Archive: Quick Bites – Vol. VI (2025 Edition II)

26–40 minutes

Welcome to the LLAMASODA Archive! This volume contains posts from the Quick Bites series on Instagram (as well as some unpublished drafts) dating from September 2nd, 2025, to October 13th, 2025. Please note that the listed locations may no longer offer the items on their menus (and, in the worst case, may have been relocated or permanently closed).

Luft Coffee, Seoul, South Korea (September 2nd 2025)

The chill and somewhat office-like vibe of Luft Coffee really caught my eye as I was walking the streets of Seoul, so I went right in, ordered myself their signature Tiramisu Latte and a cute bunny-shaped Cookie, and headed downstairs to a pretty cool room, which I had all to myself!

It’s kind of obvious that a coffee-based dessert would go well with, well, coffee, but it really was amazing (and mind you, I’m a coffee hater)! The foam on top of the Tiramisu Latte was divinely creamy and rich, and it was a delight to sip between bites of the chunky Cookie, which, in turn, was filled with nuts, shaved coconut, and chocolate chips, and, best of all, had a lovely, moderate sweetness. I had a pleasant time just enjoying the vibe by myself downstairs!

Instagram post link (published November 26th 2025)

Yammy Cake, Seoul, South Korea (September 2nd 2025)

Looking like a bright, cutesy little wonderland, I felt a jolt of childlike joy after stepping into Yammy Cake and marveling at their pretty cakes!

I HAD to get the Classic Vanilla Cake because, well, just look at it! Not only was it a visual delight, but it was also quite delicious! It was moist, spongy, oh-so-creamy, and light, while also having a lovely sweetness to it! As for the cherry on top, I just left it aside and didn’t eat it (utter blasphemy, I know)…

(My apologies, I forgot to take a still picture for this one!)

Along with my Cake, I had the smooth and milky Iced Matcha Latte, which had an earthy, matcha-y aftertaste that coated my tongue after every sip, and also a Bergamot Peach Iced Tea (a signature item of theirs), which was quite peach-y and floral-y but a tad too sweet for me personally.

All in all, I had a lovely, sweet time at Yammy Cake!

Instagram post link (published November 27th 2025)

Pillow Coffee, Seoul, South Korea (September 6th 2025)

Writing in a quiet and cozy atmosphere while having a few bites and sips in between as a reward for writing every two or three words sounded like an ideal way to spend the afternoon, so I paid a visit to the lovely Pillow Coffee in Mullae, Seoul!

I had their gigantic Pillow Toast, which I found out wasn’t named only after the cafe but also after the bread, which was so soft (I guarantee you would get a good night’s sleep from laying your head on it!) and soaked in the delicious egg custard like a sponge. The cold, sweet ice cream on top, when eaten with the warm toast, definitely felt like the culinary version of North Europeans sweating in a sauna and then plunging into an ice-cold lake, which, of course, was delightful!

I also ordered their signature Pillow Matcha, which had a thick, creamy, and sweet (albeit a tad too sweet for me) foam on top of the latte. I really enjoyed how the matcha was very matcha-y (a rarity here in South Korea, as most are on the milky and sweet side) and how I could taste its earthy, slightly bitter notes.

I didn’t finish writing my article, but I sure did finish my Pillow Toast and Pillow Matcha!

P.S. They recently reopened after construction, so visit them to celebrate their growth!

Instagram post link (published November 27th 2025)

Liberation Sound, Seoul, South Korea (September 6th 2025)

Liberation Sound just opened recently, but the decor and the atmosphere give you the impression that it’s been around playing soothing music and serving deceptively murderous drinks for years.

I started off with a glass of the Turntable Twist, a refreshingly fruity and citrusy beverage with an almost unnoticeable alcoholic taste (which on paper is excellent, but that’s how these drinks get you!…), and then a Mango Margarita, Virgin, of course, to show my solidarity and support towards my own lack of experience with being rich and debt-free…
Unfunny jokes aside, the Margarita was lovely (though I thought the KRW 12,000 price was a little steep), and it was much needed after I gulped down the Turntable Twist as if it were water for some unexplainable reason. However, do keep in mind that it is a frozen beverage, so take your time to avoid getting a brain freeze like I did!

