ElaineSeoul is overflowing with food spots, from street stalls to trendy cafes. It seems like there’s a new must-try dish around every corner. As a confessed TikTok addict and long-time South Korea lover, my feed is constantly filled with tempting Seoul food recommendations, from buttery salt bread to aesthetic cafes. So, when I finally had the chance to return to South Korea this year, I decided to see if these viral spots were really worth the hype. Here’s how it went.
Also read: Getting Around Seoul: The Ultimate Guide for Singaporean Explorers
1. Jayeondo Salt Bread (자연도 소금빵)
If there’s one food trend that has completely taken over South Korea, it’s sogeum-ppang (salt bread). Naturally, I had to find out what the fuss was about.
I visited Jayeondo Salt Bread on a Thursday evening around 6pm. The queue looked intimidating at first, but the staff were impressively efficient. I got my order within ten minutes. The salt bread was fresh out of the oven, piping hot and golden brown. I couldn’t resist biting into it immediately. It was divine, crisp on the outside, buttery and soft on the inside, and wonderfully savoury.
Tip: There’s only one item on the menu, the 4-piece salt bread set, so don’t get confused when ordering at the self-service kiosk.
Worth it? Definitely.
Address: 56-1 Yeonmujang-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Seongsu-dong Branch) / South Korea, Seoul, Mapo-gu, Yanghwa-ro 21-gil, 33 1 층 (Hongdae Branch) / 21-17 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
2. Rain Report Cafe (Hannam-dong Branch)
You’ve probably seen this one all over TikTok: a cafe where it literally rains all day. It had been on my list for ages, and I finally made it there.
To reach the cafe, you walk through a narrow path that opens up to a sleek, two-storey space with plenty of seating (including private rooms for larger groups). Outside, there’s a fascinating setup where a machine makes it “rain” continuously, and you can borrow umbrellas to stroll under the drizzle for photos. Inside, the sound of falling rain adds a calming touch to the ambience.
I tried the lemonade, which was a little too sour for me, though refreshing on a warm day. My mother wasn’t a fan of the coffee, unfortunately.
Worth it? Only if you’re going for the vibes (not the drinks).
Address: 85 Sowol-ro 40-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
3. Ikseon Chwihyang
If you’ve been following SeoulTok, you’ll know that rose pasta has become a viral sensation. It’s a Korean fusion dish made with cream sauce and gochujang (Korean red pepper paste). As a pasta enthusiast, I couldn’t resist.
Ikseon Chwihyang serves one of the best versions I’ve ever had. The sauce had just the right kick of spice, and the pork belly that came with it was melt-in-your-mouth good. It was probably one of the best meals I had in Seoul.
Tip: Go early, preferably before opening time, to avoid long queues. Alternatively, make a reservation.
Worth it? Definitely.
Address: 17-32 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
4. Aqua Garden Cafe
Love aquariums? This one’s for you. Aqua Garden Cafe combines a coffeehouse with a full underwater experience. Every seat faces a giant fish tank, making it feel like you’re sipping a drink inside an aquarium.
I ordered the mango yoghurt drink, and it was so good I finished every last drop. The atmosphere was peaceful and mesmerising. It’s a great place to unwind after a long day of exploring.
Worth it? Definitely.
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Songpa District, Olympic-ro, 300 지하1층 아쿠아가든카페 (Located in: Lotte World Mall)
5. Seongsu Darak
Another rose pasta spot, this one’s conveniently located near Seongsu, perfect for a mid-shopping meal. But this version was quite different; it didn’t have that usual tanginess. Instead, it was made with a homemade meat sauce and whipped cream, giving it a richer, sweeter, subtler flavour. It wasn’t bad, just not what I expected.
If you prefer the classic rose pasta profile, the spicy cream pasta here is closer, though it’s very spicy.
Worth it? Only if you’re already in the area.
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Seongdong-gu, Ttukseom-ro 9-gil, 20 2층
6. Jangin Dakgalbi
I fell in love with dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) the first time I tried it in South Korea, and this chain cemented that love. Think juicy chicken, melted cheese, and a spicy gochujang sauce. Comfort food at its finest.
Worth it? Definitely.
Address: (Multiple Locations)
7. Kyungyang Katsu (Yeonnam-dong)
I stumbled upon this restaurant while strolling around Yeonnam-dong, and it turned out to be one of my best meals in Seoul. Kyungyang Katsu serves up what I can confidently call the best tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) I’ve ever had.
The food is cooked to order and arrives piping hot. The meat is tender and full of flavour, paired with seasoned rice and a small bowl of chilled noodles. It’s a refreshing contrast that complements the dish beautifully.
Worth it? Definitely.
Address: 260-29 Yeonnam-dong Mapo-Gu, Seoul
8. Yoajung
You’ve likely seen Yoajung’s famous frozen yoghurt (froyo) bowls all over your feed, and yes, one has even opened in Singapore’s SCAPE. Still, I wanted to try the original in Seoul.
While the froyo was creamy and not overly tart, I couldn’t help but notice the price, about S$11–12 per bowl. The portions were generous, though, with plenty of toppings.
Worth it? Only if you’re craving froyo or want to tick it off your Seoul list.
Address: (Multiple Locations)
9. Mibbedong
Calling all salmon lovers, Mibbedong is your paradise. Here, the noodles are made from salmon instead of wheat, resulting in a light, refreshing, and surprisingly satisfying dish. The broth is mild and clean, making it perfect for those who enjoy fresh seafood flavours.
That said, if you’re not a big fan of salmon, this might be a little overwhelming.
Worth it? If you love salmon, absolutely!
Address: 384-8 Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-Gu Seoul
10. The Coffee.
I saw this spot making the rounds on TikTok as a newly opened matcha and coffee place in Seoul, so I decided to try it out. Both times I visited Seoul this year, I ordered their Ichigo Strawberry Matcha.
The first time, it was decent, balanced and pleasantly sweet. But when I revisited a few months later, the drink was far too sugary and tasted slightly off. It seems consistency isn’t their strong suit.
Worth it? Not really, you can find better matcha spots elsewhere.
Address: 27 Seoulsup 2-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Also read: How I Managed to Save Money While Exploring Seoul
Final thoughts
Seoul’s viral food scene is as exciting as it looks online, but not every spot is a must-visit. If you’re short on time, Jayeondo Salt Bread, Ikseon Chihyang, Jangin Dakgalbi, and Kyungyang Katsu truly live up to the hype. The rest? Fun for the experience, but not essential.
Whether you’re hunting for aesthetic cafes or crave-worthy local bites, there’s no denying that Seoul continues to set the standard for food trends around the world.
