Gusan Station café in Eunpyeong with 1-liter coffee: Ward Coffee

One weekend afternoon, I stopped by Ward Coffee Gusan Station Branch while walking with my husband and our 18-month-old baby. We visited to take home coffee and dessert to share, choosing two kinds of 1-liter bottled coffee and choux cream manju.

What was it like to stop by while walking near Gusan Station?

The café is near Gusan Station, so it was easy to stop by while pushing a stroller on a walk. Its yellow accents and cute character on the exterior caught my eye, and the inside and outside of the shop were neatly kept.

While we waited for our order, the owner made eye contact with and greeted my baby. They showed us several dolls in the shop and even gave my baby one to take home. I remember that kind gesture, and my baby hugged the doll tightly on the way home.

What bottled drinks and desserts were available?

Along with cold brew, they sold Americanos and lattes in 1-liter bottles. There were also strawberry choux cream shakes and red tomato juice, while the desserts included choux cream manju, ice cream, sandwiches, and cookies.

How were the takeout coffee and choux cream manju?

We took home 10 choux cream manju, a 1-liter bottled cold brew, and a 1-liter bottled hazelnut cold brew latte. We drank the beverages chilled and had the manju with coffee.

What were the price and texture of the choux cream manju?

The choux cream manju cost ₩3,500 for 10 at the time of my visit. They smelled nutty and freshly baked; with each bite, the outside was crisp while the warm choux cream inside was soft. They were not overly sweet for my taste, and their custard aroma made them a nice match for coffee.

How did the two cold brews differ?

The cold brew tasted clean without off-flavors, yet had a full-bodied character. Its acidity was not excessive, and my husband said it was good for drinking while working.

The hazelnut cold brew latte suited my preference for sweet coffee. Mild hazelnut aroma and nutty milk came together, with a clean finish. The sweetness did not linger heavily, so I did not tire of it while sharing the bottle.

Was the 1-liter bottle convenient to share at home?

The bottles were large and sturdy. It was easy to close the lid, keep them in the refrigerator, and pour out a little at a time, and the portions were generous. I would recommend eating the choux cream manju while you can enjoy them warm and crisp.

On this visit, I was happy that we could take home large coffee drinks and snacks at once. The shop was clean and treated my baby kindly, so it remains a place I would like to stop by again while walking with my family.