[Gourmet Spot] `Crepe House` in Myongdong, Seoul

The tastes of the new generation are becoming increasingly westernized amid the rapid growth of fast food chains serving hamburgers and pizza. Although its price and convenience makes fast food appealing, many people decry its bland taste and lack of nutrition compared to more traditional fare.

For those who want the best of both worlds, ``Crepe House`` near Myongdong`s Migliore Department Store has the distinction of being among the city`s few ``fast health food`` restaurants.

Crepe is a French version of the Mexican tortilla. To make a crepe, which means ``like silk`` in French, flour mixed with about 20 other ingredients like powdered rice, vanilla sauce, egg, milk and rum is kneaded and lightly baked on a hot plate without adding any oil. The result is a thin, round, vaguely breadlike delicacy with a diameter of about 40cm. Crepes are moist and moderately chewy.

French people enjoy crepes with sauce or use them to wrap other foods like vegetables, meat or fruit. They can be served as an appetizer, main dish or dessert depending what`s inside.

The ``Crepe House`` offers a variety of flavors like banana, almond, strawberry, ham salad, cheese-ham steak, seafood, chicken and tuna. A crepe for dessert is 2,000 to 2,700 won, and that for a main dish like ham salad, tuna egg or jumbo mix is priced at 2,300 to 3,300 won.

The eatery packs its crepes in environmental plastics and papers imported directly from Japan, so that busy wage earners can eat them while walking. One or two crepes are not heavy because they are usually filled with fresh vegetables. The restaurant is open 365 days a year from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. There is no parking available.

Park Hee-Je min07@donga.com