On a clear autumn morning filled with gusts that signalled the transition to winter, I did a day trip out from Seoul to Suwon for the first time. The journey by the subway was convenient and fuss free. It took me slightly less than an hour and a half to get to Suwon station. From the main station, I then hopped on a bus which brought me to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress.
Before attempting the fortress hike, I had planned to visit Vivre Sa Vie, a café with my kind of white and minimal aesthetics. The café was run by just a kind and friendly middle-aged lady who came slightly past opening hour and was very apologetic that I waited past 10am outside the café, exposed to the chilling winds.
With large glass windows along one side of the café, the café was filled with natural light and I got a clear view of the fortress walls from inside. The white walls and ceiling contrasted with the wooden and rattan furniture, while props like books and plants spruced up the small and modest space.
From the range of drinks and desserts on the menu, I ordered the Homemade Apple Cinnamon Tea (KRW6500) to warm myself up, along with a Matcha Terrine (KRW5,500). The tea came with an aesthetic presentation, topped with slices of apple and a small uncut apple. I recommend to several rounds of hot water as you drink it as it was very sweet.
Meanwhile, the Matcha Terrine was rich and dense, with a substantial bitterness of matcha that helped balance the sweetness from the tea. I loved the overall attention to detail, as can be seen from the style of plating and presentation.
As the owner put on her Korean autumn playlist through the speakers, I indulged in the sentiments of the season in the cosiness of the café, while not having to be conscious of others as I was the only customer on that early weekday morning. This is that one café where you can rest your mind and body.
193-231 Yeonmu-dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon, South Korea
Mon, Wed to Fri 10am – 6pm (closed on Tues)
Sat to Sun 10am – 7pm
Foodography: A Singapore Food Blog 