Solo brunch near Ichon Station, Seoul: shrimp rosé pasta at Mellang

I had a weekday off recently and wanted a good lunch close to home. So I went to Mellang (카페멜랑), a brunch spot with a lovely mood that I'd been eyeing every time I walked past. Here's my post about it.

Where is Mellang? How far from Ichon Station

Mellang is a 5-minute walk from Exit 3-1 of Ichon Station. It also looked like a good stop before or after visiting the National Museum of Korea.

Mellang's exterior

The moment I arrived, the clean, modern black-and-white exterior caught my eye.

It isn't flashy, but it has a subtle French-chic feel, so I was in a good mood before I even went in.

Mellang's interior and seating

Inside, it's the same clean black-and-white base as the outside, with fresh mint-colored accents that make the space feel more casual yet stylish.

The space isn't huge like a big-chain restaurant, but it's used well, and the seating is quite varied and generous, from tables for two to larger group tables.

The view through the big windows added to the charm. Maybe because it was summer, the trees along the street were lush and green, and together with the apartments and the road they made a comfortable, atmospheric neighborhood view.

It was a hot day, but the air conditioning was running nicely, so it was pleasant inside.

Looking around, I saw they have baby chairs ready for parents coming with young children.

There's also a restroom inside, which is convenient.

Ordering at Mellang is by QR code

I took a comfy cushioned seat along the wall. The wine bottles lined up on the shelf opposite worked like decor pieces and raised the mood of the whole space even more.

Once I sat down, water and basic cutlery were set out neatly. The glass water bottle they brought was really pretty. It was a bit heavier than it looks, and the clear sound of the water pouring out was so refreshing and pleasant.

Ordering was very easy too. Each table has a QR code, so without calling a staff member or going to the counter, I could check the menu on my phone and order right from my seat.

Bisque shrimp rosé pasta, ₩19,000, at medium spice

Bisque shrimp rosé pasta, ₩19,000. When my shrimp rosé pasta came out, the look of it alone was a win.

With the plate on the clean, bright white table, even a casual snap came out looking really atmospheric. The lighting and the table are perfect for taking photos for Instagram or a blog.

At first I saw one big shrimp on top and thought that was all.

But when I poked around with my fork for the noodles, there was another plump shrimp hiding underneath! As a total shrimp lover, I was secretly overjoyed to find two big shrimp.

There was also something soft I kept chewing along with the noodles, and it turned out to be savory mushrooms. Their tender, soft texture went really well with the rosé sauce.

The sauce has slightly spicy chili in it, which neatly cuts the richness that rosé can sometimes have. When I ordered, the staff kindly explained that the spice level can be adjusted! I asked for medium, and it was just spicy enough to keep it from feeling heavy without being overly hot, so I enjoyed it a lot.

Verdict: works for solo meals and brunch get-togethers

I came to Mellang, a brunch favorite in Ichon-dong, because I wanted a tasty pasta on my own, but when I glanced at the next table, people had ordered a hearty brunch plate and were chatting happily. If you're looking for a date spot near Ichon Station, want a brunch with friends in a nice atmosphere, or just crave good pasta like me, I highly recommend Mellang.