imi (意味) is a dessert cafe that just opened in Hongdae. Apparently the name comes from the Japanese word for “meaning.” Ah, so that’s what it means… Since it was new I went to check it out, and it was decent enough. I don’t drink coffee, so I can’t really tell you whether the coffee is good. I’d heard the cakes are the standout among their desserts, but I got there late that day and didn’t get to try any… So please don’t judge this place based on this post. To get there, come out of Exit 1 of Hongik Univ. Station, go straight down the alley right in front of you, cross the street and head a little further in. The sign is in a slightly awkward spot, so once it gets dark the shop name is hard to see. Because of that I actually arrived early and then wandered around a bit. It specializes in desserts, but the cafe side is more solid than I expected: the place is on the roomy side and even has a terrace. It seems to be a cafe the locals love. The good-looking server (he said he’s the younger brother; his older brother handles the baking) probably plays a part in that too.
The coffee roaster
I don’t know much about coffee, but it looks like it could turn out some pricey, tasty coffee. It looks good as part of the interior too… Being able to enjoy a variety of single-origin coffees alongside great cake is one of this place’s strengths.
Roughly, the kitchen
The back is where they do the baking.
Quiche set
I hadn’t eaten, so I ordered something light from the food menu. Quiche is really a pie, so I was a little surprised when it came out looking like bread.
A souvenir from Kyushu
Apparently it’s Baumkuchen bought in Yufuin.
Meringues
I think these were on the house… They’re fine.
This here is the iced coffee
It’s a bit embarrassing to be putting up a summer post when it’s practically autumn.
Patbingsu
…They say they use organic red beans, but compared with the usual patbingsu it tastes, I don’t know, light, or maybe wholesome… Thinking back, I’d say Artisée’s was the best patbingsu I had this year.
Echire sablés I brought along
I queued a good 30 minutes on a busy morning to buy these. The butter flavor is rich, but they were a touch short on crispness. They’d be nice with tea, but for eating on their own (or as a snack with drinks) I think the big round cookies are the best.
Their signature dessert, the crémet d’Anjou, is really delicious, but I’d already eaten one I took out before coming to the cafe, so I didn’t order it that day. On top of that I can’t drink the coffee they’re so proud of, so I’ve got nothing to say about how it tastes… So please don’t judge this place on my post alone. All I can say is sorry for being such a pain of a customer…