Let’s be real, you can find good baked goods everywhere. However, rarely do you find that one pastry that is markedly better. I was love-struck in Seoul by Anguk 153. Something irresistible brought me back and back again.
On our first night in Seoul, on the way to the Seoul Lantern Festival, within five minutes of stepping out of our Bukchon I came across a peculiar yet inviting bakery. I took a peaked and walked along wondering what was inside. The next morning the smell of baking bread wafted as I turned the corner on Yulgok-ro. I will not lie, I had just enjoyed an amazing traditional Korean breakfast at my stay Cheong Yeon Jae, but I could not pass on my traditional Cappuccino and brioche. Curiosity got to me, and a second breakfast was in order at Anguk 153.
What draws you in are the milk white bread loaves neatly stacked in the display in the storefront. When you walk in, you are surrounded by up to 30 choices of freshly made bread on the ground floor. A few steps up is the second floor or the cash register and kitchen working station. The open kitchen atmosphere allows all those who enter a chance to see exactly how their bread is made and what goes in it. Anguk 153 is as transparent as a bakery can be. It feels more like a home kitchen, see through ovens indicating what’s baking inside, and a siloed island in the middle of the kitchen where all the bakers work around. The third floor is where you can enjoy your cappuccino and croissant. The atmosphere is back to the olden days with classic chairs and tables, rustic wooden floors and ceilings—very minimalistic.
The ground floor The second floor with open kitchen The third level
Every morning, the moment they took their wares from the oven, I’d be at the bakery, my nose pressed to the glass waiting for them to bring out all the baked goods. One day I smelled chocolate custard croissants, on another butter brown sugar brioches, another lemon madeleines and on another sausage bread. Every morning a new and mouth-watering smell. Anguk 153 is very environmentally conscious and you’ll notice their conscious effort on the ground floor as well. For example, all the bread options are written down in a marker on a cut out board of a cardboard box. Nothing goes to waste.
Chocolate and custard pastries
Butter Brown Sugar Lemon Madeleins Sausage bread Viennoise and Squid with Cream Cheese
Custard pastry
The secret to most Asian baked goods versus Western one’s is that they are less sweet and lighter. Most of the character comes from the presentation of this serene bakery, but the unusual baked good shapes, infused with various fillings, flaky on the outside and moist and airy through the center make for an unforgettable treat any time of day. Whether you are looking for a morning pick-me-up, a sandwich for lunch, or some just some freshly made bread loaves, Anguk 153 has got an array of the most unforgettable baked goods in all of Seoul. Trust me, this is THE spot.
This small, artisan bakery is located just steps away from Bukchon Hanok Village and Gyeongbokgung Palace.
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3 comments
Wow this looks like heaven! I feel like I should visit Seoul just for the food alone!