Dosikhwa: Seoul Cafe Where Madeleines In Odd Flavours Like Soya Sauce Are Exhibited As Art

Dosikhwa in Seoul

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First-timers at Dosikhwa might be bewildered by the interior of the cafe as it’s reminiscent of a museum, but let us not be too quick to judge a book by its appearance. Simply hang around and you’ll be in awe of how much this cafe has to offer. 

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Madeleines displayed like works of art

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Image credit: @cafeofeeling

This cafe takes great pride in their speciality, madeleines – we’re sure you could already tell just by seeing how the desserts are displayed like art.

Image credit: @lovewithseoul

Each madeleine is placed on a white display podium with a spotlight shining above. White drapes separate the dessert exhibition from the rest of the cafe, further enhancing the “museum” experience. The madeleines on display even come with their own artwork label that provides information about the sweet treat. 

Image credit: @ddukddak_mon

The whole concept of madeleines exhibited as art may seem over-the-top, but we can’t deny the creativity of this cafe. Besides, it makes the ordinary process of choosing desserts a lot more entertaining.

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Unusual madeleine flavours

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Image credit: @o13_juu

How unusual can a madeleine be? At Dosikhwa, you’ll find some questionable ones that may not exactly look appetising at first glance. 

Soya Sauce Perilla Madeleine.
Image credit: @b.bangfairy

Arguably the most unusual dessert at Dosikhwa is the Soya Sauce Perilla Madeleine (KRW4,300, ~USD3.26). 

This dessert contains soya sauce, and it’s topped with a perilla gangjeong (deep-fried Korean traditional snack). The best part? It’s injected with more soya sauce. 

Image credit: @gotta.drinkemall

Ever seen edible pearl bits on a madeleine? Named the Diamond Madeleine (KRW4,200, ~USD3.18), this fancy dessert encased in meringue contains mocha cream with an almond base. 

Image credit: @b.bangfairy

We encourage you to give the Black Sesame Madeleine and Songpyeon Madeleine a shot if you’re a fan of savoury treats. They’re priced at (KRW4,300, ~USD3.26) for each piece. 

Songpyeon are traditional Korean rice cakes. They’re usually eaten during Korean Thanksgiving, otherwise known as Chuseok. 

Image credit: @b.bangfairy

These madeleines may not be wallet-friendly, but they are certainly worth the price. Look at the amount of filling stuffed inside the Black Sesame Madeleine and Songpyeon Madeleine – how can one resist its allure?

Image credit: @j_oys2

The cafe’s signature dessert (KRW8,000, ~USD6.04), which resembles a block of tofu at first blush, is the proverbial cherry on top. 

This dessert is a combination of rose, lemon, and lime madeleines with vanilla mousse and nut crisps. 

Image credit: @scon_scone

While you admire the cafe’s dessert masterpieces, don’t sleep on their Cream Latte (KRW6,500, ~USD4.91). Each latte comes with a heavy helping of cream – so much so that its cup runneth over. 

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Contrasting vibe between 1st & 2nd floors

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Image credit: @lovewithseoul

The 1st floor of the cafe is dedicated to the madeleine exhibition and payment counter, so don’t be surprised when you don’t find any seats here. 

Image credit: @lovewithseoul

Make your way to the 2nd level where the seating area is located. Unlike the 1st floor, this level has a cosy and quaint vibe with cushy sofa seats. 

Image credit: @lovewithseoul

Overall, Dosikhwa follows a minimalistic and monochrome theme with an earthy touch of brown. It’s a great space where you can immerse yourself in the art of pâtisserie and serenity amidst the bustling city. 

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Head down to Dosikhwa

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Image credit: @foodmoaa

For cafe-hoppers in search of something new and unique, we recommend paying a visit to Dosikhwa during your time in Seoul. 

How to get there:

• Head to Exit 1 of Sangsu Station.
• When you see a veterinary clinic, walk straight for about 200m.
• Turn left when you see Olive Young.
• Walk straight until you see a corner, then turn to your right.
• Walk straight until you see a road.
• Turn into the nearest corner on your left, and you’ll see Dosikhwa.

Address: 19-9, Wausan-ro 17-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: 12pm-10pm, Daily | Instagram 

For more cafes in Korea, check out:

• PO TID: cafe that resembles Ollivander’s wand shop in Harry Potter
• Sanrio Lovers Club: pop-up store & cafe in Seoul
• Coralani Cafe: 4-storey cafe where you can lie on beanbags
• Cha-teul: slow down in this traditional teahouse
• EL16.52: Busan cafe where you can dine in glass domes

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Cover image adapted from: @dosikhwa_seoul, @dosikhwa_seoul, @j_oys2