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Exploring the Hidden Gems of Euljiro 4-ga: Cafes, Restaurants, and Sweet Treats in Daelim Shopping Center

Hello coffee lovers and foodies! Today, we’re venturing into the heart of Seoul, specifically Euljiro 4-ga, to uncover a hidden treasure: the Daelim Shopping Center. This unassuming building holds a delightful array of unique restaurants, charming dessert shops, and trendy cafes just waiting to be discovered. Forget the usual tourist traps; this is where locals go for a taste of authentic Seoul flavor and a touch of retro charm.

Euljiro 4-ga: More Than Just a Tool Street

Euljiro 4-ga is renowned for its tool street, a hub for hardware and industrial supplies. But beyond the workshops and metal shops lies a vibrant culinary scene. Daelim Shopping Center, in particular, houses a surprising number of distinctive restaurants and stylish, ‘hip’ cafes, creating a unique and memorable experience for visitors.

Think of it as an urban explorer’s paradise. Tucked away between tool shops, you’ll find eateries and cafes that blend seamlessly into the neighborhood, yet offer experiences worlds away from the ordinary.

A Culinary Journey Through Daelim Shopping Center (3rd Floor)

Hailey’s Coffee Euljiro: A Taste of Australia

Our first stop on the 3rd floor is Hailey’s Coffee Euljiro. This cafe offers a taste of genuine Australian-style coffee and delicious desserts. Perfect for a caffeine fix and a sweet treat.

Unbeatable Izakaya: Japanese Pub Grub

Right next to Hailey’s Coffee is a popular izakaya, a Japanese-style pub. Here, you can indulge in classic Japanese comfort food like tonkatsu (deep-fried pork cutlet), katsu don (pork cutlet rice bowl), and tonkatsu curry.

Champ Coffee, No. 3 Workshop: Flat Whites and Tiramisu

Keep walking, and you’ll stumble upon Champ Coffee, No. 3 Workshop. This cafe is known for its exceptional flat white and tiramisu. A perfect spot to relax and enjoy a classic coffee and dessert combination.

Tiger Cafe: Retro Vibes and Signature Lattes

Perhaps the most iconic cafe on the 3rd floor is Tiger Cafe. This small cafe embodies the spirit of Hipjiro with its retro decor and unique atmosphere. It’s a must-visit for any coffee lover. Be warned, though: it’s a popular spot and tends to get crowded.

The signature drink is the Tiger Latte, known for its rich and smooth flavor. I’ve been captivated by its taste and have visited approximately four times. If you bring your own tumbler, you can even enjoy a discount on your coffee!

For dessert, the Fruit Sando (fruit sandwich) is a popular choice. On my recent visit, I was lucky enough to find the cafe relatively quiet, allowing me to fully enjoy my Tiger Latte and Fruit Sando in a relaxed setting.

Guumyang: Korean-Inspired Canelés

Adjacent to Tiger Cafe, you’ll find Guumyang, a pastry shop specializing in canelés, a classic dessert from the Bordeaux region of France, reinterpreted with Korean sensibilities. This is the only handmade confectionery shop in Euljiro. The small space is carefully curated with charming decorations, making it a delightful place to browse and snap some photos.

The star of the show is, of course, the canelé, available in a variety of flavors, including French dark chocolate, pink salt caramel, and original vanilla. Keep in mind that Guumyang is exclusively for take-out.

More Culinary Delights in Daelim Shopping Center

Imelda’s Bunsik: A Fusion Western-Style Restaurant

Imelda’s Bunsik is a fusion restaurant with a classic interior. Due to its limited seating, there’s often a wait, but it’s well worth it. The menu includes dishes like Al Love Cream Pasta, Royal Donkatsu (pork cutlet), Omurice (omelet rice), and Curry Rice. The food is generally considered to be tasty and satisfying. I had the Al Love Cream Pasta, and the thick, rich sauce was so delicious that I finished it in one go!