Instagram post link (published November 27th 2025)

Haneulmankeum, Daejeon, South Korea (September 13th 2025)

Haneulmankeum, located a little farther from Daejeon’s lively and crowded Eunhaeng-dong (dong means neighborhood in Korean), offers a moment of quiet and relaxation amongst the beautiful traditional Korean buildings.

I had the Black Sesame Cake (I’m not sure if that’s exactly what it’s called), which had a strongly distinct, nutty flavor one can only find in the titular Black Sesame, tempered by the sweet, airy cream on top. When I had the previously mentioned elements along with the buttery biscuit base and the sweet fruit sauce (I’m guessing it’s pomegranate?… Sorry, I’m too unhealthy to recognize fruits…) all at once, the dessert just elevated to a whole other level!

For my drink, I had the Iced Matcha Latte, which was quite sweet (thankfully not overwhelmingly so) and milky (the whipped cream on top made it even more milky), while the matcha taste was pretty light. As y’all know by now (if not, welcome to LLAMASODA!), I, of course, couldn’t possibly be satiated with just one drink, so I also got the Passionfruit Ade, and the combination of the sweet passionfruit puree and the bitter soda, along with the pleasant crunch of the passionfruit seeds, made for a refreshing palate cleanse from the intense nuttiness of the Black Sesame Cake.

Instagram post link (published November 28th 2025)

sketch 904, Daejeon, South Korea (September 13th 2025)

I enjoyed my evening in Daejeon at sketch 904, which had a great, chill vibe. This being Daejeon, of course, all the patrons, along with the staff, were intensely focused on the baseball game on the screen!

While doing my writing and being amused by the passionate fervor of the baseball fans, I had a glass of one of their signature cocktails, the Incredible Hulk, which was quite strong, and every sip felt like a punch right in the noggin. I really liked how the drink leaves a somewhat floral and fruity aftertaste on your tongue while your throat is set ablaze in a trail of fire. Instead of turning into a short-tempered green giant who owns the world’s sturdiest pair of shorts, I stayed being myself, the fantastic writer of the equally fantastic blog that is LLAMASODA, just a million times jollier!

Aftercare, especially after getting roughed up by something as strong as the Incredible Hulk, is always a must, so I had to soothe myself with a sweet, non-alcoholic drink. I got the November Seabreeze, a delightful vacation of a drink that tasted like a Watermelon Jolly Rancher in liquid form, though a little lighter and subtler, with a pleasant citrusy finish.

Instagram post link (published November 28th 2025)

First Coffee Lab, Seoul, South Korea (September 14th 2025)

After making your way up the deceptively brutal hills of Gangnam, you’ll find the beautiful (inside and out!) First Coffee Lab waiting for you with a variety of desserts and Insta-worthy photo spots!

I had their Truffle Oil & Gorgonzola Madeline (Papago’d name so most likely inaccurate), which might look like it’d be sweet like any other Madeline, but you’d be wrong; it had a rich, cheesy taste with a lingering savory finish! I also had their Croffle Madeline, which might look like it’d be sweet… and this time it actually was!
The Croffle Madeline was soft and doughy while also having a crunchy, caramelized bottom layer, making it a sweet treat with a fun textural experience.

It wouldn’t be a LLAMASODA review if I didn’t try a signature item, so I got one of their special Basque Cheesecakes, specifically the Creamy Vanilla Bean Basque, which had delightfully juicy strawberries on top and a smooth, creamy cheesecake underneath. I also appreciated how the subtle sweetness of the cheesecake allowed the strawberry and vanilla bean flavors to shine!

I enjoyed all of these baked goods with a glass of their Strawberry Citrus Ade, which was tart, sweet, and refreshing, making it the perfect palate cleanser between desserts. And once we were done, it was time to take some great pictures that were worthy of posting on Instagram!

Instagram post link (published December 2nd 2025)

Pho Vua, Seoul, South Korea (September 14th 2025)

Looking for a restaurant inside the Seoul Express Bus Terminal to have a meal that was delicious and filling enough to give ourselves a food coma and sleep through the hour-long ride back home, my dear friend and I, after much deliberation (in our defense, there are lots and lots of good places!), ended up at Pho Vua!

