My never-ending quest for the best brunch started in the middle of my study abroad after being disappointed with many mediocre cafes in Seoul. Here is my comprehensive list that I highly recommend so you won't feel like a lost tourist!
1. Coottha Brunch
Coottha Brunch is the brunch you should go to if you only have one choice to pick a brunch in Seoul. It is one of those places where you can't go wrong with whatever you order on the menu (except for the chai latte).
The natural light pouring from the window makes it a warm ambiance to start your morning on the right note. I highly recommend booking a reservation or going in a small group because of the limited space. I would come back here often to try everything on their menu.
My first bite of the chicken confit was a burst of a harmonious symphony of flavors. The chicken skin had a nice thin crispiness. The meat was super tender, moist, and marinated to perfection. The pickled cauliflower added a zesty dimension to the dish that surprisingly complimented it well.
The mashed potatoes and the mushroom barely pilaf had the perfect balance of creamy starch and earthy grain.
The chai latte was not up my alley since the spice was overpowering and jarring.
Address
[Naver Map]
Kutsa Yeonhui
서울 서대문구 증가로 48 / 대로변 흰색가게 입니다
2. Analogue Garden
Analogue Garden serves a menu of light and healthy dishes. They use fresh and quality ingredients that give a farm-to-table taste to their dish.
My go-to meal for Analogue Garden is their dirty cream chai and garden plate. The dirty chai is rich and creamy, and the spice is pleasant. It is an indulgent drink for your wake-me-up drink.
The garden plate is like a garden that feasts your eyes because it comes with an avocado egg toast towered with fresh and crisp vegetables, crispy and well-seasoned falafel balls, and a couscous salad. Analogue Garden serves a menu of light and healthy dishes.
Address
[Naver Map]
Analogue Garden
서울 마포구 동교로 145 1층 아날로그가든
3. Lucid
An Australian-style brunch run by a sweet couple from the Down Under! The warm and cozy ambiance will make you feel you're at home. The service is top-notch - the owner recognized me on the third visit. I was able to try their ragú pasta and Australian big brekkie.
The ragú pasta caught me off guard with how good it was. The fork-tender meat and perfect runny egg yolk made this dish delicious.
The Australian big brekkie lives up to its name. The big brekkie had two roasted tomatoes, roasted mushrooms, potato hash, avocado paste, toast, and eggs. The potato hash was my favorite part of the dish because it was well-seasoned!
My Australian and European friends thought the sausage wasn't the best quality. The toast and scrambled eggs had a rich buttery taste that was spot on!
Address
[Naver Map]
Lucid
서울 마포구 독막로14길 24 2층
4. Bear Stainless Brunch
You need to come to this brunch place with the stomach capacity of a grizzly bear because the portions are big! The ambiance was also very cozy and rustic feel.
We order the french toast and hidden honey pot. The french toast was very soft and pillowy. The tangy blueberry dip paired well with the french toast. The hidden honey pot was a loaf of bread filled with a soup of liquid gold. The soup would have tasted better if it wasn't sweet. You might want to wear your sitting pants if you visit this place!
Address
[Naver Map]
Bear Stainless Brunch
서울 서대문구 연희로4길 10 1층 베어스덴
5. The Royal Food & Drink
This spot has a beautiful rooftop view of the bustling concrete jungle of Seoul. The ambiance has an industrial vibe that makes you feel like you live in a trendy city side of Brooklyn. It is a fresh start to your morning to realize that you're living in a vibrant city in South Korea. The food is a standard brunch with two toasts, bacon, scrambled eggs, mushroom, tomatoes, and salad!
Address
[Naver Map]
The Royal Food & Drink
서울 용산구 신흥로20길 37
Overall
Brunch is what I look forward to starting my day. It was a time for me to reflect and be present. My experience having brunch in Seoul was more than just a meal - it was a delicious adventure to feast on!