Bangbae sugar-free pie shop: macadamia cream pie, Hodukkakki Brothers

Lately I crave something sweet after every meal. But I'm not getting any younger and I have to think about my health, so mindlessly eating sweets like I used to makes me feel a little guilty. So I searched like crazy for a dessert that's tasty but can be enjoyed in a healthier way, and I found a really good place.

What is Hodukkakki Brothers Bangbae branch?

Hodukkakki Brothers Bangbae branch (호두까끼형제 방배점) is a handmade pie shop that says it uses no refined sugar at all and gets its healthy sweetness from premium nuts. It's in Bangbae-dong, near Naebang Station.

On a weekend afternoon I wanted a home café vibe while watching Netflix, so I went to pick up some pies.

European-style storefront in a Naebang Station alley, with parking out front

Turn into the quiet alley near Naebang Station and the shop is on the ground floor of a white building, easy to spot. The exterior feels like something you'd find in a European side street.

The combination of dark wood tones and deep navy looks quite upscale. It reminds me of a cozy old neighborhood bakery you stumble on while traveling in Europe. In front of the entrance sits a cute red nutcracker-doll cart, like it just popped out of a fairy tale, and it catches the eye of everyone passing by.

The wooden signboard reading "sugar-free premium handmade pie" is lovely too. Best of all, there's a spot right in front of the shop where you can briefly park, which made pickup so easy. In the crowded Bangbae-dong alleys, that kind of parking convenience is quietly a big plus.

A clean, quiet interior that's worth more than a takeout stop

Hodukkakki Brothers Bangbae branch looks like a takeout-only shop, but there's a roomy seating area inside. When I opened the door, the smell of buttery, toasty nuts baking hit me in the best way. From outside I thought it was a small takeout place, but inside it was quite spacious and comfortable.

Warm wooden tables and chairs are spaced generously, so it doesn't feel stuffy at all. It's the perfect mood for reading quietly on a weekend afternoon with a tasty pie and a coffee.

It's far better than a noisy, crowded big franchise. I think it would make a great hideout for anyone looking for a nice café near Naebang Station.

Along one counter wall and on top of the cabinets, bright red pie boxes were stacked neatly up to the ceiling. That must be a day's worth, or a few days' worth, of takeout boxes, so this is clearly a dessert spot people know.

Hodukkakki Brothers pie menu and prices

Hodukkakki Brothers Bangbae branch sells its assortments as MIX 1 to 4, and I chose the ₩34,900 Premium Assorted Pie Cake (MIX 1). Above the showcase stands a stylish framed menu so you can see all the pie types at a glance.

There was a real variety: MIX 4 mostly cream pies, MIX 3 mostly nuts like the signature walnut and pecan, and MIX 2 a blend of nuts and cream, so you can choose by taste.

It was my first visit and I wanted to try a bit of everything, so I picked the ₩34,900 Premium Assorted Pie Cake (MIX 1), which has several kinds evenly mixed in.

In front of the register, a cute handwritten chalkboard listed the trendy "Dubai Crispy Pie" (₩5,500). Hazelnut cacao plus Dubai chocolate? There's no way that's not delicious. I bought the assorted pie today, so I'll definitely try the Dubai pie next time.

On the counter there's also a little orange bell to ring when no staff is around, and a considerate note on storage: "refrigerated 7 days, frozen 30 days, cream 3 days."

Is Hodukkakki Brothers pie packaging good for gifts?

The assorted pies at Hodukkakki Brothers Bangbae branch come in a nutcracker-illustration box inside a clear plastic bag. After I finished looking around, my pie was ready.

It came in a sturdy box with a vintage yet classy nutcracker illustration, neatly placed in a clear plastic bag. I snapped a souvenir photo with the big nutcracker decoration standing proudly in one corner of the shop.

The packaging is so pretty and good quality that it would surely earn you praise as a thoughtful gift for a parent's birthday, a housewarming, or a thank-you present. Carrying the hefty box, I headed home happily.

How does the sugar-free macadamia cream pie taste?

The macadamia cream pie from the Hodukkakki Brothers assortment wasn't overly sweet, had a crisp base, and went well with an iced Americano. As soon as I got home, I set up my home café. I brewed a strong iced Americano with plenty of ice and took out a slice of the macadamia cream pie, the one that stood out most in the assortment.

Served on a pretty wavy plate, it looks as good as dessert at any famous café. I cut off a big forkful, and the moment it hit my mouth, my brow furrowed in the truth-telling way.

First, the sweetness balance is so good that I can hardly believe it's "sugar-free." It's not that headache-inducing, tongue-stabbing sweetness of sugar; instead a gentle, deep nutty richness spreads through your mouth. The pie base is crisp without a hint of sogginess, and the filling on top is rich yet smooth. The generous nut topping crunches too, which makes the texture perfect.

Since it isn't overly sweet, it pairs perfectly with a bitter Americano. It doesn't get cloying, so I could easily have finished two slices right there.

Verdict: who is Hodukkakki Brothers Bangbae branch for?

Hodukkakki Brothers Bangbae branch is a sugar-free handmade pie shop that suits people who love sweets but worry about their health, and those who dislike the artificial sweetness of store-bought cakes. It's been a while since I found a real dessert that didn't feel like a waste of money. I think it would suit dieters like me who love sweets but care about health, and older folks who dislike the artificial sweetness of commercial cakes.

Taste, health, looks, packaging quality: nothing is lacking. If you want to unwind this weekend with quality handmade pie, I strongly recommend Hodukkakki Brothers Bangbae branch as a Bangbae-dong favorite and a proper Naebang Station find.

• Name: Hodukkakki Brothers Bangbae branch
• Location: Bangbae-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul (near Naebang Station)
• Notes: Parking in front of the shop, excellent gift packaging