The Whole Shebang breakfast is a formidable contender for the finest breakfast in Seoul.
By Ryan Walters for My Guide Seoul
What does breakfast mean in Seoul? Inquire with the local Koreans and they will enlighten you that breakfast is constituted of three fundamental elements: Rice, Kimchi, and Soup - in addition to whatever remnants can be found in the refrigerator. The customary Korean breakfast may encompass yesterday's bulgogi or a pot of kimchi jjigae that has been resting in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
However, the concept of breakfast is rapidly evolving with the influx of Western residents. Seoul is embracing "foreign breakfasts" in a significant manner!
When the people of Seoul feel an urge for an exquisite breakfast or brunch, they head out for Western cuisine. This entails all the familiarities of home - bacon, eggs, pancakes, sausages, toast, coffee - and an array of accompanying beverages. One can now procure dependable, reliable, and delectable breakfast options from various establishments throughout Seoul.
The choices available are vast - we shall introduce five distinctive breakfasts in five unique styles that guarantee to satisfy any breakfast craving. In need of a brunch date? We have you covered. Need something to replenish your energy after a night of revelry that continues into the morning? We've got just the thing.
Click here to discover My Guide Seoul's top breakfast venues in Seoul...
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Suji's is a renowned establishment situated at the entrance of Itaewon. It prides itself as a New York-style restaurant and deli that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is a popular destination for small groups, attracting patrons of all ages.
At Suji's, one can indulge in a traditional, reliable foreign-style breakfast. They offer all the breakfast essentials, along with some unexpected surprises.
Scrambled eggs, pancakes, home fries, and toast are just a few highlights here. Moreover, Suji's boasts several different omelettes, including the Denver, Spanish, and Suji's deli varieties, as well as the option to create your own. To elevate your experience, Eggs Benedict and Eggs Florentine are also available - a rarity in Seoul.
Given that Western cuisine is perceived as a special treat by Koreans, these breakfast options do not come cheap, ranging from 12,000 won to north of 18,000 won. However, the generous portions ensure a satisfying meal.
For those seeking a simpler, more affordable alternative, Suji's offers an on-the-go breakfast for just 3,900 won between 8 - 10am, Monday - Friday. There are three budget-friendly breakfast sets to choose from: a bagel with cream cheese, an English muffin with egg salad, or a cinnamon roll. All sets include a complimentary coffee.
Suji's Deli & Restaurant is conveniently located at the entrance of Itaewon, situated to the left of the famous "Welcome to Korea" archway.
Address: Yongsan-gu, Itaewon-dong 34-16 2nd Floor.
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People in Seoul are known for their exceptional work ethic. They begin their workday early in the morning and often return home late in the evening.
With 60+ hour workweeks being the norm, these hardworking individuals eagerly seize any opportunity for relaxation and enjoyment. Sometimes, this leads to late-night parties that extend into the morning, requiring a recharge...
This is where the Wolfhound Pub, an Irish-themed bar/restaurant, and its Whole Shebang breakfast come into play!
The Whole Shebang breakfast is a behemoth, designed to satiate your hunger so thoroughly that you won't need to eat for the rest of the day.
It consists of three eggs, three slices of bacon, three sausages, three slices of toast, two hash browns, beans, and a fried tomato. Yes, you read that correctly. To enhance the experience, the breakfast is accompanied by a cup of coffee laced with a complimentary shot of Jameson Irish Whiskey. This additional touch ensures that your enjoyment remains at its peak.
At a reasonable price of 14,900 won, considering the size, variety, and deliciousness of the breakfast, the Whole Shebang is a strong contender for the title of the best breakfast in Seoul, and perhaps even in all of South Korea.
Don't miss the opportunity to include the Whole Shebang in your Itaewon experience on a Saturday night or Sunday morning.
Address: Yongsan-gu, Itaewon-dong 128-6, 2nd and 3rd floors.
Youtube Directions (by hiexpat.com).
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If you are seeking an extensive breakfast menu with authentic ingredients and no fancy fusion dishes, look no further than Butterfingers. As the name suggests, this establishment specializes in pancakes - and much more.
Be prepared to arrive with an appetite, as there may be a short wait of ten or fifteen minutes before you can be seated. Butterfingers is a highly popular spot for friends, families, and couples. Do not be deterred by the wait, as you will require every minute to peruse their extensive menu.
Bacon, eggs, pancakes, waffles, cereal, granola, bagel sandwiches, crepes, pigs in a blanket, omelettes, macaroni and cheese... and this is only the front side of the menu. The backside is dedicated to pancakes, drinks, and desserts!
