From gluten-free crumble cakes to rose-shaped shaved ice, desserts in Korean cafes just keep getting better and better. Fifty In The Cart is just as creative; they’re a trendy cafe near Hongdae known for their odd-looking cakes and shopping carts – what a combination!
Image credit: @jin_s._.o
Shopping carts are a ubiquitous sight in supermarkets, but the same cannot be said for cafes. But that all changes at Fifty In The Cart, a cafe with a supermarket concept.
The cafe is pretty much “self-service”, so all you have to do is place your order with the staff, make payment, put your chosen drinks and desserts on the tray cart, and wheel it to your seat.
To prevent spillage, there are cup holders in the shopping cart. This helps to keep your drinks secure while you explore the cafe with your cart in tow.
Image credit: @flora._.ris
The shopping carts are located prominently near the entrance, and you’d be able to spot them once you enter.
Image credit: @__________whiteday
Besides integrating shopping carts into the cafe experience, Fifty In The Cart is also known for their unique cake designs. Each cake is priced at KRW12,000 (~USD9.56), and you can even pre-order a custom cake!
Image credit: @__________whiteday
Southeast Asian visitors will be tickled to know that there’s one particular cake design that vaguely resembles the king of fruits, durian. Unfortunately, it isn’t durian-flavoured.
Image credit: @__________whiteday
If you’re not a fan of cream and cake, give their cookies a shot instead. There’s a variety of flavours to choose from, such as Cheese Cookie (KRW4,000, ~USD3.19) and Oreo’s Mores Cookie (KRW4,000, ~USD3.19).
The cafe also serves classics such as the good ol’ brownie (KRW4,000, ~USD3.19) and scone (KRW4,000, ~USD3.19). The latter comes in two flavours – plain and earl grey.
Image credit: @__________whiteday
There are about 6 to 8 indoor tables, and 4 to 6 outdoor seating areas.
If you prefer to avoid the sun, pick the indoor seats. Otherwise, we recommend getting a seat on the terrace to enjoy the city view from the third floor.
Image credit: @36th6th
The tables at Fifty In The Cart are one of a kind as they are not made of wood or glass. Instead, they’re inspired by plastic packing crates, and it’s a vibe.
Just like the shopping carts, there are allocated cup holders in the crate tables for drinks. Although it looks rather compact and small, the table can hold up to 3 cups and 2 plates of dessert.
Image credit: @cookoo_das
Rows of wine and cereals line the shelves as part of the interior design. Interestingly, these cereal boxes are not your regular brands as they cannot be found in most Korean supermarkets.
Tip: the wine bottles are for sale!
Image credit: @yoon_212
The cafe may not be spacious, but the minimalist design makes the space look a lot bigger than it is.
Image credit: @xeeyoni
To commemorate your visit, there’s a designated photozone where you can pose with a shopping cart filled with cereal boxes!
Good news – it’s no hassle getting to the cafe. From Hongik University Station, make your way to exit 8. You’ll see a Hongik University bus station, where you can take buses 7739, 7612, 7734, 7737, and 761.
Alight at the next stop, and turn left. When you see a pharmacy, walk straight for about 300m, and turn left again. Remember to look up as Fifty In The Cart is located on the third floor!
Address: 3rd floor, 387-7 Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 12pm-10pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: Instagram
Also check out:
Cover image adapted from (clockwise from left): @xeeyoni, @yoon_212, @jin_s._.o
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