Melbourne Dae Jang Geum Korean BBQ is the sort of restaurant that I would normally avoid in Chinatown. The entrance is manned by a bored tout in national costume wielding a picture menu. Plus as it’s upstairs you can’t check whether there are any patrons inside.
If you make your dining choices in the same way, I’ve now done the hard work for you and can confirm that Melbourne Dae Jang Geum Korean BBQ is HOT. The hidden-away restaurant is named after a well-known sprawling Korean historical drama but the decor is not tacky – the wallpaper is basically columns of Korean characters and the huge dining room is very functional, with neat rows of tables housing built-in BBQs. When I went on a weeknight it was reasonably full and there was only one non-Asian diner. A good sign!
We left the ordering to our resident Korean, Akisa (who I met at the Nuffnang Christmas Party) and she selected a broad range of traditional dishes: spicy stir fried rice cakes – look at the colour of it! ($10); a large crispy-fried seafood pancake (15.00), a sizzling bibimbap (mixed rice in a hot stone bowl) ($14) and a huge seafood hot pot served with plain rice ($39). Everything was full of flavour but Akisa said that most of the heat had been toned down – so next time we’ll have to assure them that we can withstand chillies.
The four of us were practically rolling off our chairs at the end of our meal. Best of all, our Korean feast came to $20 a head.
- Melbourne Dae Jang Geum Korean BBQ, Level 1, 235 Little Bourke St, Melbourne +61 3 9662 9445
I know this place! I always walk by because I don’t trust places that have people wielding menus out front. Worse if they have discount vouchers. Good on you for finding a pretty good and cheap eat where others fear to tread! (Sounds good for me too, I can’t withstand huge chilli hits.) My favourite Korean is this tiny place hidden away on Victoria St but I’ve never known what it’s called.
.-= Vee @ Munching (in) Melbourne´s last blog ..Journey to The Palace by Luke Mangan =-.
Hi Vee
Yes, I feel the same way about touts but am always on the lookout for a bargain so have no qualms about discount vouchers
If you ever find out the name of the place in Victoria Street please let me know – I’ve never heard of a Korean restaurant there.
Jetsetting Joyce
The restaurant is Han Guuk Guan at the corner of Victoria and Exhibition. Its hidden away behind a building on Victoria street but the food is great for the price.
Great to read your review. I taught English in Korea and I haven’t eaten very much Korean food since then. I will try this place in the weekend. Unlike you I find that ‘huge heat’ a bit difficult to take. I have eaten some mouth blistering kimchi – thanks for the info. Em
Hi Em
Thanks for your comment. I’d love to hear whether you think Melbourne Dae Jang Geum is authentic compared to the places you tried in Korea, as I’ve never been to the country myself.
Jetsetting Joyce
My cousin recommended this blog and she was totally right keep up the fantastic work!
Just by reading this review it got me hungry, must visit this place when I take my trip to melbourne!
Merna J
Gothenburg, Sweden
Webmaster at – Bröllopsdekorationer
I couldn’t agree more Merna! The Korean fest looks lovely, specially those spicy rice cakes. It’s great that you have someone that you could get advice from (like Akisa).
The pictures speak for them self! Next time I’m in Australia I’ll take my time visiting this restaurant!
// Caspar- from – Tandvård Göteborg
Hey, Casper and Merna! Are you guys from Sweden?
My name is Nabil and I am from Sweden as well. I’m thinking of traveling to Melbourne in a few months… I’ve heard so much about the city.
Besides, the food over there just looks so, so good. If you ever feel like taking a bite, holler at me using the contact form on my website!
/Nabil, from My Morning Sickness Remedies.
I’ve heard so many great things about Melbourne and now I can add mouth watering food to that list! I really need to stop procrastinating and take that vacation!
That bibimbap looks good.I am Korean and I just miss home, so I will try this restaurant if it meets a Korean standard
Great to read your review. I taught English in Korea and I haven’t eaten very much Korean food since then. I will try this place in the weekend. Unlike you I find that ‘huge heat’ a bit difficult to take. I have eaten some mouth blistering kimchi – thanks for the info. Em
I came across this article from the United States. I was last in Australia back in 2003. I’ve always wanted to pay a visit to Melbourne. I’ll need to swing by Melbourne Dae Jang Geum Korean BBQ, when I finally make it back.