To simplify matters, we recommend the Split Decision Plate (16,800 won), which allows you to sample a bit of everything. It includes pancakes, French toast, breakfast sausage, white sausage, a grilled ham steak, bacon strips, seasoned potatoes, and eggs prepared to your preference.
If the sheer variety of food options doesn't entice you, consider two additional factors. Firstly, Butterfingers utilizes high-quality ingredients. While bacon can be found in most Korean grocery stores, it often falls short of the true definition of "bacon" with its thin, lean, and so-called "well-being bacon." Butterfingers serves succulent American-style bacon that is worth the visit alone. Secondly, this plate, like many others at Butterfingers, is intended for sharing and can easily satisfy two people.
Butterfingers has various locations in Seoul, but we particularly recommend the one in the Cheongdam district of Gangnam.
Take exit 10 out of Gangnam and turn left at the Body Shop.
Address: Gangnam-gu, Cheongdam-dong 88-9.
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In Southern California, when searching for the finest and most authentic Mexican cuisine, there is a rule: Go where the day laborers go. The restaurants may not be glamorous, but they undoubtedly serve the most exceptional food.
Hardworking individuals know where to find the best cuisine. In Seoul, taxi drivers fulfill this role as the experts.
Taxi drivers - or "gisa ajeossi" - are active around the clock, 24/7, 365 days a year. Their eating habits require two essential elements: establishments that operate during early and late hours, and delectable food at affordable prices. To cater to this demand, there are numerous restaurants in Seoul that specifically target taxi drivers. These eateries, colloquially known as "Gisa shikdang" (Taxi driver restaurants), include Songgane Kamjatang.
This establishment serves as a standard Korean diner, with a primary focus on two dishes: Bossam - steamed pork meat accompanied by an assortment of vegetables - and kamjatang, a hearty potato and meat stew. However, for a truly eye-opening experience, you must try the Korean hangover soup known as haejangguk (í´ì¥êµ).
Haejangguk varies in flavor depending on the region of South Korea. The Seoul variant is a soybean-based stew packed with a variety of vegetables, meat, and congealed ox blood. Do not be deterred by the ox blood - haejangguk is an intensely savory stew that quickly becomes a favorite.
The secret to haejangguk lies in the inclusion of bean sprouts, which bring more than just their refreshing crunch. Bean sprouts contain asparagine, a compound known for its ability to counteract the toxic effects of alcohol. So, if you find yourself awake in the early morning, in need of a breakfast that kickstarts the recovery process, follow your taxi driver's lead to a place that he would frequent and savor a generous serving of haejangguk, available for 6,000 won at Songgane Kamjatang.
Songgane Kamjatang has different locations on both sides of the Han River in Seoul.
North Seoul: Mapo-gu Yeonnam-dong, 258-5.
South Seoul: Gwanak-gu Sinlim-ro, 129.
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The breakfast burrito, a Tex-Mex staple commonly enjoyed in homes and restaurants throughout the American Southwest, remains a rare gem but an extraordinary breakfast choice in Seoul.
While it can be found at Tomatillo, a Tex-Mex chain restaurant in Seoul, we hesitate to recommend it for brunch unless you already have other plans to visit. For a truly exceptional breakfast burrito experience, you need an ace up your sleeve. Enter Craftworks.
Craftworks in Noksapyeong has long been heralded for its exceptional food and craft beer. Pound for pound, it may very well be one of the finest Western/foreign restaurants in Seoul, offering a vast array of entrée options ranging from burgers to brunch.
Craftworks' brunch menu is particularly alluring, featuring omelettes, steak and eggs, and of course, the elusive breakfast burrito.
As with everything at Craftworks, the breakfast burrito is crafted to perfection. It bursts with scrambled eggs, chorizo sausage (a spicy ground Mexican sausage), cheddar cheese, onions, and peppers. The base price is 11,000 won, with the option to upgrade by adding guacamole for an additional 3,000 won. And why wouldn't you?
One additional benefit of Craftworks' brunch is the full access to their bar. Much has been written about Craftworks' craft beer, but since it is your brunch, you can customize your beverage to your liking. With Craftworks' extensive whiskey selection, you can even add your own twist to an Irish coffee. And although it may not be explicitly mentioned on the menu, they will gladly prepare a Bloody Mary upon request.
Address: Yongsan-gu, Itaewon 2-dong, 651.
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