We started off with their hot and crispy Chicken Wings, which were ridiculously good, and the sweet and savory sauce that covered every inch of the wings had a little heat to it, which, as you know, is always welcome here at LLAMASODA!

Pho enthusiasts, please tell me in the comments which Pho variant this is specifically… I forgot the name!

Coming to a Vietnamese restaurant and not getting a bowl of Pho is absolutely criminal, and with us being shining examples of model citizens, we of course placed an order each and enjoyed the slippery rice noodles, a variety of vegetables that in turn brought in a variety of textures, the delightfully tender meat, and the flavorful and spicy broth. It truly was an abso-pho-cking-lutely delicious dish!

Instagram post link (published December 14th 2025)

Dear My Cookie, Pyeongtaek, South Korea (September 15th 2025)

If you’re in Seongtan, the pleasant aroma of freshly baked cookies from Dear My Cookie is near-impossible to resist, and just like me, you will somehow find yourself inside the cookie shop as if you were like a moth drawn to a flame!

First, the Double Choco Cookie was excellent, with an almost nutty, toasted flavor and a crisp exterior and crumbly soft interior!

Next, the Red Velvet Cookie, which was quite soft and moist (hence the even more squished appearance), was composed of two main elements: the sand-like cookie with a light cocoa taste and the cream cheese center, which was creamy and rich. Said elements worked together splendidly, but I noticed that on their own, they left much to be desired (just like an actual Red Velvet Cake).

All in all, Dear My Cookie is a great place to get yourself some delightfully sizable and sweet cookies!

(This post was taken from the Vault (LLAMASODA’s Version))

Counting Stars, Pyeongtaek, South Korea (September 15th 2025)

Seongtan is home to many bake shops and cafes, and Counting Stars is one of them! They’re known for their round, sizable cookies and an American retro aesthetic, and they should not be missed!

I had their recommended Salted Dark Chocolate Cookie, which was a chewy, soft treat despite its thickness. The dark chocolate chips complemented the cookie dough, and the salt enhanced the sweet-and-salty flavor! I also had their Iced Green Tea Latte, which was reminiscent of a Chai Latte, albeit with a more floral taste. The elements of the green tea paired fantastically with the milk, making it a perfectly refreshing drink!

(This post was taken from the Vault (LLAMASODA’s Version))

Nordinary Cafe, Pyeongtaek, South Korea (September 17th 2025)

With a strong desire to begin the day on a brighter note despite the gloomy gray skies above, I visited Nordinary Cafe for some bites, some sips, and a whole lot of relaxation!

I had their Iced Green Tea Latte, which was not too sweet and not too bitter, just right (Mother Bear & Goldilocks would love this drink), and the green tea had a slightly grainy feel to it, and paired with the smooth milk, brought a lovely contrast. The Egg Tart was simple and sweet (thankfully not overwhelmingly), and had a flaky pastry with a delightful custard.

Being someone who is clearly conscious of their food portions and diet, I proceeded to order a cup of Apple Cider Vinegar Tea, which was very apple-y, slightly cider-y, and very much vinegary if I may add, to sip on as I took bites of my chunky and crumbly Matcha Cookie. The cookie had a variety of textures, from the crunchy macadamia nuts, the sweet and creamy center, and the aforementioned chunkiness and crumbliness of the cookie itself, and I also loved how I could REALLY taste the matcha flavor!

P.S. Major props to the staff, who had to deal with someone who doesn’t speak Korean early in the gosh-darn morning, and also for them giving me a complimentary Financier!

(This post was taken from the Vault (LLAMASODA’s Version))

Triode, Seoul, South Korea (September 20th 2025)

“I’d like to get this cake, please!”

“Of course! How many grams do you want?”

