South Korea: Pierre Gagnaire @ Seoul

Coming back from our North Korea DMZ trip, we were weary of sad tales and war stories.  Our return point at Lotte Hotel, this means we had a chance to treat ourselves to something lovely.  Here, XL and I avoided the biting frost to enjoy some hot drinks at the Lotte Lounge.  Lucky for us who were rather broke from our Michelin experiences in Hong Kong, we still managed to get some lovely treatment from another Michelin establishment, Pierre Gagnaire Patisserie.  In fact, Pierre is the only Michelin chef restaurant in South Korea.  But we did not know he had a Patisserie too. Needless to say, the pastries here were well thought of with every bit executed to perfection. 

The sesame éclair for example was a fine pastry.  While I have eaten éclairs of many variations, it was hard to tell what a real one should be.  Eating the one at Pierre though, was orgasmic.  The sesame flavored ganache complemented the sweetness of the chocolate.  All on top of a lovely choux pastry.  Airy, with a slight crunchy.  Smashing.

 

Our strawberry tart was nothing less than spectacular.  How do you beat the conventional?  Well, attention to detail helps. The strawberries were arranged beautifully, and the condiments arranged neatly.   The crust was short and the custard was silky smooth.  Michelin certified for sure. After all, a Michelin chef does not put his name on just ANY tart.

 

I cannot quite remember the last one but I think it was an Orange Friand.  Or at least here it looks like one!As this was hers, I cannot even remember how it tasted.  But knowing what Friands are made of, I can quickly judge that this went well with our hot drinks.  Probably nicer with coffee though I have not drank that bitter beverage even once before!

 

Michelin starred experience in Seoul? Checked!

 

WenY

Bites: Typika Artisan Roasters @ Claremont

Typika Artisan Roasters have been around for awhile now.  Being the talk of the town, I was keener than ever to give this newcomer a go. Coming in, the crowd was decent but the dining area was just simply superb.  Right from the door step, it was airy with heaps of seat making finding one a bliss.  Comparatively other smaller venues like Tuckshop and Harvest Espresso still pack heaps of quality and in some ways still give a nice indie feel.

Small vertical garden by the dining area

 

The food that we had this morning was pretty good.  For myself, I called the spiced beef benedict @ $18.50.The poached eggs were perfect.  As for the harissa hollandaise, absolutely sensational.  Its flavors hit all the right notes.  It was salty, sour and sweet all with a hint of spice.  For most parts I loved this dish that Typika served me.   However though, I found that the amount of pulled beef were rather miniscule.  It was spread so thin, it felt as if there was something they wanted to hide.  But in actuality the beef was moist and tender.  This for me was a bummer.  A big one too.

 

The Huevos Rancheros @ $16 was my sister’s pick.  It look gorgeous the moment it hit the table.  Micro herbs on the perfectly runny 62 degree egg looked absolutely stunning.  I was sold.  But does it deliver?  In terms of flavor, the spiced tomato mix had the ripeness and at the same time, the acidity to give my palate a kick .  Mixing the egg in, my sis and I found that it did not really turn out the way its description suggests it should.  The egg in no way thickened the dish.  Instead, it became runnier.  Not bad nevertheless.  But if you come in hungry, I think you might go out hungry too.  For my sis whom is a small eater, she found the dish to be lacking in bulk.  Perhaps some beans or another egg should be present.  As is, it just was not enough.

 

 

If you had something light before your meal and needed to meet someone for  a meal, Typika Artisan Roasters top my list of places to continue brunch.  A list I have just made up.  In fact, I was once told by a girl that she felt hungry after having lunch too.  In the end, the food on the plate just did not feel quite substantial.  The taste though, was far from disastrous.  It was beautiful and in terms of flavors, it delivered.  More important than not, the food here was not typical at all.  It was pretty good.  Perhaps a heap more pulled beef?  Or perhaps some beans would have made our meal complete.  Ok, I have probably ranted enough.  But am I right?  You go there and tell me :)!

 

WenY

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South Korea: (just a little..) Street Food Culture!

South Korea is definitely a place that will always be in the good part of my memories.  It could be the good planning which the we had or perhaps because of how everything felt so foreign it actually became an adventure.  Food for sure is one of the many things that highlighted our visit to South Korea.  No doubt Kimchee is a staple around town, but so are many other types of food.  Street food is especially popular and admittedly, I had a feast whenever I was on my feet.  That explains all the long walks but still, a net gain of 5kgs which I have since lost.  So what is the Seoul Street food scene like?

 

ManduEssentially Korean dumplings which can be served fried or in a soup.  Filled with rice noodles, meat and vegetables, these bite size snacks make perfect accompaniment in the sub-zero weather!

 

TteokbokkiUnlike the skinny ones found in Australia, the ones on the streets of Seoul were plump and with a mild chewiness.  South Korea’s signature sauce which is a little spicy and sweet was just super yums.  Recommended with the dumplings shown above!

 

Pork buns!Not really a common snack, but in a particular market in Seoul called Namdaemun, hungry crowds often pack these home by the dozens! Hot, and more-ish with a textural wonder thanks to the vegetables in there.  (also available with red bean)

 

The dragon beard candyDespite looking so simple, these little delights are skillfully woven by an often charismatic chap.  Sticky honey with peanuts. Imagine the salty-sweet goodness these pack!  Could do with some now!  Often woven on the spot, ask for fresh ones and enjoy the show!

 

Assorted fried foodsAnything here can be fried.  Sausages, fish cakes and even the infamous rice called called the tteokbokki!  Grab one and be on the run ;)!

 

Jap JaeJust because you are in the markets does not mean you have to be on your feet. Kick back, call a Jap Jae and enjoy warm tea or if you prefer, some Korean wine; Soju.  The Jap Jae comes with a variety of ingredients.  Make your pick, be it vegetarian or meat.  If meat is preferred I would suggest the pork.  For an extra kick, ask for spicy.  Beats any ordinary pork stir fry your mom makes.

 

OdengGo up North, down South or simply into any 7 Eleven.  Odeng or fishcake is a Korea staple at home or in the stores.  Walk into any convenience store and a pot of Odeng cooked in turnip broth awaits.  If the –25 degrees weather does not kill you, the awesomeness of South Korea will.  Keep calm, have an Odeng.

 

Hott-teokIn Malaysia, they serve flakey and airy Roti.  In South Korea, they called it Hott-teok.  Served piping hot with a syrupy cinnamon sugar.  Prepare for food coma.  Because it hits faster than diabetes when its that awesome. Also, if you think your fancy shirt is rare, this pan cake beats that.  Only available during winter, make sure you enjoy one if you are lucky enough. 

 

Meat skewersSticky, tasty and tender with a hint of smokiness, these skewered meat basted with a sweet soy glaze was another simple food made great.  Best eaten with one hand.

 

Kelam Pan - Egg in bunNo idea what this is called but it is another food commonly found on the streets of Seoul.  A really nice cake with an egg cracked in the middle and left till cooked.  While I love the cake, the same cannot be said with the egg. 

 

KebabsKebabs!  Funny to find them so far away.  But do not underestimate the Koreans.  Freshly chopped cabbage, spicy bugolgi chicken and a generous amount of mayo makes a formidable team. I was sold.  Behold the roll!

 

These are some of the few food which kept one hand busy which I explored South Korea.  It was an awesome place with so much to offer.  The misconception that a trip to South Korea is an all out Kimchee expedition is clearly wrong.  In fact, the pictures I have taken is probably not even half of the street food I ate.  Definitely worth re-visiting!  South Korea 2013? Nawwwww… maybe 2014!

 

WenY