01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Located along a street in Jiyugaoka, ZENDAMA Sweets is a compact sweets shop and delicatessen bringing together traditional Korean confections, comforting meals, and artisanal ingredients. The cafe side highlights an inviting range of Korean rice cakes, from softly steamed seolgi and rich, nutty yaksik to rice cakes pressed crisp on a waffle iron. Guests can unwind over classic brews like cinnamon-infused sujeonggwa, citrusy yuzu tea, or restorative herbal ssanghwa-cha, alongside toasted multigrain misutgaru drinks and fruit juices.
Beyond the confections, the dining space toward the rear serves hearty savory fare. Available until 14:00, one-plate meals feature medicinal herb bossam and grilled tteokgalbi patties, complemented by a roster of warming favorites such as spicy red tteokbokki, mild royal court tteokbokki, Korean ramyun, and chicken dak-hanmari steeped in flavorful broth. Most meals come with side dishes like house-made kimchi, offering gentle, unpretentious seasoning that makes for a deeply satisfying lunch.
The retail section at the front is well worth a look before leaving. Shelves and coolers hold handmade kimchi, salted fermented delicacies such as cod and squid changja, fermented baby shrimp, frozen rice cakes, and prepared takeaway deli items, making it easy to recreate traditional tastes at home. Whether popping in for tea and a sweet break while shopping or sitting down for a rustic Korean meal, it serves as a versatile neighborhood fixture.
