Left My Heart At Pie Hole

I'm writing this at 1 in the morning as I miss the scent of freshly-baked oatmeal and pie, which is somehow still so vivid in my brain despite the two months that have passed since I've been there.

The Pie Hole was a recommendation of Kevin from THE BOYZ (더보이즈) - his favorite cafe to be exact. Ever since he posted a photo of their pumpkin pie (which he calls his soul food), I wrote down Pie Hole down on my imaginary list of places to go to once I'm back in Seoul.

I wondered why Kevin would always talk about Pie Hole. But as I entered their cafe at 10 in the evening - a spontaneous visit right after our recording for Arirang TV's Simply Kpop (where I met Kevin, who is the MC of the show), I found the answer. 

Pie Hole felt like a cafe I frequent to even though it was my first time there. The walls were covered with photographs, mementos, and paraphernalia from different countries. It felt like a friend's cozy home who liked to share parts of their travels.

September 16, 2019 (Monday) 

As we got there an hour before their closing time on a Monday evening, we were pretty much the only people left. With only a few pie flavors left, my new-found friends, Faris and Justin, and I got a slice of Pumpkin pie (Kevin's favorite) and Matcha pie. 

For someone who has never tried pumpkin pie her entire life (Starbucks never had Pumpkin Spice Latte here in the Philippines either), it tasted really good. The matcha pie had such a strong flavor compared to the other matcha-flavored things I've tried. 

Tried their Strawberry Shake during my first visit

Other than pies, the cafe offers a wide range of beverages like coffee, tea, and fruit juices. They also sell brownies and cookies that are as delicious as the pies! What I really like about Pie Hole is the wide range of flavors they offer. After being a follower of their Instagram for quite some time, I'd always wish it was easy to come back to Sinchon and get a slice of their Egg pies and burnt cheesecake. 

Although we only got to stay there for an hour, I knew that I'd go back there again - which I did the next day. And a few days after that. 

September 17, 2019 (Tuesday)

The next day, I met up with my good friend, Elaine, who took me to a 마라탕 (Malatang) place at Sinchon. I thank my good memory with places for remembering how Pie Hole was just a few blocks away. Determined to go back there again, I dragged Elaine along with me - who then told me that she's been there a few times. 

I ordered a slice of pecan pie along with some mango juice. 

Remembering how Faris told me that he got washi tape from the staff, I asked them if they had any spare that they're giving away (in very poor Korean). A kind lady (who turned out to be the owner) came out from the kitchen and asked me in Korean: "Are you Kevin's friend?" I, confused, just said "yes" and she happily handed me their cute washi tape while saying "then this is a gift for you!" 

Shoutout to Kevin

September 20, 2019 (Friday)

I came back to Pie Hole (again) as it was the last time I could visit during my trip. As the staff was serving the pies, they place a drink we didn't order saying that it was for coming by there so often while bringing new friends :) Here, I experienced 서비스 for the first time! And they remembered me *cue tears* 

서비스 - something that is free!

A cafe that I wanted to visit out of curiosity became a cafe I promised myself I'll go to every time I fly back to South Korea. And I can't wait to come back there again. 

The Pie Hole

20 Yonsei-ro 5na-gil, Sinchon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea

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