Bangbae nut pie shop: gift-wrapped walnut pies, Hodukkakki Brothers

I'm a pie person, so I'm always hunting for cafés and dessert spots. This time I visited Hodukkakki Brothers Bangbae branch (호두까끼형제 방배점) near Naebang Station. It's a handmade pie shop packed with nutty goodness and already famous by word of mouth, so my expectations were high, and after trying it myself I get why it's so popular as a dessert gift too.

Location and opening hours of Hodukkakki Brothers Bangbae

Hodukkakki Brothers Bangbae branch is at 21-1 Seocho-daero 27-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 1st floor of the JL Building, a 2-3 minute walk from Naebang Station Exit 8. It's open 10:30-20:00 on weekdays and 10:30-19:30 on weekends.

• Address: 21-1 Seocho-daero 27-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 1st floor of the JL Building
• Hours: weekdays 10:30-20:00 / weekends 10:30-19:30
• Location: 2-3 minute walk from Naebang Station Exit 8
• Parking: use nearby parking lots

What kind of place is Hodukkakki Brothers?

Hodukkakki Brothers is known as a brand specializing in handmade nut pies. I hear many people seek it out for pies made with a healthier sweetness instead of refined sugar. It offers everything from pies using a variety of nuts to gift sets, so it's also popular for thank-you gifts and anniversaries.

The moment I stepped into the Bangbae branch, the smell of freshly baked pie was wonderful. The interior is small but clean and warm, so it was easy to browse comfortably, and the display shelves showed off many kinds of pies beautifully.

What's on the pie menu?

At Hodukkakki Brothers Bangbae, there were nut pies of all kinds, from walnut to pecan, hazelnut and macadamia.

• Signature walnut pie
• Original pecan pie
• Hazelnut cacao pie
• Macadamia cheese pie
• Premium mix pie
• Assorted pie cake

It's not a place that sells just one flavor. There are sets that let you enjoy several kinds at once, which made choosing fun. The premium mix pie, popular as a gift, is said to be very satisfying because you can taste several flavors together.

How did the signature walnut pie taste?

The first thing I tried at Hodukkakki Brothers Bangbae was the signature walnut pie. What hit me right from the first bite was a really rich nutty flavor. The crust is crisp yet tender and the filling is moist, so the textures are well balanced. Unlike pies that are just sweet, the nuttiness comes first, so it's easy to eat without feeling heavy.

Pecan pie and hazelnut cacao pie

I tried the pecan pie too. The pecan's nuttiness and sweetness blend harmoniously, and it went really well with coffee. If you like sweet desserts, you'll be happy with it.

The hazelnut cacao pie had an appealing deep chocolate aroma. It isn't too sweet and you can taste the depth of the cacao, so I think adults would like it.

Why Hodukkakki Brothers pies make a good dessert gift

One of the biggest strengths of Hodukkakki Brothers is its truly elegant packaging. The individual wrapping is neat and the box design is refined, so I figured the person receiving it would be pleased. I heard people often buy it as thank-you gifts, gifts for parents, housewarming gifts and office snacks. The assorted pie cake, with several flavors in one, seemed especially good for birthdays or anniversaries.

Atmosphere inside Hodukkakki Brothers Bangbae

The shop is decorated in wood tones throughout, and the clean atmosphere left an impression. The showcase displaying the pies was neatly arranged too, and just looking at it put me in a good mood.

Above all, it's only a 2-3 minute walk from Naebang Station, so it's easily accessible and seemed convenient for office workers and residents nearby. It sits on a quiet side street, which makes it a good spot to pop in and pick up dessert to go.

Who I'd recommend Hodukkakki Brothers Bangbae to

• Anyone who wants to give parents or friends a premium dessert
• Anyone looking for a great dessert spot near Naebang Station
• Nut lovers
• Anyone wondering what to give as a thank-you gift
• Anyone looking for a dessert that goes well with coffee
• Anyone who wants to try a special handmade pie

Final thoughts

Hodukkakki Brothers Bangbae wasn't a place for desserts that are just sweet. It was a handmade pie shop where you can really enjoy the natural nutty flavor. You can try many kinds of pie and the packaging is elegant, so I think it would be very satisfying as a gift. If you're looking for a special dessert near Naebang Station, it's worth a visit at least once. It's a place I'd go back to whenever I'm craving a nutty pie with a cup of coffee.