I wasnโt planning to write about this until I have time to go again and take some more pictures but it bugs me so much every single time I open my lappy and see this TWG picture folder on the top of the list just because I didnโt post it up yet. Why I need more pictures you ask? Because I wasnโt happy with what I have. Itโs not my fault that I went to a tea salon after 4, right? Who have afternoon tea before lunch time anyway (I was on vacation mood back then folks, my morning start at 12). I have no idea why these upscale restaurants have to be so dark. Come on, I know you want to set the atmosphere but people need to see each other, and more importantly, need to see and take picture of their foods too (for the gram of course).
Put lighting problem aside, in my opinion TWG Seoul is successful in bringing that whole TWG standard all the way from Singapore. Every TWG owned flagship store has to anyway. Arenโt they? Never been to any TWG outside Singapore, but thatโs my guess.
I only knew TWG opened its store in Seoul in early 2014 when the news writing about it popped up on the google result when I was doing my research for a good place to enjoy some afternoon tea. I donโt worship tea but I do drink it enough and I love TWG so I headed out the next day with a book in my bag hopefully to spend my some quality time on my own.
TWG in Seoul turned out to be different from what I used to and no I donโt mean it in a bad way but, still, itโs different.
I didnโt realize it was public holiday because I was on my vacation so when I got there the place was full. Staff let me know I can look around and wait or place reservation for tomorrow and since I already there I told her to put me on the waiting list (their staffs speak English so donโt worry if youโre not great with Korean). So I was walking around, having a little chit chat with the staff and it was only around 20 minutes before being guided to my seat.
I sat down, ordered my tea with some macaron. I donโt recall clearly what tea I had that day but I remembered having something minty so I guess it was Alexandria. The tea and macaron came out just perfect as I remember. I donโt know how traditional french macaronโs taste like but believe me TWG macaron is one of the best macaron I ever had in my life! That crispy, chewy and airy goodness. Not to mention the tea flavor inside the meringue and filling. I wonder if they do take away, I should call them to ask, need myself some macaron right now!
And about the differences. Maybe itโs just me, but every time I go have tea I spend a good 3 to 4 hours, doesnโt matter if Iโm by myself or with friends, in my concept having tea is slow and relax. But surprisingly people went to TWG that day mostly had meal instead of tea (sorry I donโt want to sound creepy, I just happen to enjoy people watching and I have time of course Iโll take a few looks around).
People came in, had their meal and left so fast. Iโm pretty sure the couple sat at the table next to me came in and left before I finished two of my macaron. Or maybe people had things to do and I was the only one without a life.
They did get me thinking whether TWGโs foods were good and since I never had meal at TWG before I decided to give it a try. Of course I donโt remember what I had that day (excuse my fish brain) but based on the pictures Iโm guessing seared tuna salad and veal steak.They served bread before the salad and guys, there was tea flavour in that dough! Seriously I need to request for TWG to open a bakery, I want that bread for breakfast everyday.
The salad was good, real good. So fresh and the dressing was amazing, might as well say one of the best salad dressing I ever had in Korea.
But the veal was tough. I wonder if they screwed up every veal order that night or only mine. The color on the meat looked right so I was really shocked cutting in the meat and seeing how tough it was. And whoever accounted for placing this dish need to sign up for school, I mean look at the plate, tell me you think it worth the price (it wasnโt cheap for sure).
Overall I got my tea hunger satisfied but will never go near their steak ever again. That bread though, would comeback just for that bread!
Visit TWG Korea website for the list of their locations: twgkorea.com
