Hongdae / Yeonnam-dong: Meeting the French Toast of Your Life
Hongdae Hongdae Last winter, the roads were frozen due to heavy snow, but I headed to Yeonnam-dong and Hongdae to escape the noise. After purchasing some interior decor items at Homihwabang, I visited ‘John & Dawson’ Yeonnam Branch, expecting fewer people due to the cold weather. Luckily, there were two empty tables, so we were able to enter without waiting.
January 13, 2026, Tuesday
Hongdae Hongdae The roads were completely frozen from the snow the day before, but I took refuge in Hongdae due to the noise. I had visited Dongdaemun several times before, so this time I went to Yeonnam-dong and Hongdae for some shopping and an outing.
Opens at 12 PM
The store is located in a semi-basement and is divided into two halls. There was no wait when I visited, but as I was leaving, I saw 11 teams waiting on the Tableling reservation system. It was truly a lucky day.
Store Atmosphere and Interior
After passing through a narrow hallway, I checked the inner hall, but it was already full. So, I took a seat in the hall near the entrance. The L-shaped bar table was cozy, and a staff member in a white chef’s uniform was serving.
[Menu]
Since there was no warm decaf latte, I ordered rooibos tea and the ‘French Toast’ I had been wanting to try. (Whipped cream is a separate order)
I sat near the counter at the entrance. Foreign tourists were sitting at the L-shaped bar table, making me realize it was a global hot spot. The sparkling, vine-like artificial plants and antique display cabinets caught my eye.
The white and black boxes looked like butter boxes. The ordered dessert and drinks arrived in about 10 minutes.
The rooibos tea, served on an antique plate, was caffeine-free and a good pairing with the sweet dessert. It wasn’t as fragrant as Earl Grey, but I liked how it cleansed my palate.
[French Toast]
The thick rectangular toast was served with powdered sugar and maple syrup. Maldon salt was provided on one side, and the staff explained that it’s good to dip it lightly after eating more than half to add a sweet and salty touch. It was my first time trying Maldon salt with toast, but it was a novel experience.
The French toast, cut into 8 pieces, had a crispy caramel coating on the outside and was moist inside, like a chiffon cake, due to being soaked in egg mixture. I liked that the maple syrup flavor wasn’t too strong, and although I personally prefer agave syrup, I was satisfied with this syrup.
I savored each piece, eating it slowly. I also took pictures with the pretty mini pendant lights.
The atmosphere was great, the staff were friendly, and the French toast was exceptionally delicious. It’s comparable to my favorite Betong salt bread, and I strongly recommend it as the best French toast by far. I’ve already told my husband and friends that we must visit together.
They have also newly opened in Gwanghwamun, so keep that in mind if you’re visiting the area. I hope you have a warm day despite the cold.
I also tried making French toast myself.
https://m.blog.naver.com/elliws/224167901228
[Today’s Dish] French Toast Challenge♡ (John & Dawson Yeonnam)
Feb. 1, 2026 (Sun) Today’s Dish [French Toast] I ate John & Dawson’s French toast so deliciously that I cried…
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