Bossa Nova Coffee Roasters | Seongsu | Seoul Cafe Review
Address:
1F, 12 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울 성동구 아차산로 12, 1층)
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Bossa Nova is a cafe that those who frequent Seongsu and its surrounding area have surely passed more than once. It’s a large cafe right outside Ttukseom Station (less than 1 minute away!) that you pass on your way to or from Seoul Forest.
Open until 10PM you are more likely to notice it on your way back from Seoul Forest or the streets of cafes that line the outside perimeter of it.
This is how I came across it and how I frequently found myself at it. When the hours get late, it’s a location you can’t help but notice as one of the cafes that are open late and are also right next to the station entrance.
Let’s see if it’s worth your time or if it’s convenient and nothing more.
Today's Items:
Butter Strawberry Scone - 4500 Won
Vivid Red Iced Tea - 6500 Won, Signature Item
① Butter Strawberry Scone
The scone is easy to cut through without making a mess from crumbs spilling everywhere. The jam is pre-spread for you and if you get there a little later in the day, you’ll find that it has started to soak into the bread.
The scone is a little thick and chewy while being a bit flakey too. The parts without the spread are a little dry but not to the point of leaving you dehydrated or uncomfortable. The strawberry spread isn't sugary or too sweet while still giving the scone a bit of moisture and flavor variety that balances well with the bread.
The serving size is just right, any bigger and the scone would start to overstay its welcome but any less would make the scone feel like it's not worth it.
Ultimately it’s not special but it makes for a good morning or after work treat. I didn't notice it being buttery but maybe that's why it didn't feel dry.
Score:
6/10
Those who are fans of scones or strawberry pastries will likely enjoy it but it’s nothing to write home about. It’s good enough that I don’t mind getting it when I stop by here when I want something reliable.
② Vivid Red Iced Tea
Listed as a signature item, the Vivid Red Tea is sweet and refreshing on hot summer days. Despite being listed as a tea, it tastes more like a fruit blend or juice rather than a tea leaf blend. The drink comes out pretty quickly but isn't too special.
As the sweetener is added in advance, not recommended for anyone avoiding sweet or sugar. Due to all the sugar and lack of any tea flavoring it felt more like a juice than tea.
Score:
4/10
It may be a tea or made like a tea is but it definitely doesn’t feel or taste like one.
Final Thoughts:
Bossa Nova has a nice jazz ambiance with the music that they play while you eat. I’ve found that it’s not very busy in the morning or around noon but at night it can be hard to find seating. I’ve often found it to be full in the later hours as other options close.
One thing you may notice is that customers are often here working so it's a nice place to work if you’re the type to likes to work in cafes. Alternatively, Bossa Nova could maybe be a nice location to have a snack before visiting Seoul Forest or shopping in Seongsu.
Do I recommend it?
Recommended if you're already in the area and want to work while snacking or it's late and other options aren’t open. Alternatively, if you need somewhere spacious to meet or spend time with others, this cafe is pretty big and I see large (4+ people) groups come in.
Skip if you'd be going out of your way to visit this cafe. There are cafes with better aesthetics or food or both just across the street lining the Seoul Forest and in the other direction towards Seongsu.
Gallery:
Additional Reads:
Perment Cafe - One of the aforementioned better cafes across the road in front of Seongsu Forest.
Mama Comma - Art studio themed cafe just a ten minute walk from Ttukseom Station.