Sounds unusual but this is what you’re going to hear at Triode, a unique cafe in Gangnam where you buy cakes by weight! I got myself the Blueberry Cakegram, which had 100g (grams) as its starting weight, and I added 50g more because why not?! The Cakegram had a lot of elements aside from the cake, such as the blueberries, airy merengue-like shards, a macaron, and a sprinkle of… herbs that I wish i could identify, and all of them contributed to the overall experience by bringing in textures and flavors. As for the cake itself, it was soft and deliciously moist, and the cream was sweet and light as air! Triode could have just let their viral cake-by-weight concept draw in the customers and serve something mediocre because most would probably just come in to see the cakes being scooped on a plate and then being weighed, but I’m so glad that they ensured the cakes were of great taste and quality that one could remember them fondly not for the concept but for how delicious they were!

Cakegram glaze (as them younguns say) aside, I also had their Chocolate Latte (unfortunately I’m not sure if it’s the actual name on the menu), which had a deep chocolate taste, followed by an almost bitter aftertaste, and it was the opposite of me: pretty rich, so it wasn’t one of those drinks that you could really gulp down. Coffee lovers, hot chocolate enthusiasts, and slow sippers should definitely try!

(This post was taken from the Vault (LLAMASODA’s Version))

The Train, Seoul, South Korea (September 20th 2025)

Mainly a space for miniature train enthusiasts to hang out and shop (let me tell you… I found out that train-collecting is an EXPENSIVE hobby!), The Train’s menu isn’t as big compared to most cafes, and they mostly have packaged snacks and drinks for purchase, but they do make a few drinks in the cafe, such as the Iced Green Tea Latte I ordered, for example! My drink traveled from behind the cafe counter to my table by train (how cool is that!). It was refreshing and light, with a sweet, milky flavor and a subtle floral note!

To my train enthusiasts and my unique-cafe-hunters, if you’re in Yongsan, why not visit The Train and have a great time?!

(This post was taken from the Vault (LLAMASODA’s Version))

A-Joint-Serving-Chinese-Noodles-And-Dumplings, Seoul, South Korea (September 20th 2025)

The wonder that is the Seoul Express Bus Terminal always comes in clutch whenever I’m looking for a quick yet delicious meal with its huge variety of restaurants, and this time I went to… a joint serving Chinese noodles and dumplings that I will for now call “A-Joint-Serving-Chinese-Noodles-And-Dumplings” as I forgot to note down the name and I can’t even find it on Naver Maps or Google…

I started off with a plate of their fat Fried Dumplings, which had crisp skins encasing soft, juicy savory meat-based fillings, and then I had a bowl of their Hong Kong Shrimp Dumpling Soup, which came in hot, and had soft, tasty dumplings along with thin, chewy noodles in a subtly savory and slightly spicy broth which made for a flavorful dish!

If you’re in the Express Bus Terminal, and you’re craving noodles or dumplings (or better, both!), A-Joint-Serving-Chinese-Noodles-And-Dumplings is the place to be!

P.S. A-Joint-Serving-Chinese-Noodles-And-Dumplings should be in the same row of restaurants where Pho Vua (a restaurant we previously covered!) is at!

(This post was taken from the Vault (LLAMASODA’s Version))

Chebudong Darak Bakery, Seoul, South Korea (September 20th 2025)

In the neighborhood of Chebu (in Jogno district), where food, beer, and complete chaos happens every second (although I’ would not change it for the world), one can find some peace and a piece (or more) of baked goods at Chebudong Darak Bakery, where one feels like they’re visiting their aunt’s house because of how inviting the staff are!

I had their freshly made Blueberry Juice, which was refreshingly light and included fruit chunks, and their Iced Green Tea Latte, which was milky and smooth, with a slightly earthy, grainy texture that I enjoyed. I also had their Bread (I could not translate its name, unfortunately), which was served warm, soft, and fluffy on the outside, with cream cheese inside, making it a simple yet pleasant snack!

(This post was taken from the Vault (LLAMASODA’s Version))

Cream & Tomato, Seoul, South Korea (September 27th 2025)

Cream & Tomato is a little restaurant on the highest floor of Kukje Electronics Center, aka Nerd Heaven Lemonade, serving Italian cuisine and also offering respite to tired souls like me and my dear friend, who spent a long time window-shopping and also should-I-buy-this-no-I-shouldn’t-actually-but-you-know-what-life’s-too-short-so-let-me pull-out-my-card kind of shopping for hundreds of anime and videogame goods and merchandise!

