With everything that's been going on, it might be a while until we're able to roam the streets of South Korea again. And while there are plenty of takeout and delivery options for food that'll satisfy our k-ravings, sitting in a cafe to enjoy authentic Korean food just hits different, you know? Here's some good news: You don't have to go *too* far for an experience that's straight out of your favorite K-drama. A cool new spot called Seollem Cafe opened in Baguio, and we're already daydreaming about our future visit.
Seollem cafe is a new Korean cafe in Baguio
Seollem Cafe is the brainchild of Pat Bernardo and RM de Vera and their business partners, Eva and Leo. In the beginning of the pandemic, the two got hooked on Crash Landing On You, and eventually, on Korean culture as well. In an exclusive interview with Cosmopolitan Philippines, Pat said, "We are not a Korean-inspired cafe; we are a Korean cafe."
The entrepeneur shared, "You'll see familiar plugs, light switches, furniture, utensils, towels, trays, lamps, chillers, aprons, caps, packaging, and brands from K-dramas and Korean commercials since 96 percent of Seollem Cafe is from South Korea. Most of the ingredients and cooking equipment are from South Korea, too. Our flavor profiles and aesthetic are 100 percent Korean. We do it as close as you can get!" The goal? "We want to make your heart flutter each time you visit us." Hoping to educate their customers about the culture, Seollem Cafe's staff or chingus are trained through classes on the language and trends in Korea.
The first floor of Seollem Cafe is reminiscent of Danbam (yes, from Itaewon Class), thanks to its industrial finish and cozy fixtures.
The top floor has an office-style cafe look that's very much like Se-ri's space in CLOY. If you look closely, you'll see decors that remind you of our #RiRi couple's love story. Aww!
Now, let's talk about the food, shall we? They, of course, offer Korean fried chicken. Pair that with a glass of cold beer and you'll probably never leave Baguio, lol! According to their dine-in menu, you can get the fried chicken in different flavors: Original (P310), Yangyeom (P330), Fire (P330), Cheese (P350), Garlic Parmesan (P370), Soy (P330), and Korean Buffalo (P350).
Seollem Cafe also has so many types of sandwiches; two of their must-try selections are the Premium Toasts and the Korean Street Toasts.
If you're in the mood for some pasta, they have two kinds: the Shrimp Rose Pasta (P230) and Bulgogi Pasta (P225)!
For drinks, some of the bestsellers include their Misutgaru Tea Latte (P135/P155), Black Sesame Latte (P145/P165), and Matcha Tea Latte (P165/P185).
Pat and her partners have a lot in store for Seollem Cafe. They are already planning to launch Korean trucks (yes, like the ones celebs send each other to show their support!). They're thinking of serving corn dogs, popular street food, and pastries—how exciting! They're also exploring how to best showcase several kinds of Korean cafes from different provinces in South Korea with their famous dishes. We can't wait!
The prices indicated here are from their dine-in menu. For more information, check out Seollem Cafe on Instagram.
MORE KOREAN FOOD YOU CAN'T RESIST:
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Where To Buy Korean Corn Dogs, AKA Your New Favorite Snack
Where To Order Delicious Gimbaps To Satisfy Your K-ravings
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