Why Do We Crave Brunch on Weekend? - Cafe Lauf at Daegu, South Korea

 

It was just one of those days where I craved brunch. There was no special reason—the weather was simply beautiful, and I happened to wake up early.

Cafe Lauf has taken over the space formerly occupied by Wholegrain. I heard it’s run by the same owner, which explains why the Wholegrain sign is surprisingly still hanging there.

When you walk through the door, you’ll see an empty corridor. Don’t be startled—just keep walking straight in. (You can also enter through the alleyway on the left). As I walked out that way, I realized that since there are no tall buildings blocking the view, the first floor is flooded with beautiful sunshine right from the morning.

The layout is unique. The gap across from the entrance and to the right serves as the kitchen, while the space before the columns is for guests. Two pillars in front of the kitchen naturally divide the zones.

When you look across the room, the vibe shifts completely. It is filled with Scandinavian-style furniture and framed art. It’s quite fun to see such a twist in atmosphere within the same space.

While the first floor feels eclectic, the second floor leans closer to a contemporary style while maintaining that Scandinavian mood. Unlike the floor below, this space uses only black and white to create a chic, minimalist aesthetic.

They used half-walls to divide the zones like partitions. Since the concept is unified, this feels much better than installing cumbersome doors. Being on the second floor with large windows following the outer wall, the natural light is incredible. It reflects off the white walls, keeping the space bright enough without needing extra lighting.

Facilities

• Seating: Varied tables for groups of 2 to 4.
• Amenities: Water and napkins are available across from the central table on the 2nd floor, so you don’t need to go downstairs.
• Restroom: Note that the restroom is only on the 1st floor, so you will need to head down to use it.

This place perfectly captures the essence of a brunch cafe. The sunlight pours in, making for a leisurely morning, and it’s quiet since there aren’t many other facilities nearby.

I loved how the spaces were distinct: you can enjoy browsing the furniture and decor on the 1st floor, then head up to the neat, minimalist 2nd floor for a relaxed meal. The ceilings are high and the space is wide, yet the acoustics are great—voices don't echo, keeping the atmosphere peaceful.

Plus, thanks to the natural light, the lighting is perfect for those essential food photos.

Basil Tomato Open Sandwich

The scent of basil is rich, yet the seasoning is delicate and mild. The cheese balances out the saltiness of the ham, while the ripe fresh tomatoes and bread leave you feeling satisfied.

Turkish Egg

Slightly spicy but not greasy at all. The eggs are perfectly soft-cooked (yolk still runny) and rich in flavor. The seasoning is a bit bolder here, making it the perfect pair for the milder sandwich.