Dua Lipa’s Seoul Trail

For those who’ve spent any time exploring Seoul’s indie dining scene, Wildduck & Canteen near Itaewon might ring a bell. Known for its globally-inspired menus and relaxed vibes, the bar has become a popular to-go spot for many Seoul foodies. It’s also where Dua Lipa visited during her visit for the world tour in 2024, adding a glamorous footnote to its already impressive street cred. Café Wildduck is a sister brand of Wildduck & Canteen, with the same team and philosophy that value slow food, creative design, and sustainable indulgence.

Location

1 B1 432 Sindang-dong, Jung District, Seoul
Cafe Wildduck

Café Wildduck is nestled in a part of Seoul that’s refreshingly off-the-mainstream café route, in a neighborhood that balances old Seoul charm with new Gen Z energy. While Yaksu might not be a familiar name for most tourists, it’s actually surprisingly central—within walking distance to well-known destinations like Namsan Park, Shilla Hotel & Duty Free Mall, and Banyan Tree Hotel.

Just a 5-minute walk away from Yaksu Station, the café itself is hidden away in the basement of a small building. Once you go down the staircase, you’re greeted by a garage-like open space that acts as a charming terrace—not a polished patio but rather a raw and refreshing outdoor nook.

Menu & Pricing

As of April 2025, Café Wildduck has undergone a significant transformation of their menu, shifting its focus from Western-style brunch offerings to Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors with more plant-based options—a refreshing departure from the typical brunch plates you’ll find elsewhere in Seoul. The revamped menu now features signature dishes such as the Middle Eastern breakfast plate, shakshuka, roasted cauliflower, hummus, and falafel.

Pricing is reasonable for the quality and concept—expect to spend around ₩12,000 to ₩23,000 per plate. The portion sizes weren’t that big so I also recommend adding a side dish or dessert for a more satisfying meal.

What I Ordered

Falafel

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.

I started with the falafel, which was served with tabouli, a traditional Levantine salad made with finely chopped cucumbers, cous cous, and a bright lemon-olive oil dressing. The freshness of the tabouli beautifully contrasted the falafel which had an ideal balance of texture and spice—perfectly crispy on the outside, giving way to a grainy, nutty-thick center.

Next came the hummus, the creamy chickpea base topped with whole chickpeas, a dollop of green schug (a zesty, herby Yemeni hot sauce made with green chili and garlic), and a spoon of tzatziki. Compared to the hummus and falafel I recently had at Keem Hannam, Café Wildduck’s version felt a bit more authentic and layered in flavor—likely thanks to the added herbiness and complexity from toppings and sauces. But do note that their hummus doesn’t come with any bread, so I highly recommend ordering their khubz bread on the side. The fluffy, pillowy texture of the khubz made it a versatile complement for both the hummus and curry.

I also ordered the Thai curry, which added a subtly Asian twist to the otherwise Middle Eastern-anchored table. It was zesty and refreshing, brightened by lime and a touch of fish sauce. The curry itself was fish-based, with pieces of dried pollack and tender chunks of fish. It had a light flavor overall that was free of any heaviness that comes with cream or meat-based curries. Paired with the light, aromatic jasmine rice, it was a dish both comforting and hearty.

Vibe & Atmosphere

Café Wildduck’s charm begins with the sunlit, garage-like terrace framed by potted trees and greenery, where mismatched tables invite you to settle in for an open-air brunch. Step through the vivid blue door and you’re welcomed into a space that feels like a cozy home.

Inside there’s an open kitchen humming in the background, while seating options suit all moods and occasions—long wooden tables for bigger groups, small round ones for quiet conversations, and a few bar seats for solo visits. Even if you sit inside, the green folding doors open out onto the terrace to let the breeze drift in, blurring the line between indoors and out. From the spacious terrace to the cozy interior and even the hand-painted drawings on the menu, everything here is designed with its uniquely organic aesthetics.