After our orders were taken, we were served an addictively sweet and savory snack on the house, followed by my chosen drink, the Cherry Ade, which was sweet, tart, and fizzy. Then came in the garlicky and sweet Garlic Bread (almost everything garlicky being on the sweet side here in Korea slightly irritates me if I’m being honest…) and the piping-hot Carbonara, which was delightfully creamy and had a simple, subtle taste to it. The generous sprinkle of pepper went very well with the dish and enhanced all of the other ingredients!

(This post was taken from the Vault (LLAMASODA’s Version))

TUFF ENUFF ROASTERS VER.2, Pyeongtaek, South Korea (October 8th 2025)

I’ve been to Tuff Enuff Roasters Ver.2 plenty of times with friends, and as you know, all that chit-chatting and getting all the chisme gets super-distracting, so I made sure that for this visit I came in alone and had my Notes app on the ready for you, my beloved reader! Tuff Enuff is a great cafe in all aspects: from the coffee and drinks to the desserts and baked goods to the aesthetics and atmosphere, and it has two locations in Pyeongtaek (Ver.1, which I haven’t been to yet, is in the area where you have the Pyeongtaek Port)!

I sipped on their light and smooth Iced Matcha Cream Latte, which had a matcha taste as one would expect, but with a nutty twist coming not only from the garnish of nuts on top but also from the matcha itself, while I had their Paris Salted Cheese Bread, which, although buttery and cheesy, was pretty bland. The salt and herbs on top brought a little more life to the bread, but unfortunately, once you were done with that section, you had to go through the remaining 80% of blandness.

I then had their simple and lovely Mud Chocolate Cake, which had layers upon layers of rich chocolatey-ness and had a pleasant sweetness to it, and it paired extremely well with their Signature Iced Ghirardelli Brownie Choco Latte, a heavenly drink with smooth, rich chocolate topped with crispy chocolate wafer rolls and moist, dense brownie pieces!

(This post was taken from the Vault (LLAMASODA’s Version))

Cafe Hnoni, Jeonju, South Korea (October 10th 2025)

Cafe Hnoni is a beautiful and relaxing space (the purple and pink accents are to die for) that offers a variety of items, from coffee to beer and wine, and from croiffles to ciabattas and burrata!

I had their sweet Iced Green Tea Latte, which had a surprising rose-like floral finish at the end of every sip, along with their crisp and buttery Brown Cheese Croiffle, which had an interestingly sweet and cheesy taste that was very reminiscent of South Asian sweets! All the elements, from the croiffle to the sweet and cheesy strands, were all brought together as a united front by the delicious ice cream!

(This post was taken from the Vault (LLAMASODA’s Version))

Hankook Jib, Jeonju, South Korea (October 10th 2025)

The first to sell bowls and bowls of the famous Jeonju Bibimbap (Korean Mixed Rice with Vegetables and/or Meat), Hankook Jib has garnered both national and international acclaim (it was even featured in the 2012 Michelin Guide!) since 1952! And as you can expect, you can expect to expect a wait list to get a table, which is to be expected as it sees a massive number of diners every day, which too can be ex—

Moving on, let’s talk about the Jeonju Bibimbap itself: as with most Jeonju culinary specialties, there was an abundance of fresh vegetables, and there was a nourishing and almost healing energy felt with every bite, and unlike most Bibimbaps where the sauce is at the forefront, Hankook Jib’s rendition had the vegetables and the nutty sesame front and center. It truly was a stellar dish, and I very much recommend it to everyone!

(This post was taken from the Vault (LLAMASODA’s Version))

Sambaekjip, Jeonju, South Korea (October 10th 2025)

After having Bibimbap (Korean Mixed Rice with Vegetables and/or Meat) for lunch at Hankook Jib, it just felt right to have another Jeonju specialty for dinner, so I took a KakaoT cab (not sponsored, unfortunately…) to Sambaekjip for a warm, hearty bowl of Bean Sprout Gukbap!

