Bornga Restaurant Haymarket
By Lisa Nguyen | Published 27 December 2023
Does this spot match the hype?
TL; DR | Summary
Bornga in Haymarket is arguably the best Korean BBQ in Sydney, with top-tier meat and utmost attention to customer service. Their menu offerings are impressive, with a complimentary DIY sauce and side station, which add to the authentic dining experience. Its popularity is unmistakable during peak hours, so making a reservation or arriving early to avoid 30-minute+ wait times is recommended.
Bornga Korean BBQ Review
@bestspots.com.au Bornga in Haymarket is arguably the best Korean BBQ in Sydney.. ⬇️ With top-tier meat and utmost attention to customer service ✨. Their menu offerings are impressive, with a complimentary DIY sauce and side station, which add to the authentic dining experience 😋. Its popularity is unmistakable during peak hours, so making a reservation or arriving early to avoid 30-minute+ wait times is recommended 👌 But this will be a worthwhile visit every time as their extensive Korean menu is a food lover's delight! I tried almost the entire menu on my many visits, and the offerings did not disappoint 😄 🔥 RECOMMENDED 🔥 - KBBQ wagyu beef cuts 🥩 - Steamed egg 🥚 - Suntofu Jjigae (spicy tofu soup) - Yukhoe - Savoury tofu-like side (complimentary) - Utilising unlimited free side station 🤩 📕 To see the rundown of almost their entire menu, bestspots.com.au is where it's at #bornga #kbbq #koreanbbq #koreanbarbecue #kbbqnight ♬ Celebrate (Sgt Slick Remix) - Courtney Act & Sgt Slick
Located conveniently near Chinatown and Darling Square, Bornga stands as a pinnacle of Korean BBQ in Sydney. Its central location makes it a convenient choice, easily accessible by public transport, with nearby paid parking for those driving. To ensure a seamless dining experience during peak hours, the restaurant innovatively utilises an iPad ordering system for waitlist management. But for those planning a visit, booking ahead or arriving earlier than usual to avoid the rush hours is highly recommended.
Upon entering Bornga's Korean restaurant, the welcoming atmosphere and the aroma of grilled meats will whet your appetite for what's to come. The restaurant's layout accommodates large groups and smaller parties, making it a versatile option for various dining occasions. The service at Bornga is efficient and attentive, contributing positively to the lively ambience. Attentive staff quickly assist with the grill, ensuring meats are cooked perfectly and are always roaming nearby to attend to dining requests.
Bornga Menu Highlights: Mouthwatering Korean Delights
The extensive Korean menu is a food lover's delight! I tried almost the entire menu on my many visits, and the offerings did not disappoint. The quality of the meats is noteworthy as they are truly succulent, well-marinated, and, when cooked beautifully on the grill, utterly mouth-watering. The variety of salads (including the largest perilla leaf I've ever seen) provides a fresh and textural balance to the rich fatty meats.
A major highlight is the complimentary DIY sauce and side station. It's an authentic touch that elevates the dining experience, allowing you to tailor each bite to your liking. The possibilities for flavour combinations are endless, with options like Gochujang, SSamjang, sesame paste, green onion salad, Kimchi, and potato salad.
Green Onion Salad
Finely sliced green onions that provide a crisp texture and a slightly sharp taste. Its perfect for cleansing the palate between bites, making each mouthful of meat as enjoyable as the first.
Potato Salad & Seafood Salad
While a bit too sweet for my taste, the potato salad and seafood salad could be a hit for those who prefer a sweeter touch to their sides.
Pickled Radish
On the other hand, the pickled radish is excellent for its texture and well-pickled flavour, providing a refreshing contrast to the heavier BBQ items.
There's also a kimchi version for those after that extra spicy kick.
Kimchi
Their Kimchi is a classic that's hard to go wrong with, as it has the right balance of pickle flavour, crunch and spicy kick, so be sure to keep refilling.
Special complimentary side dish
A standout was a savoury tofu-like side, bursting with umami and a hint of chilli. I don't know what it's called, but it tastes unmistakably delightful.
