Korea loves its meat and refined carbs (i.e. white rice, pasta, waffles, yummy desserts, rice cakes, pizza). For the health-conscious, there aren't too many options in Seoul. However there is a restaurant in Hongdae which caters to both the omnivores and vegans. Introducing.... Slobbie! In Korean: 슬로비.
They sell nutritious dishes, creative desserts, coffee, tea and even alcohol. Yes, you can order makeolli, beer and soju! Why go anywhere else when you can get your dose of veggies AND get drunk under one roof? They've even got makeolli patbingsoo.
12 noon at lunch time. There's a kitchen space in the back of the restaurant you can rent for events and teaching classes.
Home Meal of the Day. Changes regularly, but will always come with banchan (Korean side dishes), kimchi, soup, salad and brown rice--which looks white.
In my two and half month stay in Seoul, I've been to Slobbie three times. I would've came more, but had to convince myself to explore untasted parts of the city.
If I were living around Hongdae for an extended period of time, I'd take advantage of their meal banking scheme. If you purchase 10 or 15 meals in advance, you get a 10% discount. 10 meals for 72,000 won. 15 meals for 102,000 won.
The Assorted Mushroom Omelette on brown rice (price 8,000 won).
The vegan Soybean Curry on brown rice. A pinch of sprouts and sprinkle of black sesame seeds.
A meal is never complete without increasing your chances of developing diabetes. Actually I'm trying to discipline myself from consuming too much sweets. On the other hand enjoy the desserts in Korea while you can. They're not as overly indulgent compared to American desserts. Trust me. I was raised in California. I never got a stomachache from eating cake in Seoul. Yet.
How can one not be curious of how Makeolli Patbingsoo tastes like?
Such a beauty. Look at her. The most modelesque Korean shaved ice I've laid my eyes on. Admire her tall and bodacious figure. She wears her tiara of sliced jujube on her cushiony platinum hair of rice cakes.
A closer view of her Royal Highness. Okay, but in all seriousness, the Makeolli Patbingsoo was my friends and I's favorite item ordered. The food is on the health and bland side. The dessert was flavorful.
Daytime drinking? Let's do it.
Blend Makeolli under the Rocks.
But if you're craving a warmer drink, order the Moju. It's a glass of makeolli flavored with apple, cinnamon and spices. Pure magic.
Directions to Slobbie: Exit 9 at the Hongik University Station. Turn left. Then turn right after Dunkin Donuts. Walk, walk, walk. You'll pass by the street shown below. Slobbie is located on the 5th floor in the same building as Olive Young.
ps: The first time at Slobbie I dined with Sophie. She's a contributor for Groove magazine and wrote an article on Professor Oh & Friends. Check it out in the April issue!
