Kidulting @ Viva Salon (비바쌀롱)

I constantly prowl Instagram in search of new places to check out, particularly cafes with cute desserts and drinks. Recently I came across a photo of a Cookie Monster inspired latte and I knew I had to have it! So off I went to Mangwon-dong to get my daily dose of cute.

Viva Salon is not only home to the coveted Cookie Monster Latte, but also a secondhand vintage toy shop. I’ve been a huge toy collector ever since I was a kid and I suppose the only thing that’s changed is that I can spend even more money on my obsession. So needless to say I walked up to the cafe door with my wallet wide open in a “shut up and take my money” kind of way.

The cafe itself is pretty small with very limited seating, so we sat around outside like vultures waiting for a couple to walk out the doors. Luckily we didn’t have to wait too long and soon we were at the counter ordering our drinks. I quickly glanced over the menu, but who was I kidding I knew exactly what I wanted. 2 Monster Lattes please!

Looking around the cafe I could see that everyone came for the same thing. The drink is a mocha latte with blue foam, 2 marshmallows with chocolate syrup for eyes and an Oreo cookie appropriately stuffed in the “mouth.” It was the cutest drink ever! I drank it as slowly as possible so as to bask in its cuteness for as long ass possible.

Half way into my drink I got up to look at the toy section. It was a mishmash of new, vintage and second hand stuff. For some reason, used and secondhand items go for outrageous prices here in Korea. When you walk into what’s essentially a thrift store, everything is set at department store prices. It’s absurd! So I was a bit hesitant when looking at the prices, but to my surprise everything was really reasonable!

I quickly picked up a Pikachu luggage tag and Gudetama ring to stick on the back of my cell phone. They also had a bunch gachapon (capsule toy) machines, so I picked up two sleeping Pokemon figures as well. Honestly I could have bought more, but I decided to save the rest of my money for next time since they constantly get “new” items in.

I loved this cafe and will definitely be returning soon. Hopefully I can muster up the will power to try a different drink on their menu. So if your a kiddult like me, go and unleash yourself at Viva Salon. Maybe I’ll see you there!

•  Hours
  • 11:00am~10:00pm, Tuesday~Sunday
  • Closed Monday
• Address
  • 서울특별시 마포구 망원동 400-8
  • 400-8, Mangwon-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Phone
  • 02-333-7575
• Instagram
  • Viva Salon on Instagram