Patbingsu (Red Bean Shaved Ice)

Two of Korea’s greatest gifts to the culinary world are kimchi, on the hot end of the spectrum, and patbingsu, on the freezing, opposite end. Patbingsu is shaved ice topped with red beans, rice cake, and special syrup. It’s usually sold in the summer, but some cafes have it the whole year round.

The classic patbingsu has evolved into myriad variations, much to the pleasure of patbingsu fanatics and to the disdain of patbingsu purists. To each his own, right?

Trendy patbingsu variants include coffee, green tea, topped with ice cream, topped with fruits, and even in a cup as a drink. If you’re a patbingsu newbie, classic patbingsu is the only perfect way to start.

Here are the best places to have patbingsu in Seoul.

• MEAL TOP | Gangnam-gu
  For patbingsu that locals call “the best one in town”
  What to order: Strawberry Patbingsu, Coffee Patbingsu, Milk Bingsu
  Price range: 10,000 to 15,000 Won ($8.57 to $12.86)
  When: 10:30 to 20:00 Daily
  Where: 5F Hyundai Department Store, Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• HAP | Gangnam-gu
  For one-of-a-kind patbingsu
  What to order: Citrus Patbingsu, Traditional Cookies, Rice Cakes
  Price range: 8,000 to 12,000 Won ($6.86 to $10.29)
  When: 12:00 – 21:00 Daily
  Where: 2F 93-3 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• BING BING BING | Mapo-gu
  For patbingsu the whole year round
  What to order: Yogurt Patbingsu, Milk Patbingsu, Red Bean Bingsu
  Price range: 5,500 to 11,000 Won ($4.71 to $9.43)
  When: 12:00 – 21:00 Daily
  Where: 5-29 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul