Anguk-dong in Seoul is one of the few neighbourhoods in Seoul where you can see an interesting juxtaposition of old and new architectural styles, featuring traditional Korean houses made from bricks contrasting with modern shop fronts.

Its favourable position near tourist attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village has made Anguk-dong a popular destination among those who are interested in culture and cafe hopping.

Here are 8 Places To Check Out In Anguk-dong, Seoul.

#1 C FLAMINGO

Aesthetically pleasing desserts are everything but where better to enjoy them than C Flamingo? The dessert cafe at Anguk-dong may not have real flamingoes but it certainly has an appealing array of cakes and beverages.

64 Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-722-3454
Nearest Station: Anguk

#2 CAFE BORA

One of the better-known dessert cafes in Anguk-dong, Cafe Bora’s speciality is their Purple Sweet Potato Iceflakes which is essentially bingsu made with sweet potato. Other bingsu flavours you can get there are Green Tea and Strawberry.

For those who are not a fan of bingsu, Cafe Bora offers other sweet treats including Sweet Potato Ice Cream, Steamed Sweet Potato Bun and Chickpea Ice Cream.

75-3 Yulgok-ro 3-gil
Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70 8613 5537
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Anguk

#3 DODO

Visitors are welcomed by the sight of a lovely front garden as they walk into dodo. The cafe specialises in coffee, but you can also find food like tacos (W6,000), hamburger (W7,000) and their signature waffles (W13,000) on the menu.

Bukchon-ro 5-gil
119-1 Samcheong-Dong, Jongno-gu
Tel: +82 2 737 7236
Daily: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest station: Anguk

#4 GLOBO COFFEE FAKTORY

We are letting you in on a little secret that we found out at GLOBO Coffee Faktory—there is a secret hideout nestled within the cafe! Just looking at the modern entrance of the cafe, we could hardly believe our eyes when we found out that there is a hidden spot that looks almost like a traditional Korean tea house.

GLOBO Coffee Faktory roasts their own coffee beans in-house with a large probat roaster and guests are able to choose up to seven different types of coffee beans from around the world.

17 Bukchon-ro 5ga-gil,
Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-722-6269
Daily: 9.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Anguk

#5 HIT THE SPOT BAKERY

You cannot miss this two-storey French bakery which serves an impressive array of artisanal fresh bakes. If you cannot decide what to order, go for their best seller which is the Ice Cream on Brioche.

#6 MUKSHIDONNA

Mukshidonna Tteokbokki is a simple Korean restaurant that focuses on serving stews in a communal pot, and the stew is up to you to customise. The base is basically the same stock, and you pick from an array of ingredients to go into your pot.

It has several outlets in Seoul—including Garosugil and Hongdae—but you should dine at the original outlet at Anguk-Dong.

74-7 Yulgok-ro 3-gil,
Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 723 8089
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Anguk

#7 O’SULLOC TEA HOUSE

O’sulloc is a tea salon in Seoul that pays homage to Korean green tea from Jeju Island, with branches in Myeongdong, Apgujeong, Insadong and Daehangno. With green tea as the core ingredient, the cafe offers ice cream, tea, green tea milk spread and more.

There are also tea accessories sold in the stores for you to purchase as souvenirs or for individual use back at home.

170 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 732 6427
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Anguk 

#8 RADIO M

Another dessert cafe at Anguk-dong neighbourhood, Radio M is a paradise for those with a sweet tooth. Their attention is focused on three things only—coffee, desserts and bingsu. If you are not intending to stay for long, you can also grab a cup of coffee, tea or smoothie on the go at their takeout counter.

128-4 Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 737 4669
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Anguk

Located on the first level of Gek Poh Shopping Centre in Jurong West, OH MY MANGO is a new dessert cafe that breathes new life into the somewhat run-down neighbourhood shopping centre. Specialising in Thai-inspired sweet treats, their menu boasts more than 40 different items from desserts to colourful beverages and even assorted Shibuya toasts that are available in both sweet and savoury varieties.

If you think that this is just another neighbourhood dessert pitstop, think again. On their menu, you can expect to find some pretty interesting offerings such as their Tom Yum Goong Toast (S$6.90) which is somewhat similar to a pizza except with the addition of the spicy and zesty flavours of Thailand’s iconic dish.

