My little coffee shop – 10
Shopping is always thirsty, especially in an open market. It’s not just about finding cheaper items, but also about getting really thirsty due to the combative shopping experience. Of course, I always grab a disposable cup of beverage in the open market, but at the end of shopping, I need to refresh myself before the long journey back home.
Location
Close to Exit Number 01 of CheongRyang-Ri Metro station, Brazil DaBang is nestled among Traditional Korean medical clinics. As per my search, it was located on the 2nd floor before, but its signboard now indicates that it has moved to the 4th floor. Moving up to the 4th floor might pose a challenge, but there’s no issue if there’s a lift available.
I didn’t expect such a spacious area for a tea house, but Brazil DaBang utilizes the entire floor with its retro concept. It features orange sofas, which are hard to find these days. Most tables are paired with at least four sofas, totaling around 20 tables. Despite the time being after 6 PM, almost half of the tables were occupied.
HongDae for the Elderly
We were the youngest customers here. With its 40-year history, most customers appeared to be at least 60 years old. Some were reading newspapers, while others engaged in conversation. Surprisingly, many of them were fashionably dressed, reminiscent of “HongDae for the Elderly,” a nickname for Gyeongdong Market.
Menu
The waitress approached the confused babies patrons, and instead of providing individual menus, she gestured towards the wall opposite. Being a “DaBang” (tea house), the menu boasted a variety of teas including green tea, medicinal tea, Ssanghwa-Cha, ginger tea, and more. Additionally, they offered juices, milk, and light sweet yogurt called “Yakurt.” Another unique aspect was the pricing, which remained as affordable as it was ten years ago, with an average price of 3,000 won. A few specialty beverages like SuJeong-Gwa and ice coffee were priced at 5,000 won.
We ordered two teas, and the waitress promptly wrote the receipt and placed it on the table. Because typically opt for unique teas, this time I chose Arrowroot Juice. The waitress assured me it would be sweet, but it turned out to be bitter. It reminded me of the proverb, “a good medicine tastes bitter.” It’s a great place for conversation, although I felt slightly uncomfortable with others paying attention to us because of our age.
Experience heritage
As we were leaving, we asked the owner why the tea house was named Brazil. Proudly, she explained that Brazil coffee beans were the most famous in Korea when the DaBang opened 40 years ago. They aimed to offer the most valuable beverages to their customers. Maintaining a clean and comfortable atmosphere has been their key to driving business for decades. II left with memories reminiscent of those of a 60-year-old’s, which I hadn’t yet experienced, at Brazil DaBang.
Information
Address
4F, 183, Wangsan-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours
09:00~21:00 everyday
Price Range
3,000~5,000
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