Simple and Tasty Sandwiches at Bucella
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Sandwiches are all-time favorites for almost everyone. With two slices of bread and literally any ingredient of preference, anyone can make a simple and hearty sandwich to go. But whatever the ingredients inside, one of the most important ― and most-often forgotten ― features is the bread. At bistro ``Bucella,'' sandwich fans can enjoy simple but delicious sandwiches made with the restaurant's specialty: ciabatta bread.
We found one hidden inside a narrow street in Samcheong-dong. This Bucella branch ― there are several others, including in Sinsa-dong, Cheongdam-dong and even Yeouido ―is a bit smaller than the rest, but it was enough to satisfy our cravings for a good sandwich.
Walking into the small, cozy restaurant, visitors find a small open kitchen, along with a small bakery with various breads, cakes and desserts displayed.
As soon as we sit down, the waiters come and offer water, reminding us that we can find a plate of ciabatta to enjoy before choosing from the menu.
The bread was delicious. Crispy on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside, it was perfect even with just a plain cup of coffee. The toasted sandwich made from the small loaves of ciabatta many Koreans enjoy is called ``panino,'' or in plural ``panini,'' in Italian.
We ordered the taco chicken (7,000 won) and the tender beef (7,500 won). Visitors can also choose other sandwiches from the menu, which includes pastrami, king prawn, vegetarian and even salmon. All of the selections are made with ciabatta, and are served with a small side salad.
The beef sandwich was soft and tender, with other ingredients like lettuce, a tomato slice, onions and Bucella's special sauce complimenting the beef. The salad was a perfect touch, as just munching on the sandwich may not have been enough for a hearty meal.
The chicken sandwich was equally full of taste, but was a bit too oily. As the bread was thicker than the inside ingredients, it was inevitable that the sandwich had to be squeezed in order to fit all the fillings between the bread. The result was a tad sloppy as the chicken and sauce fell out of the sides, and despite the rich taste, the dish became messy, with the salad oozing in the oily sauce from the sandwich.
Overall, however, the meal was delightful and just the right amount. The salad also looked hearty, with sprinkles of cheese slices, seafood and the ciabatta.
Currently, the Samcheong-dong branch does not sell special bread. But at other locations, visitors can buy not only ciabatta, but also other famous breads that the restaurant bakes two-to-three times per day.
Even though Bucella also offers a wide selection of wine ― with empty bottles decorating the restaurant interior ― as well as soups and desserts, we would recommend that first-time visitors try the sandwiches first.
Small as it is, Bucella proved that a venue does not have to be too big, nor does it have to have extra-special ingredients to make the perfect sandwich. Going simple, yet managing to satisfy with basic ingredients ― in this case the bread ― can go a long way and will probably make people return for more.
To get to Bucella, get off in front of the Samcheong-dong police station. Cross the street, turn right and walk straight. Turn left on the first corner and walk further ― until you find the bright yellow and red door that says Bucella. For more information, call 723-7339.
Elsewhere, the Sinsa-dong branch is located on the famous tree-lined street; to get to the Cheongdam-dong branch, get off at Cheongdam Elementary School and turn right; and the Yeouido branch is on the first floor of the Sharp Island Park near Yeouido park.