As a Canadian expatriate in Seoul, I explored a knockoff Tim Hortons coffee shop called "Tim's House" that had recently opened in the Daerim station area. This piece blends personal reflection on Canadian identity with a humorous review of this unauthorized establishment.

Canadian Pride and Tim Hortons

I express patriotic attachment to Tim Hortons, acknowledging that "the coffee is nothing special" but recognizing its cultural significance as an affordable, accessible staple of Canadian life. The chain represents comfort and familiarity for road trips, hockey games, and casual pick-me-ups across the country.

The Knockoff Discovery

After learning about the fake Tim Hortons in Seoul several months before my move to Korea, I decided to visit. Located near Daerim station in a Chinese-populated neighborhood, the storefront featured the recognizable red lettering and font but little else resembling the original chain.

The Experience

Attempting to order a "double double" (Canadian slang for coffee with two creams and two sugars) resulted in confusion. The menu offered different items entirely. I eventually purchased a cafe latte and an Americano, finding the latter "more bitter than a Maple Leafs fan in April."

What Was Missing

Beyond the font and name, similarities ended abruptly. The interior matched any Korean coffee shop, lacking Tim Hortons' characteristic baskets of Timbits, soups, or sandwich service. The coffee quality disappointed, though I acknowledged Korean preferences for stronger, more bitter brews.

Conclusion

The visit ultimately failed to satisfy homesickness. The knockoff provided no authentic taste of home, leaving me waiting for a care package of genuine Tim Hortons coffee from Canada.