Caffe Pascucci, South Korea

Caffe Pascucci is a popular coffee chain around the world but one that I had never even heard of, much less tried. Their menu is Italian-inspired but customized slightly for each country.

It wasn’t as unique as other cafes I’ve visited, but it’s a nice place for a caffeine fix.

Highlights

About

Some of you may already be familiar with Caffe Pascucci, but I would bet most American’s are not.

The brand started in Italy in the late 1800s. They are over 100 years old and (deservedly) proud of that history.

The first coffee bar opened in the mid 1900s and began expanding in the 1990s. Caffe Pascucci spread across Europe, Asia, and eventually much of the world.

There are numerous locations in South Korea; this is one of a few in Pyeongtaek. It is connected to an apartment complex for Americans stationed at Camp Humpreys. It sits within “The Vill” as it’s known, just a few blocks away from Roasters.

In 2011, a location opened in San Francisco, USA, but it has since closed.

Layout

The first thing you’ll notice when you walk in are two slightly-larger-than-lifesize dog statues standing guard.

Honestly, I’m not sure if it’s part of the brand or a unique Korean touch, but they’re cute!

The space itself is long and narrow leading back to a set of stairs to the second floor. There is a community table in the center and tables with comfy chairs along the sides.

The register and bar are along the right hand side as you enter. It’s a pretty standard setup. The menu is shows on screens above the register and signage along the counter showcase their seasonal menu items.

In the back right, there is a small shelving case for their merchandise. Posters around the coffee shop highlight their various coffee roasts.

Overall, the cafe is a bit bland, but cozy enough. The gray walls make it a little dark but I could see it being a great place to claim a corner and get some work done.

I didn’t go upstairs, but there is apparently more meeting space up there. I did enjoy the staircase lined with the brand’s history though.

Menu

The menu is where things get more exciting. Outside the building, they have their standard menu displayed. These drinks are available year-round.

Inside they show more of their specialty and seasonal drinks. It’s strawberry season in South Korea right now so the menu includes some strawberry flavors.

Luckily, they are also serving some of their holiday drinks as well! I ordered a Torrone latte mainly because I hadn’t heard of it before and was curious.

• 

• 

Torrone, it turns out, is a European nougat treat with nutty flavors. Its a traditional Christmas-time dessert item.

It makes a delicious latte. The closest thing I can compare it to is a Chestnut Praline latte from Starbucks. If you like that, you’ll love this.

I didn’t see any non-dairy milk options on the menu and I didn’t ask. Given that it is a chain, I would bet they have them, though.

My husband is a cold brew fan so I got him the coconut cold brew latte.

We both were BIG fans. You definitely taste the coconut in here so if that’s not your jam, avoid this. It was very sweet, but made for a nice Sunday morning treat.

Food

No food for us on this trip but the pastry case was veeerrrry tempting. Along with cake, they also serve gelato. I could definitely see us stopping here for dessert one night.

Aside from sweets, they offer breakfast foods like bagels or lunch items like soup. You can also get ready to eat sandwiches if you’re in a rush.

Overall, I liked this cafe. It does feel like a chain, so if you’re looking for a Korean coffee experience, other coffee shops would suit you better. But it was fun to try something new that we don’t have in the States.