[Seoul, South Korea] My Korean friend once shared with me that in Seoul, trendy neighbourhoods tends to shift around.
This is because Koreans do have the tendency to relocate their business to certain neighbourhoods should it start becoming popular.
These areas not only attract the Korean locals, as well as overseas tourists, probably due to the “hipster” element.
Ikseon-dong happens to be one of these best kept secrets (to tourists).
Similar to Bukchon Hanok Village, Ikseon-dong houses many traditional hanok infrastructures left behind from the olden days.
In recent years, these buildings have then been repurposed into modern cafes, restaurants and retail stores.
This creates an environment where nostalgic architecture meets contemporary design spaces, that emits its own unique charm.
One particular café highly raved by Korean locals and tourists, is Mil Toasthouse 밀 토스트집.
The interior was kept ‘on point’ with minimalist aesthetics – pairing light wooden furniture with pure-white walls.
Add the soft natural sunlight bathing in from the ceiling window.
Customers would then sit around its counter while watching staff preparing their order.
Mil (밀) translates into wheat, and is a fundamental ingredient in bread making, which strongly represents the brand as a toast house focusing on bread products.
I haven’t had the slightest idea on what were they selling initially.
Thanks to their open kitchen which I could peer into while queuing, I managed to identify their core signature product – the Souffle French Toast.
Made in small batches, these French Toast were soaked in egg before they were pan-fried till golden brown.
The Souffle French Toast came served in a couple of variation such as Blue Berry Cream Cheese (KRW 13,000, SGD15), Vanilla Ice Cream (KRW 14,000, SGD16.20) and Strawberry (KRW 18,000, SGD20.80).
Unsure of what flavour to order, I chose the priciest Redcurrant (KRW 20,000, SGD23.20) and was served with two slices of French toast plus redcurrant cream cheese.
Filled with egg aroma, the French toast itself has a soft custard-like inner texture and slight crispy exterior on the outside.
The redcurrant cream cheese then provided a hint of tanginess to the savoury dessert.
(Photo from @baby_minini)
Unfortunately, only after ordering I found out that Korean locals prefer to have it simple with Butter and Red Bean Paste (KRW 13,500, SGD15.60). Guess that will have to wait for next time.
(Photo from @li7yu3)
Another one of their signature item is Steamed Bread (KRW 13,000, SGD15), available in plain, red bean, chestnut and corn fillings.
The interesting thing about this product is that, they use bamboo basket (those which you typically see at dim sum places) to steam bread, right in front of your eyes.
I didn’t have much stomach space to order this, but heard say the best combination is to have it plain with their house-made butter.
Not too sure if Singaporeans would pay $15 to have steam bread kosong though.
As the streets along Ikseon-dong are slightly narrow, confusing and congested with crowd, I had problem navigating around the neighbourhood and it may be challenging to locate the store.
Look out for their huge bread logo at the storefront which you probably won’t miss.
Mil Toasthouse 밀 토스트집
30-3 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Donui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울특별시 종로구 돈의동 수표로28길 30-3
Opening Hours: 10am – 11pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – Mil Toasthouse
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Isaac Toast (Myeongdong, Seoul)
Bunkasha 분카샤 (Eulji-ro, Seoul)
Click HERE for other SEOUL Food Entries
* Written by Lewis Tan @juicyfingers, a self-proclaimed coffee addict. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.