Complimentary Clear Cucumber Soup
KBBQ
Whether you're a seasoned KBBQ enthusiast or new to the experience, these selections at Bornga are sure to impress:
Wagyu Kkot Sal (sliced tender wagyu short ribs)
The Wagyu Kkot Sal is a choice that beef lovers will relish. The wagyu's quality is evident in the texture and taste of these short ribs, offering a melt-in-the-mouth experience that's enhanced by the subtle flavours of the meat's marinade, complemented by the smoky char from the grill.
Wagyu Yangnyeom Kkotsal (Marinated tender boneless wagyu beef cuts)
Another highly recommended option is the Wagyu Yangnyeom Kkotsal. This dish features marinated tender boneless premium Wagyu beef cuts that are nothing short of luxurious.
Woosamgyeop (thinly sliced brisket marinated in Bornga's special sauce)
This dish features thinly sliced marinated brisket that is tender and full of flavour, marinated in Bornga's special sauce. The secret sauce is what sets this dish apart, infusing the meat with a delectable blend of sweet, savoury, and umami notes, enhancing the natural flavours of the beef.
Marinated Samgyeopsal (pork belly) with Bornga's secret soy sauce
For the pork belly lovers, this particular protein is marinated in Bornga's secret soy sauce recipe. While it doesn't overly stand out, this is a pork belly that has a great balance of meat and fat, resulting in a tender, juicy bite that has flavour.
Soup Dishes
The soups are another standout, packed with flavour and a comforting complement to the grilled dishes.
Woosamgyeop Ramyeon
The Woosamgyeop Ramyeon, a Korean ramen with beef loin and vegetables, is packed with flavour and is highly recommended.
Naengmyeon (Korean Cold Noodles)
For fans of traditional Korean dishes, the Naengmyeon, with its beef-based broth and buckwheat noodles, is a solid choice, especially if you're looking for something cold.
Suntofu Jjigae (spicy tofu soup)
The Suntofu Jjigae, a spicy tofu soup, hits all the right notes with its balance of a spicy kick and savouriness.
Chadol Doenjang-Jjigae (Brisket Soybean Paste Soup/Stew)
The Chadol Doenjang-Jjigae, a unique stew with soybean paste, vegetables, and beef brisket, offers an intricate taste. However, it is not a dish I'd reorder.
Korean Steamed Egg
Other dishes at Bornga include the classic Korean Steamed Egg, which impresses with its lightness and balanced flavours.
Yukhoe
The Yukhoe with Sliced Apple and Green Onion is one of my favourite dishes, and Bornga's version does not disappoint. I recommend adding this to your order.
Haemu Pa Jeon (Korean Pancake)
On the other hand, the Korean pancake might not appeal to everyone. It's called a Haemu Pa Jeon in Korean but Bornga's version leans more towards an egg-based recipe which differs from the usual Korean pancake. I found it a bit off from my expectations and wouldn't order it again.
Dolsot Bibimbap (Mixed Rice with meat/veg)
And finally (I told you I had almost the entire menu), the Dolsot Bibimbap is a satisfying choice for those who enjoy a good mix of vegetables in their bibimbap. This Korean classic is served differently as you get to mix the exact ratio and portion you desire, rather than coming in as a whole set. It also comes with a unique chilli sauce mix that can be added to the meal.
Drinks
The drink selection at Bornga is quite impressive, offering various options to pair perfectly with your meal. From traditional Korean beverages like Soju and green plum tea to more familiar options like beer and soft drinks, there's something to quench every thirst.
RECOMMENDED
- KBBQ wagyu beef cuts
- Steamed egg
- Suntofu Jjigae (spicy tofu soup)
- Yukhoe
- Savoury tofu-like side
- Utilising unlimited free side station
Final Words
Bornga Korean BBQ restaurant in Haymarket is a destination worth visiting for anyone seeking an authentic Korean BBQ experience in Sydney. While some dishes may not hit the mark for every diner, the overall quality and variety of the menu make Bornga a standout choice in Korean BBQ in Sydney. The restaurant's commitment to providing a diverse and authentic Korean dining experience is evident in every dish. It is a worthwhile visit for those exploring the depths of Korean culinary traditions.
Where to find Bornga Sydney
Address
Hours
- Monday: 4:30 – 10:30 PM
- Tuesday: 4:30 – 10:30 PM
- Wednesday: 4:30 – 10:30 PM
- Thursday: 4:30 – 10:30 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:30 – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:30 – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Website
+61 417 054 555
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