Those living in the West of Singapore truly have something to be glad about, especially with so many interesting cafes and eateries sprouting up around the area. Whether it’s a quick coffee run or a much-needed sugar spike, OH MY MANGO Dessert Cafe is a great option to consider.

This humble establishment has both indoor and outdoor seating but ordering is done in the separate unit just next door. Here, the overall appearance is kept minimalistic with plenty of hipsterish decors to give it a cafe-like vibe.

Their menu features more than 40 items ranging from sweet bingsu, a wide array of Shibuya toast options and a pretty extensive range of beverage options—from the iconic Thai milk tea to some quirky innovations.

Going by the name of OH MY MANGO, it would be a waste if we did not try at least one mango dessert, and boy were we impressed by the Fresh Mango Toast (S$10.90).

Comprising a scoop of mango-flavoured ice cream, cubes of deliciously sweet mango and a sprinkling of crushed almonds atop a thick and crispy slab of buttery toast, this to us gives the typical ice-cream-and-waffle combination a serious run for its money.

For the matcha fans, the Matcha Green Tea Bingsu (S$9.90) works up a real treat especially with the addition of a sticky red bean purée and crushed almonds that not only provides a nice texture to the bingsu but also bolsters the bitter green tea flavour with a hint of sweetness.

Anyone who loves Thai food will surely appreciate their Mango Sticky Rice (S$6). Simply put, this popular Thai dessert comes with no gimmicks attached. It comprises sweet sticky rice, fresh mangoes and a salted coconut sauce that you can pour over everything.

We have tried numerous variations all over, but the qualities that we believe determine a solid mango sticky rice dessert is the consistency of the coconut sauce and the freshness of the mango—which the good folks here nail down beautifully.

OH MY MANGO Dessert Bar
762 Jurong West Street 75
#01-334 Gek Poh Shopping Centre
Singapore 3640762
Tel: +65 9066 0426
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Boon Lay

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best cafes in the West of Singapore.

That moment when the lava oozes out of a Molten Lava Cake is almost unbeatable. We are all familiar with a chocolate lava cake, served warm with a center that gushes out once you cut it open.

What most do not know is that there are so many more flavours of lava cakes out there just waiting for you to try. We picked out the bests of many to share with you the best unique lava cakes in Singapore.

From Matcha to Peanut Butter, Misugaru (Korean grain) and Mao Shan Wang - here is a list of the 10 most unique lava cakes in Singapore. Now, it is time to explore!

#1 ARTISAN BOULANGERIE CO. – RASPBERRY CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKE

This might look like the most boring or mild of the lot, but we can assure you that the cake itself is top notch. The cake did not taste overpowering with either chocolate or raspberry, and ABC managed to balance out all the flavours nicely in their Raspberry Chocolate Lava Cake (S$9). The warm cake will go perfectly alongside an iced cuppa.

118 Killiney Road
#01-01
Singapore 239555
Tel: +65 6444 8130
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#2 EAST 8 – MOLTEN LAVA PEANUT BUTTER DARK CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKE

It was exciting digging into this beauty. While the cake (S$15) looked simple on the outside, molten warm peanut butter flows out magnificently upon digging in. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is not new, but we loved how East 8 took the road less travelled and grabbed the opportunity to create this stunning lava cake.

10 Coleman Street
#01/21-22
Singapore 179809
Tel: +65 6338 8289
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri: 12pm – 12am
Sat: 6pm- 12am
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: City Hall

#3 FYR CYCENE OND DRINC – PISTACHIO LAVA CAKE

Served with pandan ice cream, this dish has all the goodness of a perfect molten lava cake, minus the richness of chocolate. Good news for those who do not like decadent cakes! The distinct flavours of cinnamon added a nice touch to the dessert and the subtle hint of pistachio was weaved in together nicely. FYR’s Pistachio Lava Cake (S$10) has kept us longing for more.

19 Boon Tat Street
01-01
Singapore 069619
Tel: +65 +65 6221 3703
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 11pm
Sat: 9am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

#4 FIVE & DIME – GOLDEN CUSTARD LAVA CAKE

Five & Dime were one of the first to hop onto the salted egg yolk bandwagon by introducing their Golden Custard Lava Cake (S$12). Anything that oozes out with salted egg yolk goodness gets our heart, and Five & Dime totally aced this dessert dish.

