AU2012 - Dae Jang Geum

Possibly Melbourne’s most famous Korean BBQ restaurant, Dae Jang Geum is, unfortunately, also one of the more expensive restaurants in the Chinatown area.

 

 

During our visit, we started off with the Soft Tofu Stew, …

 

 

… while waiting for the meat to be cooked.

 

 

Among the raw meats that we ordered included the Sam Gyup Sal (sliced pork belly), Dak Bul Gogi (marinated chicken) …

 

 

… and Deaji Bul Gogi (marinated spicy pork).

 

 

And of course, a bottle of Soju is a must for a meal at a Korean restaurant. Specifically, we liked the sweet tasting Bokbunjajoo (raspberry wine).

 

 

While we had expected to cook whatever we ordered by ourselves, during our visit, the staffs literally stood by the table and kept cooking the whole night!! It did felt as though we were having a “Korean” version of teppanyaki!!

 

 

Melbourne Dae Jang Geum Korean BBQ Restaurant
235, Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
+61 3 9662 9445

AU2011 - Charm

One of the very first restaurants that we visited in Perth was Charm, which serves both Korean and Japanese cuisines.

 

 

While there, we had the Steamed Wontons for entree. However, we just did not expect the size to be so minuscule.

 

 

Then came their house specialties, their very own home made noodles!!

 

 

More specifically, Black Bean Noodles with minced pork, cabbage, and zucchini.

 

 

Another specialty that we ordered was Charm’s Special Fried Rice.

 

 

The only difference between Charm and other Korean restaurants, we were not served any side dishes except for a few slices of pickled radish!!

 

 

Charm Restaurant
2/369, Hay Street, Perth, WA 6000, Australia.
+61 8 9218 880

AU2011 - Boom Bi Na

While walking around Sydney’s Spanish Quarters, Boom Bi Na was an unexpected find. 

 

 

There, we tried the Dak Bulgogi and the Spicy Seafood and Tofu Stew.

 

 

Although tasting quite “common”, I am sure vege lovers would be glad to know that the Dak Bulgogi comes with lots and lots of veges. As for the Seafood Stew, I reckon that it is something not to be missed!!

 

 

But the highlight of our meal was really, their generous portions of side dishes!!

 

 

Boom Bi Na Korean Restaurant
Shop 2, 545, Kent Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia.
+61 2 92833322

AU2010 - Cafe C’ya

Calling itself Cafe C’ya Restaurant (or is it Cafe Restaurant C’ya?),  is it actually a cafe or a restaurant?

 

 

To me, I think this place is small and cosy enough to be called a cafe, …

 

 

… but with the huge selection of food available, it can also be considered a full-fledged restaurant.

 

 

Hidden along an alley just across from Events Cinemas on George Street, Sydney, Cafe Cya is well known for their comfy signature couches …

 

 

… and their sundubu jjigae (Korean for tofu stew), a type of sour and spicy soup with tofu.

 

 

I reckon that’s the perfect combination for a cold winter night!! Besides the stew, during our visit, we also tried their haemul pajeon (seafood pancake), …

 

 

… chapchae (mixed vegetables with cold noodles) …

 

 

… and a must have at Korean restaurants, the bulgogi (marinated barbequed meat), with beef and chicken (dak bulgogi).

 

 

And for some unknown reason, they actually made me miss McDonald’s Bulgogi Chicken Burger that I had during my business trip to Korea.

 

 

Anyway, the best thing about dining in at a Korean restaurant is their generous servings of banchan (free refillable side dishes, although some restaurant do charge after several refills) with miyeok muchim (seaweed), nokdumuk muchim (jelly), potato salad, kimchi (fermented vegetables) and kongnamul (beansprouts).

 

 

Cafe C'Ya
Shop G2, 600-612, George St, Sydney, NSW 2000.
Phone Number: +61 2 9264 7576

AU2010 - Matt Zzang Korean Restaurant

Since Strathfield is like a little Korean town just 14kms west of Sydney, I suppose, a visit to a Korean restaurant is a must?!?!

So, while dropping by Strathfield for lunch, we decided to try out Matt Zzang Korean Restaurant, one of the only three Korean restaurants on the main boulevard. Here, we tried their Ramen …

 

 

… Spicy Seafood Soup (?? can’t really remember the name) with rice …

 

There's a hell lot of tofu in there!

 

… Spicy Cold Noodles (Bibim Naengmyeon?)…

 

 

… Dumpling Soup with Rice Cake …

 

 

… and Seafood Pancake.

 

 

Overall, other than there were too much tofu in the soup, the dumpling soup was a bit too powdery, and the pancake took a while to be served, it was a great meal with a group of new friends.

 

 

Photo credits: Chrys