I started off with a plate of their marvelous Green Pepper Dumplings, which had savory fillings with a slight kick encased in thin, crisp yet chewy skins (instead of dough, you have fried green peppers!), and they came with a small bowl of dipping sauce on the side that enhanced their flavors with the saltiness! To say I was obsessed would be an understatement!

Next was the main dish, their signature Bean Sprout Gukbap (Korean Rice Soup), which, to me, felt like the perfect evolution of Bibimbap, another excellent Korean dish. It’s basically the same dish where you have rice, a variety of vegetables, and the freedom to customize it to your liking, but MUCH better, because you get a mild yet flavorful soup which is savory and also somewhat spicy, which creates an ecosystem where there is a symbiotic relationship with all of the present elements in the dish: the various vegetables and the rice enhance the soup with their different flavors, and the soup in turn also gives them a boost of flavor! I loved how there was an ungodly amount of rice, green onions, and bean sprouts, and I also enjoyed adding in the extra ingredients (although I will say, I would have still been completely fine finishing the Gukbap as is), such as the Shrimp Kimchi!

Sambaekjip should definitely be one of the many restaurants you should visit when in Jeonju!

(This post was taken from the Vault (LLAMASODA’s Version))

1938 Mansion, Jeonju, South Korea (October 10th 2025)

The beautiful, time-capsule-of-a-cafe that is 1938 Mansion was like a bright lighthouse in the night that pulled my stranded, poor soul towards it and promised me cozy vibes and delicious treats, and I can say that it did live up to said promises!

I had their Sanghamokjang Ice Cream (from my research, Sanghamokjang is a company that is known for its dairy products, but to be honest, I’m not too confident, so please, by all means, correct me if I’m wrong!), which was nothing short of fantastic, and not only was it soft enough for the spoon (speaking of the spoon, it was so gorgeous!) to cut through it like butter, it actually tasted like butter too! I feel like the milky, rich, buttery taste spoke volumes about the quality of Sanghamokjang milk!

I also had a glass of their Iced Green Tea Latte, and I know it sounds unusual, but it was one of the most green tea-est green tea lattes I’ve had in a while! Let me explain: most green tea lattes have the milk and sweeteners (even worse when they are overly sweet) heavily temper the green tea taste, but 1938 Mansion’s version had the green tea come in full force, which was great!

(This post was taken from the Vault (LLAMASODA’s Version))

Quokka Coffee, Gwangju, South Korea (October 11th 2025)

In the artsy Nam district, where an explosive creative energy lies deceptively hidden in its quiet, unassuming streets, you’ll find the wonderful Quokka Cafe, where the vibes are immaculate, and the playlist (any place that makes me go through the effort of opening Shazam to look up the songs deserves a mention) is S-tier!

Aside from the cozy ambiance and the ridiculously cute aesthetics, the items on their menu were noteworthy, too! I had the creamy and rich Quokka Choco Latte, which, as you can see in the picture (if not, I got you my friends!), the kind staff wrote a note suggesting not to mix it all up, but to drink it with all the different layers as is, which truly was a delightful experience. I loved how the sweet, thick cream mellowed the intense, rich coffee flavor, and how it paired well with the…

…Matcha Tiramisu that I had the pleasure of devouring! The cream layer had a milky and slightly cheesy taste, which is interesting considering most Tiramisus don’t really have that milkiness to them, but it worked well here with the Matcha powder and the paste.

I’d say Quokka Cafe is one of the best cafes I’ve visited here in South Korea (and trust me, I’ve been to A LOT!), so if you’re in Gwangju, which also happens to be one of the best cities in the country in my opinion (and yes, I’ve also been to A LOT!!), there’s no excuse for you to visit!

(This post was taken from the Vault (LLAMASODA’s Version))

Fav Original Dog, Gwangju, South Korea (October 11th 2025)

In the mood for something hot, greasy, and filling, I stepped into Fav Original Dog to see if I could find my new favorite place for a hot, greasy, and filling meal!

Before letting the Dog out of the kennel, I dealt with the Buffalo and the Chicken first by diving into their fresh, hot Buffalo Wings, which were juicy on the inside while the skin was sticky and chewy. It was so tasty, and the meat came off the bone with virtually no effort!

