Are you planning a trip to Gongju, Jeollanam-do? There’s a dessert you must try when you’re in Gongju. It’s based on “chestnuts.”
Gongju is not only famous for its cultural heritage, but also has the ideal conditions for cultivating sweet and nutty chestnuts, making it a well-known city for chestnuts. Therefore, there are many foods based on chestnuts.
Recently, I visited ‘Bakery Bam-maeul,’ a cafe that sells desserts developed and made by a master confectioner of South Korea! This place is very famous for its chestnut pies and has been featured in the media multiple times.
🌰 Gongju Bakery Bam-maeul (베이커리 밤마을)
Suitably for a city of cultural heritage, the exterior that incorporates traditional Korean architectural elements is stunning, isn’t it? ‘Bakery Bam-maeul’ cafe features a special atmosphere with a blend of traditional and modern designs.
here are seats on both the first and second floors, and from the second floor, you can enjoy desserts while looking out over the view of Gongsanseong through large windows.
They have a variety of menus prepared including bread, yanggaeng (a sweet jelly), and beverages.
Here are a few of the menus I'll introduce
✦ Chestnut Pie (2,500 KRW)
The chestnut pie is one of the most popular desserts in Gongju. The outside is crispy, and the inside is soft with a pastry that contains a sweet and nutty whole chestnut. It’s best when eaten freshly baked from the store! Personally, I really enjoyed the chestnut pie and even bought a pack of 10 to take home. They also package them nicely in boxes of 10 or 30, which are great for gifts!
✦ Chestnut Pandoro (6,800 KRW)
Similar to a chestnut tart but with a richer chestnut filling, the pandoro offers a crispy exterior and a moist interior, providing a variety of textures. Especially, the pandoro goes well with different teas, making it a perfect tea-time treat.
✦ Chestnut Eclair (3,800 KRW)
An eclair is a dessert known in France, made of a long, oval-shaped crispy pastry filled with cream. In Gongju, they fill it with fresh chestnut cream, combining the nuttiness and sweetness of chestnuts. The exterior is crispy, and the inside is moist and creamy. If you love sweet desserts, this is a must-try.
✦ Chestnut Cream Cheese Tart (3,000 KRW)
This dessert is a harmony of cheese and sweet chestnuts. The tart base is savory, topped with a smooth chestnut cream that melts in your mouth.
✦ Bam-maeul Latte (Hot 3,500 KRW / Ice 4,000 KRW)
Bam-maeul latte is made from freshly ground Gongju chestnuts, offering a rich, nutty, and creamy flavor. This beverage complements various desserts well and is a unique offering not found in many places.
✦ Chestnut Yanggaeng (2,500 KRW)
Chestnut yanggaeng at Bakery Bam-maeul is another popular item. Made primarily from Gongju chestnuts, it offers a full flavor of chestnuts that are sweet and nutty. It’s not too sweet, making it a light dessert option. The packaging is also beautifully done, making it a nice gift.
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Chestnuts from Korea are known for their high sugar content and nuttiness. If you visit Gongju, trying these is highly recommended. After enjoying your meal and chestnut desserts, take a stroll around Gongsanseong, which is right in front of the cafe. The view of the Geum River from Gongsanseong is truly breathtaking. At night, you can enjoy the night view of Gongju in its full glory! 😉🥰
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