Ever wondered where to drag your non-vegan friends without hearing them complain about "rabbit food"? Well, Plantude at Coex Mall might just be your saving grace. As my go-to spot in the Gangnam area, I find myself sending this address two out of three times when planning meetups anywhere between Gangnam and Jamsil. Yes, it's that reliable.
Fun fact: It's a Pulmuone creation, which means corporate backing actually did something right for once in the vegan world. Trust me, that's rarer than finding a meat-eater who knows tofu isn't just a sad substitute.
Location & Hours
- Nestled in Coex Mall, Samseong Station (Line 2)
- Opens: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily (Last order: 7:50 PM)
- Pro tip: Unless you enjoy bonding with strangers in queues, avoid weekend rush hours. Your hunger pangs will thank you.
The real magic of Plantude? They've taken everyone's favorite dishes from around the world and given them a Korean-friendly vegan makeover. Italian, American, Asian fusion - you name it! And yes, that includes our beloved tteokbokki and sundubu. Every dish is perfectly tuned to Korean taste buds, making it literally impossible to choose wrong. Surprised to find such variety in a vegan restaurant? Trust me, your taste buds are in for a treat!
Must-Try Menu Items
1. Truffle and Seaweed Cream Tteokbokki
Think you know tteokbokki? Think again. This creamy, truffled version might make you question everything you thought you knew about rice cakes. It disappeared from the menu once and caused such an uproar that they had to bring it back. Yes, it's that good.
2. Assorted Mushroom and Tofu Gangjeong
The dish that makes even mushroom skeptics convert. Crispy, sweet, savory - it's the holy trinity of Korean bar food, minus the guilt trip. Perfect for sharing, if you're feeling generous (no judgment if you're not).
3. Tomato Sundubu Stew
When your taste buds need a break from all that creamy goodness. It's like a palate cleanser, but actually filling. Genius, right?
Locations & Menu Variations
- Main branch: Coex Mall (Samsung Station)
- New kid on the block: Yongsan I'Park Mall
- Each location has its own personality menu-wise:
* Coex: Home of the famous Truffle Cream Tteokbokki
* Yongsan: Experimenting with sandwiches and Red Tteokbokki
- More branches in the pipeline (fingers crossed for one closer to home)
Please Note
Quick heads up - this review is from my past visits, and knowing Plantude's love for menu plot twists, they've probably cooked up tons of new stuff by now. Their menu changes faster than K-pop dance trends, so do yourself a favor and check their Instagram before you go. Who knows? You might discover your next favorite dish that I haven't even tried yet!
- Menus change like Seoul weather - unexpectedly and without warning
- Some beloved items have gone to menu heaven (RIP Crispy Vegetable Bibim Noodles)
- They actually listen to feedback and update accordingly - shocking, I know
- Check their Instagram (@plantude_official) for the current menu to avoid disappointment and menu-related trust issues
Price Range
- Main dishes: ₩15,000 - ₩20,000
- Side dishes: ₩8,000 - ₩12,000
- Worth every won? Absolutely.
Whether you're a dedicated vegan or just vegan-curious, Plantude manages to pull off that rare feat of being both authentic and innovative. And yes, you can bring your meat-loving friends - they might not even notice they're eating vegan food (but maybe don't tell them until after).
