As a Korean-American from Los Angeles, I'm no stranger to Korean food. When I moved to Sydney, I heard all about Strathfield and was excited that this seemed to be the closest thing to Koreatown back in LA. I came out here on a Tuesday for lunch after seeing raves about Hansang all over TikTok, but I was mostly let down by the food quality. For my first time in Strathfield, it didn't leave an impression on me and left me wanting ... better Korean food. I got the seafood tofu stew and was extremely disappointed by the flavors in it. The picture on the menu, which was loaded with seafood, looked nothing like the reality of the stew-- which honestly wouldn't have been a problem if the flavors didn't feel so off to me. Upon first spoonful, you just get hit with the taste of garlic (which is odd to me because I love tofu stew but never notice the garlic flavor of the ones I get back in LA's Koreatown). Flavors were forgettable and the soup was simply bland with a side of garlic. If you're used to BCD Tofu House quality stew, forget it. You're better off ordering something else from the menu-- although my friend also remarked her soup was nothing special either.
I wouldn't have left a review like this if it weren't for the prices. As soon as I opened the menu, I noticed that a lot of the stew/soup/dishes were similar prices. That might not seem odd to some, but as someone that grew up around authentic Korean food, I can tell you you're being scammed. There is no world in which you should be paying $20+ for a kimchi pancake (even in AUD). Sullungtang was also extremely overpriced for what it is. Charging for extra side dishes, too? Crazy.
Take your money elsewhere. I refuse to believe this is the most authentic Korean food you will find in Sydney's proclaimed Koreatown. read more