on their menu is the Dol Hareubang Bingsu, a Korean shaved ice dessert that celebrates the large rock statues in the South Korean island of Jeju. The phrase “Dol Hareubang” means “Stone Grandfather” and these figures symbolize protection and fertility. Jungsik Cafe’s Bingsu was made with black sesame shaved ice and black sesame cream that imitated the volcanic ash from the volcano that formed in Jeju Island. Green tea brownies were placed on top of the “soil” to appear like foliage. There was also injeolmi, or Korean sweet rice cake, underground. Of course, the crown jewel was a miniature black sesame Dol Hareubang that stood guard over the Bingsu.
* Google Maps doesn’t have Jungsik Cafe but this is at the same location.
Balvenie Barley Cocktail. Made with Balvenie 12 Year Scotch, Barley Syrup, and Angostura Bitters.
[20,000 WON]
Plum Ade. Refreshing for hydration.
[7,500 WON]
Dol Hareubang Bingsu.
[28,000 WON]