This is The Judge. I go around Seoul trying new things and the one thing that I am going to focus on is traditional Tea. I went to this place in Samcheongdong (삼청동) called "The Tea drinking garden" in English (차 마시는 뜰). This place was delightful.
My friends and I tried two different kinds of tea. The one that I tried was Korean berry Tea "Bukbunja-Cha" (복분자차) :
This tea can be served Iced or warm. I decided to drink it iced, and I did not regret it even though it was a cold day. The tea has a nice sweet taste, and wonderful aroma. I was quite surprised. The ice along with the cool, light flavor of the tea made a good combination.
My friends on the other hand, decided to be more adventurous and ordered date tea "Daechu-cha" (대추차), which has a wonderful aroma.
The tea also had a nice subtle flavor. We thought it was going to be very sweet, but it ended up being just right. One draw back is that the tea is a little thick. If you aren't used to thick liquids, this drink is not for you.
Also, we wanted to try the specialty foods at this establishment, and we ordered "Pumpkin rice cake" (호박떡).
This rice cake was quite delicious, but it has a very subtle and natural flavor. If you are used to natural flavors, do not eat this. There is not sugar added, but this compliments the tea quite nicely.
Aside from these two teas, this place offers a wide variety of teas such as Citron tea "Yuja-cha" (유자차), Fruit tea (오미자차), Traditional rice tea "Shikhye" (식혜), Plum Tea "Meshil-cha" (매실차), and Fig tea "Mogwa-cha" (모과차). There is a tea for every kind of person. Also, remember that you have the option of drinking your tea iced or warm.
Overall, I would like to give this place 8 out of 10 stars. This place has a wonderful atmosphere, respectful hostesses, and delicious drinks and food. On the other hand, the service lacked a little.
Well I hope you all enjoy this review and I look forward to the next time.
