5 places to enjoy cardamom buns in Seoul

Cardamom buns at Lecker Lecker / Captured from Lecker Lecker's Instagram

With its warm, citrusy aroma and slightly sweet, peppery bite, cardamom is a spice that lingers on the tongue — mysterious yet comforting. Cultivated in subtropical regions, cardamom is made from the seeds of plants in the ginger family. In India, it’s a common ingredient in savory dishes and spiced teas. Across Scandinavia, it lends its signature fragrance to sweet breads and pastries, and in the Middle East, it’s often added to desserts and coffee.

Now, this ancient spice is enjoying a moment in Korea. Though relatively new to locals, cardamom has made its way into Seoul’s bakeries and cafes. The trend has gone viral on social media, with users sharing snaps and reviews of their favorite finds. The Korea Times rounds up five of the best spots in Seoul to try these fragrant, chewy delights.

1. Lecker Lecker

At Lecker Lecker, a German baker crafts cardamom buns with care — and a bit of education. Customers are treated to a short introduction to the spice, often invited to smell the cardamom pods before digging in.

“The reactions are usually polarized — some dislike it, others say, ‘Hmm... it’s okay,’” the owner shared on Instagram. “But cardamom isn’t too overpowering. It’s a great flavor for summer.” The owner also suggests drink pairings that complement the bun, which are well worth trying.

■ Hours: Noon to 8 p.m., closed Monday and Tuesday

■ Address: 278 Bulgwangcheon-gil, Seodaemun District, Seoul

■ Instagram: @leckerlecker_seoul

A cardamom bun served at Nachbar / Captured from Nachbar's Instagram

2. Nachbar

When it comes to cardamom buns in Korea, Nachbar is often credited as the pioneer. Located in the historic Jongno District, this cafe is where many Seoulites first encounter the treat. Expect to queue — waiting is part of the experience here.

Each bun comes with a small slip of paper describing the spice’s origins, adding a thoughtful touch to your visit.

■ Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed Monday and Tuesday

■ Address: 42 Pirundae-ro, Jongno District, Seoul

■ Instagram: @nachbarcoffeehouse

Cardamom buns served at Kaffe Flam / Captured from Kaffe Flam's Instagram

3. Kaffe Flam

Walking into Kaffe Flam feels like stepping into a Nordic cafe. From minimalist Scandinavian decor to a menu focused on Nordic-style coffees and baked goods, it’s the perfect setting to enjoy a cardamom bun.

Few places feel as natural for this pastry as Kaffe Flam.

■ Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed Monday

■ Address: 7 Jowon-ro 2-gil, Gwanak District, Seoul

■ Instagram: @kaffe_flam

Cardamom buns at Les Mains Dorées / Captured from Les Mains Dorées' Instagram

4. Les Mains Dorées

At Les Mains Dorées, the cardamom bun has quietly become a bestseller. The bakery offers a “reimagined” version made with croissant dough — crisp and flaky on the outside, soft and tender inside. The combination of cardamom’s heady scent and crunchy pearl sugar makes this version especially irresistible.

■ Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

■ Address: 9-3 Sapyeong-daero 26-gil, Seocho District, Seoul

■ Instagram: @cafe.lesmainsdorees

A cardamom bun served at Dorae Knot / Captured from Dorae Knot's Instagram

5. Dorae Knot

Dorae Knot takes a slow approach to baking their cardamom buns — and the result is worth the wait. “It takes us three days to make even one,” the owner says. “We use French flour and butter … it’s truly a labor of love with no shortcuts.”

■ Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on other days, closed Thursday

■ Address: 72 Bangullae-ro, Mapo District, Seoul

■ Instagram: @doraeknot_mangwon