Mealtop, a dessert shop once hailed as a landmark of the Hyundai Department Store, was beloved by many for its signature patbingsu, or red bean shaved ice. It built a loyal following with its harmonious blend of soft, milky ice and sweet red beans, a combination that appealed to nearly every palate. Now, Mealtop has reappeared with a new look near Sinyongsan Station, right next to the HYBE headquarters. Operating under the name “Fandom Earth Mealtop,” I decided to visit to see if it still delivers the classic taste we all remember.
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Basic Information
- Name: Fandom Earth Mealtop
- Type: Cafe / Dessert Shop
- Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Address: 65-155 Hangang-ro 3-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
A New Concept for ‘Mealtop’ Beside HYBE
Walking from Sinyongsan Station toward the HYBE building, I came across a cafe with a distinctively modern facade. This was Fandom Earth Mealtop. At first glance, the atmosphere was so different from the classic Mealtop inside the Hyundai Department Store that I wondered if it was truly the same brand.
That feeling grew stronger once I stepped inside. The interior felt more like a fan cafe dedicated to a specific artist, a concept that seems to capitalize on its prime location next to HYBE. However, a video playing on a screen in one corner, showing Mealtop’s feature on the old food program “Wednesday Food Talk,” served as proof that this is indeed an official branch of the original dessert house.
A Unique Layout and a Signature Order
The cafe’s layout is also unconventional. After ordering on the first floor, I had to exit the building and use a separate entrance to access the second floor. The upstairs seating area is designed like an attic, requiring a climb up a rather steep staircase.
Likely because of this design, the staff informed me that shaved ice for second-floor customers comes in plastic bowls to prevent breakage. I found this to be a reasonable safety precaution.
Since it was my first visit, I ordered the cornerstone of the menu: the signature Milk Bingsu. Despite the unfamiliar ambiance, I was hoping the flavor would be the same one I remembered.
An Honest Review of the Milk Bingsu
To put it plainly, the taste wasn’t what I had hoped for. The most significant difference was the texture of the ice. The hallmark of the original Mealtop bingsu was its incredibly smooth consistency, where the milk and ice were perfectly integrated, melting softly in your mouth.
However, the Milk Bingsu here had a texture where the milk and ice felt separate, a sensation that became more pronounced as the dessert melted. It tasted more like finely ground ice with milk poured over it. As time passed, the ice melted into water while the milk settled at the bottom, making it difficult to enjoy the rich, creamy flavor of the original.
Of course, this was just my personal experience on the day I visited. Given its location next to HYBE, the cafe is likely a frequent stop for fans, and perhaps their excitement makes them more forgiving of the flavor. I also left with the lingering thought that another menu item, like one of the fruit-based bingsu, might have better captured the classic Mealtop taste.
Final Thoughts: A New Concept, But a Disappointing Flavor
Fandom Earth Mealtop in Sinyongsan is an interesting space where the well-known Mealtop brand has been reborn through a fusion with K-pop fan culture. For visitors to the HYBE building or fans exploring the area, it certainly offers a unique experience.
However, if you’re visiting in the hopes of tasting the deep, rich Milk Bingsu from its Hyundai Department Store days, you might leave a bit disappointed. While the cafe is worth a visit for its unique concept, it’s best to manage your expectations if flavor is your top priority.