Adelaide’s Korean restaurants is a post about a quiet and slow entry of a relatively new cuisine.
In past food posts in this blog, I covered various cuisines. Typically select popular dishes from cultures outside of Australia. Over the years these have become mainstream in the city. The Korean cuisine is next in line.
Adelaide’s smallness has it benefits. Things are close by, compared to the sprawling cities of Sydney and Melbourne. Still ahead of Perth which is a linear city requiring a longer drive into the city. For Adelaide the latest trend in food is easily reachable.
I first noticed a small Korean grocery store in Adelaide along The Parade, Norwood. I also recalled my daughter having a Korean classmate in Primary school, and these were years back. In later years I noticed one or two Korean food outlets in the city.
Background on the Korean migration to Australia
Some background for context. The 2021 Australian census point to 102, 789 Australian residents who claim Korean ancestry. That’s less than 0.5% of the Australian population. I am sure many people would be surprised by the low figure.
I do see much more Korean presence than before, so I expected a larger number. In comparison the major migrations are from the UK, New Zealand, China, India and Vietnam over the last 20 years. Korea ranks 17th among countries.
Korean presence ranges from food establishments, grocery stores plus some notable Australian born Koreans that have a worldwide recognition.
Among the notable Koreans from Australia are Melbourne’s Roseanne Park of Blackpink and Sydney born Felix Lee of Stray Kids. Both of the K-pop genre. And of course, World class golfer, Perth born Minjee Lee. Lee snared the US Women’s Open and the Women’s PGA championship.
I suspect on a per capita basis, the Koreans have outdone all other communities in making their mark for Australia.
Now for the Korean food in Adelaide
About 3 years ago, Mrs. Falcon mentioned that she found a small Korean eatery in Magill, Adelaide, that was good. Off we went and I had Bibimbap for the first time on her recommendation. It was wholesome, filling and good. I then started to pay attention to the presence of Korean food outlets.
For those eager to dive into Adelaide’s Korean food scene, the choices can be surprising wide. Where can you find the crispiest chicken, the most satisfying barbecue, or the most authentic street food?
I decided to spend time, finding outlets and looking at reviews and pulled together a guide. Covering popular Korean dishes as well as the best places in Adelaide to have them. So here is the Korean culinary guide for Adelaide.
The Sizzle and Comfort: Korean BBQ and Stews
At the heart of Korean dining culture is the communal and interactive experience of Korean barbecue (Gogi-gui). Diners gather around a table with a built-in tabletop grill to cook thinly sliced marinated meats to perfection.
Popular choices include Bulgogi (sweet soy-marinated beef) and Galbi (marinated beef short ribs). For an authentic barbecue experience, reviews point to Plus 82 Gogi on Gilles Street. A restaurant dedicated to the joy of grilling at your table.
Other fantastic options for a traditional barbecue feast are Gong Korean Charcoal BBQ Restaurant and Korea Restaurant. Both highly regarded for their fresh grilled meats and lively atmospheres.
Equally beloved, especially on cooler nights, are Korea’s hearty stews, or jjigae. The most iconic is Kimchi Jjigae, a fiery and flavourful stew. Made with aged kimchi, tofu, and generous helpings of pork belly or tuna.
This ultimate comfort food can be found on the menu at Ban Ban. Where it provides a warming counterpart to their famous chicken. For another take on Korean soups, Bewon Korean Restaurant serves a popular spicy Korean beef soup that is sure to satisfy.
The Global Craze: Korean Fried Chicken
Korean Fried Chicken is often paired with beer in a combination known as chimaek. It has become a global sensation, and Adelaide is no exception.What sets it apart is its incredibly thin, crispy skin and the variety of sauces it’s tossed in. Whether you prefer the fiery kick of gochujang (red chilli paste), the savoury-sweetness of soy garlic, or just plain and crunchy, there’s a flavour for everyone.
Adelaide’s go-to spot for chimaek is Ban Ban Bar and Chicken. It has multiple locations and is celebrated for its juicy chicken and vibrant bar setting.
Another top contender is Gunbae Chicken & Beer, which offers a simple, well-executed menu focused on this perfect pairing. For those in the northern suburbs, Masidak Korean Chicken in Mawson Lakes is a local favourite. Lauded by many as the best Korean Fried Chicken in the city.
A World in a Bowl: Rice, Noodles, and More
Beyond barbecue and chicken, Korean cuisine offers a wonderful array of one-bowl meals packed with flavour and texture. Bibimbap, which translates to “mixed rice.” A colourful and healthy bowl of warm rice topped with seasoned vegetables, a protein like beef or tofu, a fried egg, and a dollop of spicy gochujang. A complete meal. I had this meal at Magill at a small eatery, and caught the bug.
For a delicious and authentic version, head to May Q Korean Restaurant & Bar or visit Sunmi’s Sushi in the Adelaide Central Market, a hidden gem praised for its excellent bibimbap.
Another must-try dish is Japchae. A stir-fry of chewy sweet potato starch noodles, vegetables, and beef, seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil. It’s a festive dish that is now a restaurant staple. A standout version can be found at Chicken and Dumpling.
For a taste of Korean street food, look no further than Tteokbokki. It consists of chewy rice cakes and fish cakes simmered in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce. May Q is noted for its delicious tteokbokki. And of course, no exploration of Korean cuisine is complete without trying Mandoo (Korean dumplings). For the very best, the aptly named restaurant Mandoo is a must-visit.
Surprises, Modern Tastes and Hidden Gems
I was surprised that fried chicken plays a huge part for an Asian origin cuisine. And the Koreans were long known for their preference for beef. It will be interesting to see how this came to be. Adelaide’s Korean food scene is also home to restaurants that offer a modern interpretation of traditional flavors.
Bom Korean Restaurant blends classic dishes with a contemporary flair. While HORANG, named after the Korean word for tiger, offers a refined dining experience in the heart of the CBD. For a taste of modern Korean street food, Plus 82 Pocha serves an innovative and casual menu perfect for sharing.
Final call
If you are new to Korean cuisine, head to the nearest outlet in your neighborhood. Especially one with a table-top barbeque grill. Their style of barbeque is popular around the World and the first Korean cuisine export. I had it decades ago outside Australia.
For the next visit, go for Bibimbap, mixed rice with veggies, meat, egg and a dollop of spicy sauce. You now have sufficient depth with the two most staple of Korean cuisine to be more adventurous.
The city’s culinary landscape is now richer for it, providing endless opportunities to explore this exciting and flavourful cuisine. So, gather your friends, book a table, and get ready to eat.