Then it was time to let the… Faginal Hotdog (that’s actually the name) out, and I got it as a meal set, so I got to choose my own drink (I got canned soda) and also got some fries fresh out of the fryer! The Faginal Hotdog was pretty decent, with some spicy and flavorful chili on top and a fat, juicy sausage underneath. It was a pretty great meal overall, and I very much appreciated that everything was freshly made!

(This post was taken from the Vault (LLAMASODA’s Version))

Heiky + CHEENUS, Gwangju, South Korea (October 11th 2025)

A little (???) sweet treat before calling it a night sounded like a fantastic idea, so before I got back to my hotel, I made sure to stop at Heiky (a growing Korean coffee franchise) and CHEENUS (a super-popular cheesecake shop)!

Let’s start with Heiky: I got a Red Bean Manju, which had a chunky paste and a chewy rice dough, and was sweet and delicious! I also had the Sour Yuzu Ade, which had a great balance of sour and fizzy, resulting in a refreshing taste, and the Iced Jeju Green Tea Latte, which was smooth, milky, and rich, with a lovely bitter aftertaste!

Next, the Original Cheesecake from CHEENUS! Boy, was I lucky to snag one of the last remaining cakes there! As soon as I removed the lid, a pleasant, cheesy aroma filled the space, and grabbing my fork and digging into the bouncy, spongy cake was a delight. As for the taste (which, of course, is always the most important!), it was ridiculously creamy and cheesy, and I’d say that every cheesecake-lover out there needs to try it!

(This post was taken from the Vault (LLAMASODA’s Version))

pairing, Mokpo, South Korea (October 12th 2025)

“Never judge a book by its cover,” they say, but nobody said anything about judging a cafe by its exterior! pairing stood out to me among the other cafes in terms of appearance and vibe in the area, and I’m glad I went in because the food was great as well!

I started off with the sweet and milky Iced Green Tea Latte, which had a lovely floral taste and had a cute marshmallow on top, and then I had the garlicky and also sweet Garlic Bun, which had a rich butter filling inside.

Next, your favorite glutton proceeded to guzzle down a glass of the naturally sweet and delicious Passionfruit Ade, which had a lovely boost of flavor from the lemon and the herbs, and then nibbled on the dense, moist, and chocolatey Brownie, bringing a sweet end to my little (?) refreshment break!

(This post was taken from the Vault (LLAMASODA’s Version))

Donggul Cafe Secret, Mokpo, South Korea (October 12th 2025)

You might think Donggul Cafe Secret is your typical, normal, and somewhat mundane cafe… But you’d be wrong… It hides a surprising… secret (badum-tsh)!… A whole (hole?) freaking cave at the back!!
It was so fun to go through, but it was pretty hot and humid (pretty crazy to feel that in October, but that’s what global warming does to you, people!), So I came back inside, and the sweet cafe staff was an angel to not only turn on the fan but also the A.C. just for me :,)

As per their recommendation, I had a plate of their Mugwort Injeolmi (Korean rice cake dessert often covered with roasted soybean powder), and boy, were they so chewy! The rice cakes were delicious on their own, but the soybean powder added a lovely dimension of earthiness, which made them even more fantastic!

The fan and the A.C. were still not enough to cool me down from the heat, so I had a glass of their Strawberry Latte, which, compared to most that I’ve had so far, was much more strawberry than milk (if that makes sense), and I was very much pleased with the composition, as the strawberry puree was delightfully tart and sweet, and most importantly, refreshing!

If you’re in the beautiful, quiet city of Mokpo, there’s no reason for you to skip on visiting this wonder of a place!

(This post was taken from the Vault (LLAMASODA’s Version))

Craft Bakery Ahttimong, Mokpo, South Korea (October 13th 2025)

A popular Korean bakery franchise operating throughout the Land of the Morning Calm, I was lucky to find an Ahttimong bakery inside the small Mokpo Bus Terminal and to snack on their rightfully popular Hodugwaja (Korean Walnut Bread) as I waited for my bus ride to Gwangju!

