First Impressions: Chic Black Interior and Parking Tips in Barton
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| We both absolutely loved these Duck Bulgogi fusion wraps. |
The restaurant has a very cool, slightly dark black-toned interior. It feels more like a trendy cafe or a modern bar than a normal restaurant. There are bar-style tables and also regular tables. The staff were very friendly and welcoming, so we felt comfortable as soon as we arrived.
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| The view of the cool, dark interior from our table |
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ฟ️ Parking Info: There is a car park right next to the restaurant, but it costs about $5 per hour, which is a bit expensive. Since Barton is a business district, it is very busy during the day. If you don't go at peak times, I reckon looking for a street parking spot is a better idea.
Exploring the Menu: Why You Should Choose the 'Trial Menu'
When we don't know what to order, we always pick the Trial Menu ($69 per person / min 2 people). The service was very fast, and the food came out quickly without any long waiting. For drinks, there are many more options written on the wall than on the paper menu, so make sure to check the walls before you order.
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| The drink menu is actually part of the wall decoration, which gives the place a very modern vibe. |
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Our $69pp Trial Menu. The menu design is sleek and stylish, but it would have been even better if there were brief ingredient lists under each dish for those who aren't familiar with Korean cuisine.
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Entrees: The Perfect Match of Raw Beef Yukhoe and Salmon
- Raw Beef (Yukhoe): You mix the raw egg yolk with the beef and wrap it in seaweed with radish and fresh sprouts. The fresh meat is very savory, and the vegetables are crunchy, so it is a great match. It's not greasy at all because the vegetables make it very fresh. It's a perfect first bite.
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| The first entree: Freshly served Yukhoe with a beautiful egg yolk on the top |
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| My helpful husband showing how to wrap the Yukheo (raw beef) like a little taco. |
- Salmon with Chojang Sauce: The salmon pieces are thick and come with a Korean-style gochujang and vinegar based sauce (called Chojang). Salmon has a lot of fat, so it can be a bit heavy, but the tangy sauce balances it perfectly. It wasn't too spicy because the sauce was nicely diluted, and the perilla leaves on top gave it a very clean taste.
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| Salmon with Chojang. It looks spicy but it’s actually a sweet and tangy kick that pairs perfectly with the fish. |
Fusion Food at Its Best: Delicious Duck Bulgogi Tacos
We both really loved this dish. It is a fusion-style duck wrap with soft, well-seasoned duck, crunchy veggies, and some fresh cheese on top. It tastes like something everyone would enjoy, and the cheese was a great "kick" for the flavour.
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| Even the paper underneath the duck wraps adds a stylish, modern touch to the vibe. |
Main Course: Authentic Korean Table with Beef and Pork Bulgogi
The main is a traditional Korean style meal. Each person gets their own soup and rice, plus seven different side dishes (Banchan). We could choose between Beef Bulgogi and Spicy Pork Jeyuk, so we had one of each as our main dishes. The seasoning was perfect—not too sweet and not too salty. My husband can't eat spicy food well, but even he enjoyed everything without any problem.
On the day we visited, the banchan selection included mashed tofu salad, stir-fried zucchini, braised eggplant, seasoned soybean sprouts, green onion kimchi (pa-kimchi), grilled barramundi, and even japchae. I’m not sure if the menu rotates daily or seasonally, but the variety made for a satisfying meal.
Our main course: Seven side dishes with Beef Bulgogi on the left and Spicy Pork Jeyuk on the right.
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| A close-up of the delicious Beef Bulgogi. |
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| A close up of the spicy pork jeyuk - the seasoning was just right. |
- Grilled Fish (Barramundi): The fish was actually the best side dish. We love fish, but we don't cook it at home often because of the smell and the bones. The barramundi here was grilled perfectly and had no bones, so it was very easy to eat.
- Sides and Soup: To be honest, the tofu was a bit bland and the spring onion kimchi was a bit dry. The soup tasted like a "big brand" product (like Bibigo), but I don't expect a local restaurant to boil bones for over 10 hours like in Korea, so I was okay with it.
Dessert: Refreshing Rice Gelato to Cleanse the Palate
For dessert, we had the rice gelato. It was not too sweet and had a nice chewy texture, but it wasn't too sticky. It was a very good way to finish the meal on a light and refreshing note.
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| The rice gelato had a perfect chewy texture- not too sticky, just right. |
Final Thoughts: A Modern Twist on Korean Dining in Barton
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| The standard food menu |
- Who is it for? It’s a perfect spot for younger crowds who love a hip, moody vibe and clean Korean food. It feels more like a trendy bar than a traditional restaurant, so it’s great if you’re in the mood for nice cocktails or some quality soju to go with your meal. Since they focus on 'Anju' (dishes that pair well with drinks), it's a fun place for a night out in Barton.
- Things to Note: To be honest, the menu is quite unique. Instead of the usual Korean staples, they offer bolder options like chicken feet and beef intestines. It’s definitely a bit different from your standard Korean BBQ place, so it might depend on your personal taste. I’d recommend checking the menu online before you go!
- Overall: If you’re looking for a stylish, modern take on Korean food and a cool place to grab a drink, this is a solid choice.
๐Read more: [Azuma Den Canberra – Japanese and Korean Fusion Restaurant Overview] for another Asian dining experience in Canberra.*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.
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