A few weeks ago I was very dismayed to find that my two favourite dessert spots had moved out of my neighbourhood. Thankfully Cre8 Cookies and Ferry Roasters hadn’t closed down altogether but just moved locations. In fact Ferry Roasters, hadn’t just moved premises, they changed names too, to Old Ferry Donut. Since I found out about the move I haven’t been able to stop thinking about their delicious donuts, so I decided to drag my hot sweaty ass down to Hannam to check out the new location.
Whilst the other location was super cute and incredibly close to my home, this new location is much bigger, although is quite the hike if you are walking from Itaewon. It is quite off the beaten track, but this residential street seems to be the new zone for coffee shops and cafes. It is located on the second floor of a brand new building. The open plan space has plenty of nods to the nautical theme, however it has lost a lot of the charm of the old spot.
Thankfully one big improvement they have made with the new premises is adding a whole boatload (pun intended) of donuts to the menu. Maybe not a boat load, but certainly a handful. It really is the donuts that you come for, as unlike the rest of the world, Seoul is seriously lacking in yummy donut goodies.
Sadly they seem to have got rid of their freshly fried ones, which is a shame, as the basil parmesan ones were delicious. However they still have their tiny Donut Sample Box (10,000), which comes with nine of the cutest donuts ever! They come in three flavours; Strawberry Homer Simpson, Coconut, and Toasted Marshmallow. The mini donuts are quite firm and cakey, but the icing is super sweet and has lovely flavour. I love the mix of flavours and textures, but if pushed I would have to pick the mini Homer donut as my favorite just because I can’t resist a sprinkle.
The new items are the big cream filled donuts. I got the Tiramisu (4,500) and the Raspberry (5,000). OMG were these orgasmic. For starters the dough was super light and fluffy and almost choux or cronut like. I have honestly not had a donut like it before. The Tiramisu donut was filled with a light cream, topped with a scrummy coffee icing, and dusted with powder cocoa.It was really incredible, light yet chewy at the same time, and very different to the cakey texture of the mini ones. I wish I had got like 5! The Raspberry one was also fab. I love jam donuts, especially when there is a thick luxury jam inside. The powdered sugar ones at the franchise places just don’t do it for me. This one was topped with a thick raspberry icing which added an extra layer of amazingness. I loved it, different to the Tiramisu but equally good, I am glad I got both. They also have Green Tea, Peanutbutter, and Coconut versions.
The drink menu seems to have stayed the same as they are still offering their signature Donut Latte (6,500). It is still as beautiful and Instagrammable as ever. While the mini donut topped coffee is visually stunning, it is just a simple latte underneath, and very small. Two sips and i’ts gone. So we also tried the Coconut Vienna (6,500). This was definitely the tastier of the two, as the coconut whip on top was delicious. Coconut coffees really seem to be very popular in Seoul this summer. It was very refreshing in this heat but again a bit on the tiny side.
Overall I’m very glad I went to revisit Old Ferry Donut. If you are just looking for a good place to have coffee there are cuter cafes nearby. However if you love donuts it’s well worth the trip as the large filled donuts are magnificent. Honestly they are worth coming for alone. As far as I know it is the only place in the city doing donuts like this, which makes it a winner for me.
Old Ferry Donut is located at 66 Hannam daero, 27 gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. To get there take a train to Hangangjin Station (line 6), and come out of exit 3. Walk straight and take your first left, then the next left after that. Keep walking straight, following the road around to the right. You will see Old Ferry Donut just up ahead on the left hand side on the second floor. For more information you can call them on 02-6015-2022 or visit their Instagram page.