I got myself two variants of the adorable-looking Hodugwaja (they’re shaped like actual walnuts!), the Red Bean Paste and the Cream Cheese. The former was sweet and warm and went well with both the dough and the walnut inside the Hodugwaja, while the latter was a creamy, slightly tart treat that paired well with the walnut. I was beyond happy to find that there were more waiting for me inside the paper bag!

As much as I loved the Hodugwaja, going through all of them would’ve left my throat as dry as a desert, so I also had an Iced Green Tea Latte, which was smooth and had a refreshing bitter aftertaste!

(This post was taken from the Vault (LLAMASODA’s Version))

Haengbokhan Yangnim Bapsang, Gwangju, South Korea (October 13th 2025)

I spontaneously stepped into Haengbokhan Yangnim Bapsang for a late-afternoon lunch and ordered the Hot Stone Bibimbap, which arrived very hot, stony, and Bibimbap-py, and was just waiting for me to dig in!

Compared to most Bibimbaps that I’ve had, Haengbokhan Yangnim Bapsang’s rendition was pretty simple, and I felt that it really worked because it let the delicious toasted rice come to the forefront! As always with any Korean meal, the Bancheon (side dishes) were served as well, and this time I was served the divine Radish Soup, a fish-based dish that was oh-so-savory and appetizing, and of course, a small bowl of the inescapable (although I wouldn’t have it any other way!) Kimchi, which was pretty unique compared to the ones I’ve had previously! It was oddly reminiscent of our version of fermented vegetables, which we call “Gundruk” in Nepal, and shared similar elements, such as a quite acidic, sour taste, with bitter, earthy flavors following after.

(This post was taken from the Vault (LLAMASODA’s Version))

Hoyang Holim Roastery, Gwangju, South Korea (October 13th 2025)

A calming, beautiful space where traditional Korean and Western concepts coexist, Hoyang Holim Roastery serves fusion desserts alongside its signature coffee blends.

I started with the thick, cool Rice Shake, which was pleasantly sweet, and the simple rice flavor was nothing short of delicious (special mention to the crisp, puffy rice garnished on top of the drink that gave a lovely crunch with every sip!).

I then proceeded to enjoy a sweet dessert, which I wish I had the correct name for, as I am very sure that “Personality Music” most likely isn’t the right one (Papago unfortunately doesn’t always come through). Said sweet dessert had an apple and cinnamon compote on top, which went amazingly well with the dense and chewy dough it lay on top of.

I also had a glass of Hibiscus Lemonade, and its tangy, candy-like taste, as well as the refreshing aftertaste, worked very well as a palate cleanser and cut down the somewhat heavy sweetness of the Not-Personality-Music!

After cleansing my palate, I grabbed my spoon and dug into the Panna Cotta-like dessert (Papago failed me so much here that it didn’t even provide a translation), and it was like a beautiful collage of textures! First, there was the crispy puffed rice, making a return after livening up the Rice Shake; then there was the chunky Red Bean Paste; and at the bottom, you had the milky and sweet Panna Cotta! Tasting all these different layers at once certainly made for a delightful treat!

(This post was taken from the Vault (LLAMASODA’s Version))

stillhere, Gwangju, South Korea (October 13th 2025)

stillhere is a place where it feels like the whole world comes to a… still, except for you, who’s the only one… here, aware and present as you soak in the calm and relaxing atmosphere of the cafe…

I had a glass of their absolutely delightful Iced Earl Yuja Tea, which was the perfect drink to sip on while I wrote some poetry and reflected on my recent travels! The Earl Grey tea paired well with the Yuja puree, as both have a slightly bitter yet refreshing taste, and the former also had a smooth, floral aftertaste that complemented the latter’s fruity sweetness. I thoroughly enjoyed the iced version, but I know that the hot one would’ve been even more delightful and further release the flavors of the tea and the puree!

Regardless of whether you get the Earl Grey Yuja Tea iced or hot, or if you even decide to get a different drink instead (which would basically mean that you hate me and don’t care for my recommendations), one thing that you will be guaranteed at stillhere would be a comforting, quiet space where you can focus and reflect, which you won’t really find as easily these days.

(This post was taken from the Vault (LLAMASODA’s Version))