Five & Dime’s Golden Custard Lava Cake is listed in our guide to 18 to-die-for salted egg yolk dishes in Singapore.

297 River Valley Road
Singapore 238338
Tel: +65 9236 5002
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 10am
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12am
Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#5 HAHA THAI – RED VELVET LAVA CAKE

We were surprised to see a Thai restaurant serving lava cake, let alone Red Velvet Lava Cake (S$10.80) with a side of coconut ice cream! The cake looked unnervingly red when it first reached the table, but just like any good red velvet cake, the Red Velvet was subtly sweet with a distinct chocolatey taste. The refreshing coconut ice cream cuts the richness of the cake to make it more palatable.

Ngee Ann City
391 Orchard Rd, #05-29
Singapore 238873
Tel: +65 9437 0443
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#6 ICE EDGE CAFE – MAO SHAN WANG LAVA CAKE

The Mao Shan Wang Lava Cake (S$14.80) at Ice Edge Cafe shall be the Archilles’ heel for all durian lovers. The cake itself was surprisingly light and far from overwhelming. We made it even more badass with a scoop of Mao Shan Wang ice cream to be served with the lava cake. Best decision ever.

2 Kovan Road
Singapore 548008
Tel: +65 6858 5729
Daily: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Kovan

#7 OSIA – VALRHONA HOT CHOCOLATE SOUP

This simple molten lava cake is served alongside black pepper ice cream. Yes, you heard us right. Black pepper. Somehow the marriage of black pepper ice cream with a classic chocolate cake worked perfectly well. Don’t worry, it is still safe for the kids.

Resorts World Sentosa
26 Sentosa Gateway #02-140/141
Singapore 098139
Tel: +65 6577 6688
Daily: 12pm – 10.30pm
(Closed on Wednesdays)
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

#8 SYNC KOREAN TAPAS BAR – MISUGARU LAVA CAKE

The Misugaru Lava Cake (S$8.90) is made up of 10 different Korean grain that bears a taste primarily made up of barley and lotus. This is probably the ‘healthiest’ tasting of the lot – significantly lighter on the palate, and nothing overly “heaty”. We love that it is topped with fruits for a kick of acidity!

12 Maju Avenue
Serangoon Garden
Singapore 556690
Tel: +65 62820612
Daily: 3pm -12am
Nearest Station: Serangoon

#9 TO-GATHER CAFE – MATCHA LAVA CAKE

Matcha has always been a popular flavour and To-gather Cafe has gained some popularity with their take on a Matcha Lava Cake (S$7.20). The matcha flavour was distinct, and it makes such a pocket-friendly option!

Blk 84 Bedok North St 4
#01-27
Singapore 460084
Tel: +65 6445 1011
Mon to Thu, Sun: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bedok

#10 VIOLET HERBS – VALRHONA CHOCOLATE FONDANT WITH TRUFFLE OIL

When you are dining at Violet Herbs, make sure to get the Valrhona Chocolate Fondant (S$16). The surprise of this dessert lies in the fact that it comes with truffle oil – an unexpected ingredient that actually makes the dessert even more fragrant.

81 Tras Street
Tanjong Pagar Conservation Area
Singapore 079020
Tel: +65 6221 3988
Mon to Sat: 11:30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.

Matcha might be a passing trend to some but die-hard enthusiasts of Matcha will prove you wrong, especially when specialised Matcha cafes such as Maccha House are still garnering a steady crowd on a daily basis.

Besides bursting with health benefits, Matcha also tastes unbelievably good and acts as a flavour enhancement to both sweet and savoury dishes. Maccha House serves an array of Japanese-style savoury mains (think udon and rice bowls), but we say skip the mains, and dive right for their amazing desserts.

Matcha drinks are also really popular here and we can see why. Their matcha latte is one of our favourites and one that we always return for.

The Matcha Tiramisu (S$6) was served in a wooden box and comes with a miniature cup of tea on the side. One thing to note about the price point here is that everything is relatively inexpensive. We liked that the tiramisu was not too sweet but the taste of Matcha was still distinct.

