I have a funny relationship with K-Pop and Hallyu (aka Korean wave). Hallyu wasn’t the reason I fell in love with Korea, and till today, I’m still not very in touch with the Korean entertainment scene. But it’s hard to not be affected, when friends and clients constantly talk about them. So I try to visit restaurants and cafes opened by Korean celebrities, such as Lee Jong Suk, and Super Junior members such as Lee Dong Hae and Yeseung, so at least I’ll have something in common to talk about.

Most of these cafes and restaurants have exceptional interior designs, and some with the food leaving much to be desired. While I agree that the interior design and atmosphere of a restaurant or cafe makes the meal a much different experience, I’m not fan of subpar food no matter how grand and detailed the interior design is.

Henry’s Taiwanese restaurant, Xiao Zhan (小站 in Chinese), was a modest little place—I was at the branch in Euljiro—and served food that I quite liked, although it was clearly Taiwanese food catered to the local taste preferences. Prices were as expected of a Taiwanese restaurant in Seoul, but I can see myself coming back again when I’ve been in Seoul for too long and craving for some Taiwanese food.