Yangjae Station pie shop's nut & cream mix box: Hodu Kkakki Brothers

There's a dinner stomach and a dessert stomach, and they're separate. Everybody agrees, right? A few days ago I finished a hearty meal nearby with a close friend, and I was craving something sweet so badly that we went hunting for a well-known Yangjae spot. The place I fell for this time, since I'm seriously into desserts, is a premium handmade pie shop called Hodu Kkakki Brothers (호두까끼형제). It won me over with the very first bite, so let me tell you all about that sweet, crunchy time in detail!

Where is Hodu Kkakki Brothers near Yangjae Station?

Hodu Kkakki Brothers is on the ground floor at 10 Nambusunhwan-ro 351-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Officially it's in Dogok-dong, but it's only a bit over a 5-minute walk from Yangjae Station Exit 4, so it's very easy to reach.

Walk along the alley and the warm, cozy look of the storefront catches your eye right away. It's a great spot for a sugar recharge before or after a walk along nearby Yangjaecheon stream, so it fits neatly into a day of local sights or an indoor date.

Hodu Kkakki Brothers: atmosphere and pie flavors

The shop is small but has a high ceiling, with warm lighting and wood-toned furniture that make it feel like a hideaway. The moment I opened the door, the smell of baking butter and nuts hit me. There are a few small tables where you can sit and eat for a bit, and it looked like a nice place to relax on your own too.

The showcase was full of gleaming pies. From the signature original walnut pie to pecan, macadamia, cream cheese and cacao chocolate, there were so many kinds that choosing took forever. In the end I wanted the nuttiness and the creaminess together, so I ordered the 'NUT&CREAM PIE MIX 2' package and an iced Americano to cut through the sweetness.

The NUT&CREAM PIE MIX package comes in a classy box as standard, and I instantly understood why Hodu Kkakki Brothers is so popular for small gifts.

Looks like they also sell Dubai basbousa (a semolina cake) in limited quantities~!! I'll have to try it next time >_<

Can you order Hodu Kkakki Brothers pies as gifts or in bulk?

Hodu Kkakki Brothers also takes group orders for wedding favors and corporate events, and the pie selection can be adjusted to your budget. I saw boxes for group orders stacked up on one side of the shop. The packaging is really elegant, so keep it in mind if you're looking for a thoughtful dessert gift.

Before you go: sell-outs and storage times

These handmade desserts are made and sold the same day, so if you visit late in the afternoon the popular pies are likely to be sold out already. If you plan to buy several kinds, call the shop beforehand to check stock or reserve.

The note says they taste best refrigerated (7 days), and you can keep them frozen for up to 30 days!

How did the Hodu Kkakki Brothers pies taste?

Thin, crisp crust and packed filling

The crust was about 2–3mm thin, and the filling was packed in more than 1.5cm deep. When I opened the box and looked closely at a cross-section, I could see exactly why this place is special. First, the thickness of the pie crust (tart shell). Ordinary pies often have thick, dry dough, but the crust here is paper-thin and crisp. In exchange, the filling is crammed in, which brings out the flavor of the ingredients to the fullest.

A gentle sweetness that isn't sticky

Second, the balance of a healthier sweetness. The nut pie didn't have that sticky, teeth-aching sweetness of sugar or corn syrup. It tasted mild and refined, as if made with fructo-oligosaccharide or unrefined organic sugar.

Pecan pie and cream pies

The pecan pie was generously topped with whole pecans, and the crunchy texture was a work of art. The caramel filling inside wasn't hard at all; it melted in my mouth like a soft caramel macchiato.

In the cream pie lineup, the thick, rich cheese flavor contrasted with the crisp crust and filled my mouth with happiness. My friend, who doesn't usually go for sweets, took one bite and said, "This place really knows its pies," and kept going with the fork.

Who should visit Hodu Kkakki Brothers?

If you want the perfect finish to a good meal, do stop by Hodu Kkakki Brothers in Yangjae, where handmade pies and fragrant coffee are waiting. They use healthy, good ingredients without holding back, and the flavor that fills your mouth is something special.

I strongly recommend it for a sweet date with someone who loves desserts, and for anyone looking for a thoughtful gift for parents or a friend you're grateful to. I'm planning to go back soon myself to pick up a nut pie set for my parents!