Another dessert worth mentioning is the Matcha Chocolate Parfait (S$10), which is good to share for two. The star of the show was the rich and thick Matcha ice cream that had an intense taste of the fabulous Japanese green tea powder. The azuki and cornflakes added a textural diversity and complemented the concentrated Matcha flavours really well.

We would definitely return back to Maccha House for their sweet treats, or to stop by just to get some matcha ice cream on cone. Or maybe just a simple cup of their Matcha latte.

Maccha House
181 Orchard Road
#B1-40 Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 +65 6636 5830
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.

A good matcha latte is a definite staple drink for all matcha lovers. Matcha has been made popular in Singapore ever since the food community in Singapore adopted a love for Japanese cuisine, and more and more restaurants, eateries and dessert cafes have implemented the use of this healthy ingredient into the food they serve.

Matcha has been incorporated into almost every food type imaginable. Matcha noodles, matcha ice cream, matcha cheese cake and even matcha waffles. But despite the many options out there, sometimes all we need is a good ‘ol matcha latte.

Where do you get the best matcha lattes in Singapore? Read on to find out the Top 7 Matcha Lattes in Singapore.

#1 HOSHINO COFFEE

This popular French-Japanese cafe from Japan is in Singapore with three swanky outlets, and we cannot love their matcha latte enough. True to its Japanese roots, Hoshino Coffee serves one of the best Matcha Latte (S$9) in town. It may sound expensive, but we would gladly pay for the premium quality and to catch up with our friends in the relaxing environment.

13, Stamford Road, #B2-55, Capitol Piazza
Singapore 178905
Daily: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

#2 MACCHA HOUSE

Maccha House is a specialised matcha cafe/restaurant, serving their signature matcha drinks and desserts, alongside hot and savoury mains such as ramen noodles. The Hot Matcha Latte (S$3.80) is a true delight indeed. There are different variations such as Iced Matcha Latte with Azuki and Shiratama (S$6.40), and Matcha Chocolate Latte (S$5.40).

This beautiful cup contains none of the fake powdery ones used in cheap bottled drinks. Definitely one of our favourites.

#B1-40, Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6636 5830
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#3 NANA’S GREEN TEA

Voted the best Japanese cafe once, Nana’s Green Tea does not disappoint. Their Matcha Latte is, without a doubt, a must-try. Although Nana’s also offers savoury mains, we say skip it and dive right for their matcha items – ice cream, desserts and drinks.

The Atrium @ Orchard
Plaza Singapura 60B, #03-80/82
Singapore 238891
Tel: +65 6684 4312
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Gaut

#4 PIES & COFFEE

You might be wondering why Pies & Coffee since they specialise primarily in pies and well, coffee. But we have to admit that the matcha latte here is pleasant Soothe your throat with a strong (but not too strong) and distinct matcha taste; this is the perfect drink to consume after wolfing down their delicious array of pies.

35 Rochester Drive
#01-02, Rochester Mall
Singapore 138639
Tel: +65 6570 0080
Daily: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Buona Vista

#5 SAINT MARC CAFE

You can get a more-than-decent cup of Matcha Latte at Saint Marc Cafe for only S$5. A perfect combination is to pair this up with their ever-popular chocolate croissants or as they name it, ChocoCro. While this matcha latte is not the richest or most intense on the list, we love the fact that it goes down smoothly and is easy to drink.

And if you have the Entertainer App – one of the best dining apps in Singapore – you can enjoy a 1-for-1 deal on the Matcha Latte.

6 Raffles Blvd, Marina Square
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6338 8606
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

#6 THE ASSEMBLY GROUND

As huge fans of matcha lattes, we were happy to find out that The Assembly Ground serves a really good cuppa. The Matcha Latte (S$5.50) is nice and smooth and we were surprised to know that they serve one so good that we would definitely make a return trip for. Not to mention that The Assembly Ground is the perfect place to kick back with a warm cup of drink.

#01-21 The Cathay
2 Handy Road
Singapore 229233
Tel: +65 67333375
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

#7 TSUJIRI

Tsujiri is an institution known for its Japanese tea and matcha desserts in Kyoto. As you can only take away drinks here, we highly recommend just going for the classic Matcha Latte (S$5.60). The matcha flavours are crazy intense but so good at the same time. Die-hard matcha fans will definitely fall in love with it right away.

313 Orchard Road
#B3-53 313 Somerset
Singapore 238895
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somserset