Cafe 27 Gram

Despite the downpour darkening the streets, about 20 meters from Sangwangsimni Station Exit 2, heading towards Cheonggyecheon, I discovered Cafe 27 Gram – a beacon of light in a dim alleyway. This small establishment, housing four or five tables and a roasting machine next to the bar, is described as having a clean and tidy interior that brings a sense of calm. The owner is a woman, known for her composed and welcoming demeanor. The cafe's name, '27 Gram,' refers to the weight of espresso coffee beans, a name that reflects the owner's style. Einspanner was introduced as one of the popular menu items, and when I asked the owner about the crucial points for a good Einspanner, she replied that strong coffee and chewy cream are key. While drip coffee can be ordered, the owner, working alone, mainly prepares it when customers request it on not-so-busy weekends. Currently, only Ethiopian beans are available, and I am told I ordered an Ethiopian pour-over to escape the rain. With no one else on the streets due to the heavy rain, I was chatting with the owner when another customer entered and ordered two Einspanners for takeout. As the owner prepared the drip coffee, it was described as having a balanced acidity, nutty flavor, and aroma, with a beautiful scene of light seemingly blooming from the center of the coffee cup. Drinking the coffee and conversing with the owner, it felt like a special experience, where the owner, the coffee, and the cafe's atmosphere were in perfect harmony. As the raindrops began to lighten, it was time for me to leave. Stepping back onto the street with a pleasant feeling, I thought of Sangwangsimni's Cafe 27 Gram as the 'Einspanner Dae Jang Geum' (a Korean historical drama known for excellence).