Word that there was a cafe in Hongdae serving great patbingsu reached me all the way from the States. Hongdae is quite a trek for me these days, but with the weather heating up I made a point of going.
The entrance
It is a bit off the beaten path, but being a popular spot, there were plenty of people. Search the place online and you will find quite a few complaints that they are fussy, but it is a small, quiet cafe, so I would only recommend it to people who like that kind of atmosphere.
The table
The atmosphere is nice. I usually go for scruffy hole-in-the-wall places, so I rarely end up in a cafe like this, but coming here for a change was relaxing and pleasant. Given the vibe, the crowd is overwhelmingly female.
Bingsu (shaved ice)
It is not a milk bingsu; the red beans are hidden underneath. The ice was wonderfully soft, easily among the best bingsu I have ever had. It wiped away the disappointment I felt at Artisée a little while ago. I ought to come back a few more times before summer is over, but my tight schedule will not allow it.
Rare (no-bake) cheesecake
This is Michaya’s signature, of course. It was light and refreshing, but to my palate Lady M’s rich cheesecake still tastes better. A matter of preference, I suppose.
Tea
They brought this out on the house since I had just eaten a cold bingsu. Little touches like this, small as they may seem, are what I really like.
The bingsu was far better than the rumours suggested, and I enjoyed it more than I expected. I will be heading back that way soon for Soi Yeonnam, but fitting Michaya into the same trip is not easy.
Join the Discussion