Best buldak (literally translates to fire chicken, or also known as chilli chicken) in Sydney! This may not actually be true and I certainly haven't tried all the buldak restaurants in Sydney, but I have been going to Jean's for the last 8 years so they are the best in my eyes. When there was the long gap in between when they closed/kind of relocated, it was sorely missed and nothing could really replicate the firey juicy chicken taste that is sure to light your tongue on fire. It is incredibly spicy so if handling heat is not your specialty - be warned. There is the option of cheese buldak which does reduce the spiciness a little, and the melted cheese does make a good pairing. Haven't had it for about 6 months so not sure if they still do, but it used to come with the rice balls which is a combination made in heaven. I was so ridiculously happy just eating the chicken, rice balls, and side radish that also came out.
The owner is also hilarious. Back in the day he used to go from table to table, sometimes personally making the rice balls for you at the table cracking jokes and whatnot. Even sometime last year or so when I went, he came over to us (group of girls) and started off a conversation as to why there were no guys with us and if we would like him to send some over lol. He has a very Korean sense of humour all round but it really was a crack up and he is a load of fun - great customer service!
I've been very good for the last couple of months keeping chicken consumption at a complete zero, but if Jean's chilli chicken was in front of me I may have caved. Luckily (as much as I was okay with it) my fellow diners were very considerate and wanted me to go ahead and order dishes I would actually eat. We got the chilli rice sticks which was a huge serving, the right amount of spiciness, and delicious, with some rice balls (btw you make these yourself by moulding the rice into round balls) because how could you not, and some fish & chips.
This was my first time ordering an item which was not from the Korean food menu, and I think it's safe to say the best food are on the first two pages. The fish and chips were quite mediocre, and also when I tried to order a salad/steamed vegies, the lady working there told me it was just out of a frozen packet and salad would just be spinach or something like that as these are not regularly requested items.
I don't think you can go wrong with the chilli options here, they are pretty incredible, and any soups or rice make great sides. Give them a go! Another winning option in Eastwood. read more