Great Western breakfasts … in Seoul

Finding a good breakfast place in Korea is a challenge, particularly if you want something other than rice, kimchi and soup. Luckily for those of us who prefer the more comforting, though less healthy option of pancakes, eggs and bacon, there is Butterfinger Pancakes in Apgu-jeong, Seoul.

Butterfinger styles itself on American diners and offers a wide variety of heart-stopping, yet delicious, options ranging from “mac ‘n’ cheese” to steak and eggs. But the real reasons people are willing to wait at least 15 minutes for a table are the pancakes, waffles and French toast.

They serve the best French toast I have ever eaten. The slices are thick, crispy on the outside, and light and fluffy inside. There is none of the stodgy, eggy middle that often ruins a French toast experience. My fellow diners all ranked the pancakes and waffles as among the best they’ve had. And not just in Korea.

The menu lists the griddle food separately, or they can be ordered in a variety of combination plates. The combinations range from about 13,000 to 18,000 won. It’s a great deal when you consider that the plate is the size of a platter and is heaped with bacon, sausage, eggs, seasoned potatoes and your choice of waffle, pancake or French toast. If you can’t decide, the “Split Decision” serves it all. The meals are more than enough to satisfy the hunger of a young Western male, or a family of Koreans.

Located on a side-street in trendy Apgu-jeong, anyone unfamiliar with the neighbourhood might have trouble finding Butterfinger. The easiest way is to take subway line 3 to Apgu-jeong station, leave by exit 2, and head to Hak-dong Saggori by taxi. Head up the street beside the Smoothie King. Butterfinger Pancakes is on the left.  Here’s the Google Map in Korean – http://maps.google.com/?source=friendlink&q=%EB%B2%84%ED%84%B0%ED%95%91%EA%B1%B0+%ED%8C%AC%EC%BC%80%EC%9D%B5%EC%8A%A4&cid=12231799175954190680