[Seoul] Café Bora known for its Purple Sweet Potato Bingsoo has always been in my to-go list, especially when it is located within the cultural Bukchon Hanok Village. (I only managed to make it there recently, as after I found some stomach space.)
While the café is small and serves up only a couple of items – namely Bingsoo Iceflakes, Softserve and Tiramisu, its desserts have made it big enough for both locals and tourists to take note.
The instagrammability factor definitely plays a part, and it has even opened an overseas outlet at Bangkok’s Siam Paragon Level 4.
You can include this in your itinerary if you already plan to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village – an area where you can dress in Korean traditional costumes and explore hanok – buildings that date back to the Joseon Dynasty.
Take note that Café Bora requires some finding, hidden within a normal alley way with no conspicuous sign except a menu board and a white sign with its purple blob logo.
The space is also small, and I can reckon it can sit 12-15 customers thereabout. Otherwise, just buy a takeaway Soft Serve ice cream.
Its specialty bingsoo (7,400 Won, SGD8.60) comes in flavours of Purple Sweet Potato, Matcha, and Redbean & Milk.
Just get the Purple Sweet Potato if this is your first time visiting.
The portion is good for 1-2, and was actually better than what imagined it to be. The paste topping was creamy yet smoothly-light that you do not get a rich-cloying feeling.
The sweet potato flavour was delightful and distinct, not overly sweet, said to be made from sweet potatoes from the seaside city of Boryeong.
The ice flakes were also shaved smoothly and melt-in-your-mouth.
An order of the bingsoo also comes with extra portion of sweet potato paste and purple potato chips to add that crunch.
You can mix them in, or have them separate, ie take a spoonful and linger in that joy.
While I imagined that the Purple Sweet Potato Latte (5,300 Won, SGD6.10) would be carb heavy and rich, it was manageable and smooth.
There are many cafes in Seoul serving up Bingsoo dessert, and Café Bora has managed to find a niche. Proof that you do not need to serve too many items or have too big a space to get attention.
Café Bora 카페 보라
75-3 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Anguk Station)
서울특별시 종로구 율곡로3길 75-3
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
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