Tonz Euljiro: Basque Cheesecake and More

The second branch of the renowned Tonz, near Seoul National University entrance, is located on the third floor of Daelim Shopping Center. Tonz Euljiro boasts a sleek black exterior that catches the eye. The store isn’t large, but it’s clean and minimalist, with a modern interior.

Tonz is famous for its Basque cheesecake. Unfortunately, on my visit, it was sold out, so I opted for the Basque Cheesecake Chocolate and a Cream Latte. It was significantly softer than a traditional Basque cheesecake, thanks to the blend of luxurious chocolate cake and rich, creamy cheese. It was a combination that simply couldn’t taste bad!

Euljiro Lunch Utsujin Ramen: A Japanese Ramen Specialty Store

The restaurant called Euljiro Lunch Utsujin Ramen has a unique and difficult name, but it is a must-try if you love Japanese ramen.

Pau Euljiro: Unique Doughnuts

Pau Euljiro is a takeout donut shop with a unique charm and flavor that many people love. Paw donuts are ₩1,500, and walnut red bean, yuzu paste, cheesy chewy, and glutinous rice hot dog are ₩2,000. Pau shapes and fries the dough immediately after ordering, providing warm and chewy-tasting donuts. Pau offers unique wrench-shaped donuts and is the most famous store on the 3rd floor of Daelim Shopping Center. If you choose six, you can get a ₩1,000 discount with box packaging.

Soyosogaga: A Philosophy Bookstore

On the 3rd floor of Daerim Shopping Center, there is a bookstore called Soyosogaga. It’s a philosophy-specialized bookstore where you can gain intellectual inspiration.

Cafe Sunset: Salads, Sandwiches, and Sunset Views

If you are looking for a spacious cafe in Daerim Shopping Center, try visiting Cafe Sunset. This place is also famous for salads and sandwiches and a favorite among office workers during lunch. There are group seating and outdoor seating where you can enjoy the open sky and the sunset over Cheonggyecheon. I ordered a persimmon juice, which was freshly blended and very tasty.

The Brown Collection

This shop offers Salt Coffee and Vienna Coffee, which are signature items.

Beyond Daelim Shopping Center: Exploring Euljiro 4-ga

After exploring the delights of Daelim Shopping Center, venture out into the surrounding streets of Euljiro 4-ga. As you walk through the alleyways, you’ll discover restaurants selling LA ribs, another local favorite.

Seongwon Restaurant: A Taste of LA Galbi

One restaurant, Seongwon Restaurant, has been featured in numerous broadcasts. It’s divided into a main building and an annex. The signature dish is LA Galbi (LA-style grilled short ribs), known for its tender meat and sweet marinade. We ordered two portions of LA Galbi and one portion of Kimchi Jjigae (kimchi stew), and the combination was excellent. This restaurant was also a filming location for ‘Gourmet Hunter Heo Young-man’s Traveling Meals.’

Final Thoughts on Euljiro 4-ga’s Culinary Scene

So, what do you think of the restaurants, cafes, and dessert shops we’ve explored in Daelim Shopping Center and Euljiro 4-ga? The area boasts a high concentration of unique eateries and cafes, making it a joy to explore. The blend of retro charm and modern elements creates a truly special atmosphere. I highly recommend visiting this area when you have time to enjoy delicious food and soak in the local culture. And don’t forget to check out the nearby Cheonggyecheon Stream!

If you are looking for it, you can take the Seoul Subway Line 2 or 5 and get off at Euljiro 4-ga Station.

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Google Search Assessment

A quick Google search for “Euljiro 4-ga restaurants” reveals a wealth of information, including blog posts, articles, and reviews highlighting the area’s unique culinary scene. Most results confirm that Euljiro 4-ga is indeed a hidden gem, known for its retro atmosphere and diverse range of dining options. Search results often mention specific restaurants and cafes within Daelim Shopping Center, solidifying its reputation as a local foodie destination.

A search for “Daelim Shopping Center food” returns numerous blog posts and articles in Korean, with some translated into English. These results indicate the building’s popularity among Korean food bloggers and confirm the presence of many hidden and delicious gems inside the shopping center.