FatManSeoul

Fatman has a whole post devoted to the foods of Andong (as well as posts here and here right at home)  over at Hub of Sparkle, but one place deserves special mention.

It is not merely the best bakery in Andong, or Gyeongsang-do.  It is the best bakery in Korea.  Maybe the best bakery in the world.  Or the UNIVERSE!

Dating all the way back to the 1970’s, Mammot has been around a while, and the European-trained bakers seem to have hit the sweet spot exactly between sophisticated European baking techniques and the local tastes.

Korean favorites like streudel bread and crispy tapioca balls (or “dragon eggs” as they call them at Mammoth) are executed with flair, while old-world favorites like sacher torte show up in all their stately glory.

Original creations often have a whimsical edge, such as these charming buns shaped to resemble blowfish.

The front part of the store is partitioned and devoted mostly to baked goods, including breads, cakes, and other deserts. A second section is set apart for wines and beverages, and a smaller display case holds some of their house-made chocolates. The rear section contains glassed in bakery-section where you can watch the staff at work baking and decorating. There’s a decent-sized dining area with tables and chairs for eating in, and a small outdoor garden area to use during good weather.

While the baked goods are the highlight, don’t miss out on some excellent sandwiches and very good espresso drinks. Like their bakery items, everything here is made with very high quality ingredients, including imported meats and cheeses.
But the real highlight are still the marvelous interpretations of European goods. The cream puffs and eclairs are standouts, with a crisp exterior, tender interior crumb, and an extraordinarily good cream filing both light and luxurious. Pair it with a nicely balanced cup of cappuchino, and you’ve got a perfect afternoon relaxation. Or, pair a thimbulful of deep espresso with one of their magnificent French-style macaroons.

Need something a bit more savory? Any of their breads will have a good crumb and a marvelous crisp crust. Many of them come packed with small luxuries, like this bacon and sundried tomato braid.

In the end, it’s hard to go wrong here. The bakery staff has worked hard to both please the local palate and stay true to the European tradition, and somehow managed to pull it off. When you stay in Andong, as odd as it sounds in the land of Confucian tradition, this may well be the best meal in town. Forget tradition for a bit and enjoy a little bit of another kind of tradition altogether.

Mammoth Bakery is just off the main square in downtown Andong, near the Pizza Hutt and Shinhan Bank. Baked goods start from 1,000 won, with cakes starting in the 15,000 range, sandwiches around 3,500 won, and espresso drinks are very reasonably priced at around 3,500 as well.

Read more about places to wine and dine in Andong over at our Hub of Sparkle write-up!