The Bread Blue

In Sinchon, bakeries are a dime a dozen and at first glance, there’s not much to differentiate The Bread Blue from any other local bakery in the neighborhood. Filled with baguettes, cakes and other cream-filled pastries, you might not notice that the bakery’s vegan at all were it not for the signs outside. Chief Manager Shin Seong-Cheol explains that some customers are even in disbelief about the fact that there’s no milk or eggs in any of their products. “Instead of topping our garlic bread with butter, we top [it] with our special rice oil. We make alterations for everything, making even vegan cream for our cream puffs.” One of the most popular breads at the moment is the potato baguette, which is topped with seasoned potatoes—making it a great, hearty meal during the winter. With several universities nearby and large, spacious seating, The Bread Blue seems a popular destination for many students to come munch on some bread and study. Shin, who originally started The Bread Blue because he knew a few children with skin atrophy due to lactose intolerance, says that the café’s equally well-liked amongst older Koreans. “They’re not really sure what it’s made out of but they just like it because it settles well with their stomachs.”