5 European Bakeries In Seoul
The city of Seoul is the commercial hub of South Korea as well as its capital, an energetic place that attracts both tourists and expats alike. A lot of expats and tourists enjoy staying in Seoul because the city has everything you could want as a foreigner. You have the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, and you can enjoy the cultures from all over the world found in every district in Seoul.
As an expat living in Seoul, food tourism is inevitable, especially if you are a foodie. There are many dishes to try in Korean cuisine, particularly street food such as bibimbap and tteokbokki. You’d need to get used to adjusting to the Korean palate while you are in the country, but there’ll be a time when you crave something from home. For European expats, nothing tastes like home as well as baked food, so you may be wanting to get your hands on some fresh bread and pastries. You can get pastries in Seoul, but for the taste that comes with real European patisseries, here are 5 European bakeries that can be found in Seoul.
- Paul & Paulina
- Publique
- Taffin
- Pain de echo
- The bakers table
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1. Paul & Paulina
Photo Credits:Four Square
Address: Seoul, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Uisadangdae-ro 108, Yeonhui-dong, Jamsil, Bangi-dong, Gwanghwamun, and the Hyundai Seoul
The first thing that anybody will tell you about this European bakery is that you need to be there early because of the queue that you will meet and the possibility of not finding any baked goods to buy. Paul and Paulina are open every day except Sunday, and they open late in the morning. This bakery opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m., catering to the pastry needs of its patrons.
If you are looking for a European bakery with delicious French pieces of bread and pastries, then you need to visit this bakery in Seoul. There are many baked treats for the customers who walk into Paul and Paulina, treats like pain au chocolat, German stick brezel, and many others. This bakery uses natural ingredients and makes its bread fresh every day, which is why customers troop in daily. There are no additives in their bread; instead, they make use of fermented yeast for a natural and healthy treat. Patrons get the opportunity to watch the pastry chefs knead the dough and also see their baked goods being pulled out of the many ovens.
Each of Paul and Paulina’s six franchises has the same feel and vibe. The smell of fresh bread welcoming each of its patrons, the pleasant service, and the queues that tell you the pastries are worth every bit of the hype
While this European bakery has the best bread you can get, you do not need to break your purse to enjoy it because the prices are quite fair and reasonable. If you want to taste the pastries before buying them, there are more than enough samples available for you. For tasteful yet healthy bread and pastries that remind you of home, Paul and Paulina are your best bet.
2. Publique
Photo Credits: Happy Cow
Address: Seoul, Mapo-gu, Gusu-dong, Tojeong-ro 195
While this bakery is owned by a Korean pastry chef, there is no doubt that it is a European bakery, specifically a French patisserie. The chef in charge, Chef Jang Eun-chul, is well experienced in making European baked goods, having worked in a French bakery for four years. His skills are top-notch, as his bread and pastries are a perfect replica of anything you can get back home.
Publique is so named because the bakery is accessible to the public, not only for sampling and enjoying the wonderful pastries but as a place to relax, read a book, play games, and have a good time. You can sit and enjoy your purchase as long as you keep in mind that it gets crowded during rush hour. Being a half-shop, half-bakery, this European bakery offers almost everything from pastries and bread like strawberry tarts and baguettes to cakes and even oil and milk products. You can get your delicious baked goods because they are open every day of the week.
If you have a thing for French pastries, then heading down to Publique is the best option you have. The chef adopts the French style of bread fermentation using flour imported from France, making for organic, healthy, and digestible pastries. The quality is guaranteed, and the pastries are all affordable. For those interested in vegan pastries, this bakery also offers vegan options. There is even bread made with rye, wheat, and whole wheat for those interested. Publique is the place for a relaxed and enjoyable meal of French pastries and bread.
3. Taffin
Photo Credits: Four Square
Address: Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Huam-ro 20
This European bakery is famous for specialising in French cakes and pastries. It opened first in Lyon in 2012, and then the owners decided to move it to Seoul. Since their opening in 2019, the owners, Corentin Taffin, the patissier, and Suh Yeon Lee, the boulangerie, have worked hard to provide the best French pastries you’ve ever tasted.
The baked treats this bakery offers range from classic baked goods like baguettes, croissants, and pain au chocolat to exquisite creations like gâteaux de voyage. Taffin has a large menu, so there is something for everyone who stops by this cosy bakery. If you feel the need for sandwiches, they are also provided at this bakery. Everything you eat at Taffin takes you on a delicious journey to France; it doesn’t matter which exact pastry you take, and they are all perfect French pastries. Once you’ve had a taste of the treats in stock at this European bakery, factory-made pastries will not be an option anymore.
They are open from Tuesday to Saturday and are closed on Sundays and Mondays. Tuesday to Friday, Taffin opens by 10 a.m. and closes by 7 p.m.; they open earlier on Saturdays but close at the same time. Taffin might not be the biggest European bakery in Seoul, but it has high-quality products that patrons will recommend.
4. Pain de echo
Photo Credit: Mango Plate
Address: Seoul, Seongdong-gu, Yeonmujang-gil 44
This is another European pastry shop that you should definitely walk into while you are in Seoul and craving good European pastries. This bakery is located on the second floor of the building and has customers and lovers of baked goods trooping in and out from when it opens at 11 a.m. until when it closes at 7pm You should note, however, that Pain de Echo does not open on Mondays and Tuesdays, so you can come from Wednesday to Sunday to get your fill of the baked products they offer.
If you want a bakery that uses sourdough in making its bread, then Pain de Echo is the bakery you are looking for. They are well known for being one of the bakeries in Seoul that uses sourdough. All the baked goods they provide, including rye and whole wheat bread, in addition to croissants and baguettes, are made using natural wheat as well as fermented yeast. So when you can be sure that the pastries you are consuming are healthy and organic,
While the main focus of this bakery is on delicious bread, pastry and cake lovers also have a lot of treats available to them, although the bread is a must-try. This European bakery usually packs a crowd during the weekends, which means baked goods will be flying off the shelf as soon as they hit them. You want to come early so you can get everything you want and also avoid the rush.
5. The bakers table
Photo Credit: Happy Cow
Address: Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Noksapyeong Daero 244-1
This is a German-style bakery and restaurant for expats who enjoy and crave German and whole-grain bread. Not only does this European bakery offer baked goods for sale, but they also have a breakfast and brunch menu and seating for those who want to enjoy their purchase right there.
If you need German food, there are chicken sandwiches, soups, and even German schnitzel. You can also get spreads, wine, and beer at this bakery. Everything you need is available to you daily, as this bakery is open every day of the week from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Even by 8 a.m., the shelves are filled with delicious goodies for patrons who want to start their morning with pastries and beverages.
The service you get at the bakers table is commendable, and the pastries and foods are available at fair prices, so there is no excuse not to stop by. The ambiance at the bakers table is relaxing and easy, making it a perfect place to spend a relaxing hour or two. For enjoyable and mouth-watering German-style pastries and foods, head over to this European bakery and get your fill since it is the best and only one of its kind in Seoul.
As an expat or foreigner in Seoul, no matter the duration of your stay, you should try out these lovely bakeries and prepare to be amazed. It is guaranteed to be a taste of home away from home.