---

1.Veverka

A Whimsical Squirrel-Inspired Hideaway

The name Veverka means “squirrel” in Czech, and you’ll notice the adorable mascot in every corner from squirrel drawings adorning the menu to little figurines by the window. Veverka is located on the 4th floor of a small building with no elevator, so be prepared for a mini hike before your meal. But once you arrive, you’ll be surprised to find a warm, squirrel-themed hideaway that feels like a secret attic above the city’s bustle.

Vibe & Atmosphere at Veverka

Veverka’s space is decorated in rich amber and burgundy tones, from the flooring to the plush fabric of the seating. And the tables are topped with light blue tiles, adding a cool-toned pop of color that brightens the space and adds visual intrigue. This unusual color palette gives the café a distinctive charm that feels reminiscent of Eastern European aesthetics—a playful reminder of the café’s Czech name.

Menu & Pricing at Veverka

Veverka’s menu is a sophisticated blend of Western-style brunch with a subtle European touch, particularly drawing inspiration from French and European comfort dishes. The menu is divided into categories like House Brunch, Pasta/Rice, and Salad/Sandwich with sides and customizable toppings to round out your meal. Most mains are priced between 17,000 to 30,000 KRW, with sides and desserts ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 KRW, and drinks averaging around 5,000 to 7,000 KRW. Given the small portion sizes, I felt that the prices leaned toward the higher side.

What I Ordered

Bretonne galettes (+Scrambled Eggs)

My mom and I both ordered the Bretonne galettes, a savory French-style crepe made with buckwheat flour. The galettes were well-crafted with crispy edges and a soft center, topped with savory toppings including bacon, sunny side up, green peas and cheese. It was also served with a generous portion of salad that featured colorful fruits like tomatoes, dragon fruit, and shine muscat grapes, adding a refreshing sweetness that complemented the savory galette. Both the galette and the salad were lightly seasoned with olive oil, salt and ground pepper, letting the natural flavors of each ingredient to shine.

I also ordered soft scrambled eggs on the side which you could customize with either avocado or bacon as a topping—but avocado was sold out on my visit so I asked for extra eggs instead. As a sidenote I couldn’t order their Spanish Egg Benedict for the same ‘no-avo’ issue so it was a bit of a letdown, especially given how central the ingredient is to many of their brunch offerings. I’d love to try their avocado dishes next time.

---

2.Keem Hannam

Botanical Aesthetics and Healthy Flavors

In contrast to Veverka’s rustic storytelling, Keem Hannam offers a more modern, minimalistic space. Located just a few minutes’ walk from Hangangjin Station, Keem Hannam sits on a quiet street yet still stands out with its distinctive architectural façade.

Vibe & Atmosphere at Keem Hannam

Keem Hannam’s space deserves a special mention for its unique layout. While the café technically occupies a semi-basement level, it never feels like one. There’s a charming outdoor terrace at street level, shaded by a red awning — perfect for enjoying the open air on mild days. Step inside, and you descend half a level to the main dining area, but thanks to the tall ceilings, ceiling fans, and wide-open windows facing the terrace, the entire space is light-filled and open. Rather than feeling like you’re underground, it gives off the airiness of a European terrace café, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor elements.

Menu & Pricing at Keem Hannam

Keem Hannam’s menu has a wide range of both plant-forward and meaty flavors with a focus on wholesome ingredients. Price-wise, most mains fall between 18,000 to 25,000 KRW, with drinks around 4,000 to 8,000 KRW. While on the higher end, Keem delivers a unique dining experience from the herby ingredients to the plating. It’s a place you’d happily return to for a slow weekend lunch or a healthy reset.

What I Ordered

Hummus Bowl

A generous base of creamy hummus was topped with falafels, fresh vegetables, chickpeas, and house-made flatbread on the side. It was earthy and fresh with the perfect balance of the crispy falafel and the velvety hummus. But the hidden kick of this dish came from the chickpeas—which added a subtle sweetness while the crunchy texture beautifully contrasted with the smooth hummus.

Bolognese Pasta

Next came the Bolognese Pasta, which managed to feel comforting while still light. The meat sauce had a subtle sweetness from slow-roasted tomatoes, and the pasta was al dente, finished with a dusting of parmesan and a sprig of fresh basil. It’s clear that Keem values quality ingredients and natural flavors over overpowering sauces or complicated plating.

Green Juice

Keem Hannam didn’t offer decaf coffee so I opted for their Green Juice, a cold-pressed blend of celery, apple, ginger, and lemon. To be honest, it was way more bitter than I’d expected with the sharp aftertaste of celery and ginger overpowering the sweetness of the apple. But if you’re looking for an authentic healthy drink free from sweeteners or preservatives, I’d recommend giving it a try.