24-hour Trip: Soho Perfume Shop, Cronuts, Samwoojung and HeukHwaDang – Sibling Trip!

Ah, New York City— a bustling metropolis filled with endless possibilities and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

As a lover of unique experiences and delightful treats, my recent 24-hour trip to Soho in NYC was lovely, as always. I never tire of going to New York City because it is so large; I try to explore a different section and find different stops each visit. It was also a sibling’s trip, so it was packed with catching up and just being together. We wanted to ensure we took it slow this time, as we were only there for 24 hours and wanted to make the most of our time together. Even if it was a short trip, we made great use of our time by exploring some of the best attractions Soho has to offer. Here is the recap of our memorable day in Soho:

We stayed near Chinatown at the Four Points by Sheraton New York Downtown, at 6 Platt St, New York, NY 10038. We felt that for the cost and location, it was the perfect hotel as it provided easy access to the vibrant energy of Soho. We all flew in from different cities, so it was convenient to have a central meeting point off the highway, which is especially great for taking an Uber ride.

Our first stop was breakfast in Chinatown, where we enjoyed a delicious meal at House of Joy, located at 28 Pell St, New York, NY 10013. They serve traditional Dim-sum dishes with carts full of steaming dumplings and delectable treats. Once we packed our stomachs with fuel, we walked around the small streets of Chinatown, admiring the vibrant colors and lively atmosphere. It was fun to be in Chinatown, where it is so busy with packed shops and fruits; we snacked on favorite fruits and tea. After walking around some more, we started our walk towards SOHO.

First on our list was a visit to Fuegula, a renowned perfume shop known for its personalized fragrance experience. To say that Fuegula is simply a perfume shop would be an understatement. Operated since 1883 but founded in 2010 based in South America, this location is the only one in the US specializing in slight high-quality scents. As we stepped into the shop, we were greeted warmly by staff eager to assist us in finding our perfect fragrance. Our host was not pushy and gave us space to explore the vast collection of perfumes on display. There are many scents, all organized according to types of scents such as floral, woody, citrus, etc. There are even unique scents inspired by NYC that can only be purchased at this location. Their fragrances are such high quality that you can tell the difference between mass-produced perfumes. A little touch of it

She told us about the brand and the different scents they offered, and she guided us through finding a fragrance that suited our preferences. After much deliberation, I couldn’t decide on just one perfume, so I purchased a sampler set. I highly recommend visiting Fuegula if you are looking a unique fragrance to add to your collection.

Located at: 21 Crosby St, New York, NY 10013

Website: https://fueguia.com/

Second on our list was indulging in the famous Cronuts at Dominique Ansel Bakery. We couldn’t resist tasting the October 2023 Stracciatella flavor, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! We savored every bite of the sweet cream chocolate chip goodness, the melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the perfect balance of flavors. We preordered the Cronuts to avoid the long lines and ensure we didn’t miss out on this delectable treat. Make sure to do so, as walk-ins are not always guaranteed to get a Cronut. And if you are going with more than 2 people, it’s a good idea to order multiple Cronuts so everyone can try this famous pastry.

Located at: 189 Spring St, New York, NY 10012

Website: https://dominiqueansel.com/

Finally, we decided to try out a new restaurant in the area called Sam Woo Jung. They specialize in Korean cuisine, specifically Bulgogi. The moment you walk in, you are greeted by the friendliest staff and stunning interior that transport you away from the business of the city. They sell it in 3 sizes: 400g | 650g | 850g; we opted for the middle size, which was perfect for sharing among the three of us. The Bulgogi was incredibly tender and flavorful, marinated to perfection, and served with various side dishes that added an extra burst of taste to each bite. We also ordered a few sides to share, such as Abalone, Marinated Crabs, and Kkakdugi Fried rice, which were all outstanding. Also, try their non-alcoholic drinks; they were all amazingly delicious. Make sure you make a reservation as it is hard to get a table, so do plan accordingly.

Located at: 138 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001

Website: https://www.samwoojung1963.com

For Dessert, we took a short walk to K-Town to HeukHwaDang Bakery for some delicious Korean pastries and desserts. We ordered a Strawberry and Banana Cruffle, which was a delightful combination of a croissant cooked in a waffle iron topped with thick airy cream and topped with Strawberry and Bananas. It is SOOO good and a favorite of mine, I tend to hog it so another one had to be ordered LOL. We also had one fo their famous shaved ice bowl, which was a refreshing and indulgent way to end our culinary adventure in Soho. Their menu is straightforward to understand and navigate, with plenty of options for their unique fusion creations. The staff are very friendly and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the menu or recommend their favorite dishes.

Location: 34 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001

Website: https://heukhwadangny.com/

Overall, our 24-hour trip to SOHO in NYC was a whirlwind of sensory delights, especially for my stomach, which was more than satisfied with the delectable Cronuts, Bulgogi, and mouthwatering fusion desserts. We ended the night with a great day of exploring, eating, and creating beautiful memories with my siblings. We all work in different fields and cities, so the chance to spend quality time together is always cherished.

The next time you visit New York City, I hope you get a chance to visit a few of these spots and indulge in the unique experiences and flavors that SOHO has to offer.

Happy Travels!

<3 Ann