Tag: matcha

A great chocolate cafe in Hongdae: 17℃

In Seoul there is no shortage of cafes for dessert fanatics. 17℃ stands out as it is a real chocolaterie specializing in chocolate treats. 17℃ apparently is the perfect temperature to store and serve chocolate bonbons.

The visit

From Hongik University metro station, it was a pleasant 5-10 minute walk along Hongdae main road.

On a sunny weekend afternoon, the place was packed, but I got on of the last remaining tables inside.

I had a cup of their soft serve ice cream. As good as it gets.

I also had their seasonal drink: a cold brew with dark chocolate, Kyoto Uji matcha, and ice cream. This was the drink that convinced me that green tea and chocolate go well together.

They also sell chocolate products.

The check

The check was 12,500 Won (10.30 USD), with the drink accountimg for 8,500 Won.

Highly recommended for chocolate lovers.

Where in Seoul:
38, Donggyo-ro 29-gil, Mapo-gu.
In Korean: 서울특별시 마포구 동교로 29길 38.
Website: https://17dossi.modoo.at/ (Korean only).

Three cafes in Chiang Mai for those with a sweet tooth

In this review I will lump together three very different venues that have in common to offer outstanding cakes and desserts. In all of them you can relax with a cup of tea and a slice and some sweets. One is Western-style, one Japanese and one Thai.

Amazing creative delights at Saruda Finest Pastry

Address: 12, Soi 3 Nimmana Haeminda, Su Thep, Chiang Mai

Saruda Finest Pastry really feature the skills of a top pastry chef. The creations are both creative, visually appealing, and delicious. I tried their Quasar for a chocolate boost and a Mandarin-shaped pastry with a mandarin filling. The shop is not large but has a few tables where to enjoy the cakes, possibly along with a cup of tea. The two pastries I had cost 185 and 195 THB (9 USD in total).

  • Saruda Finest Pastry
  • Saruda Finest Pastry
  • Saruda Finest Pastry
  • Saruda Finest Pastry
  • Saruda Finest Pastry
  • Saruda Finest Pastry

Rak Whan Thai Dessert Café

Address: 30/2 Nimmanhaemin Rd., Soi 11, Suthep, Chiang Mai

Despite the cursory service, I enjoyed a brief stop at this Thai dessert cafe that featured some beautiful Thai cookies and cakes. Thai cuisine has a distinctive dessert tradition and a lot of pastry types were on display in this cafe. I had a set with a number of cookies and jellies (they all have a name in Thai!) along with a classic Thai iced tea (that is basically a sugar bomb).

Matcha drinks and cakes at Chaseki

91, Sri Poom Road, Si Phum, Chiang Mai 50200
Website: www.chasekitea.com

Chaseki is the brainchild of a Thai/English couple in love with Japanese powdered green tea (matcha). They have both drinks and cakes. At the time of my visit they were even selling a limited edition matcha chocolate bar. I did not like much the drink (combining matcha and conconut, but they have so many others to try). On the other side, the matcha and white chocolate cake was phenomenal. It is a small cafe located along the Northern border of the Old City. Definitely recommended for something different and unique in Chiang Mai.