I saw this Korean deli from across the road, which had only recently opened in the past week or so.
Inside were a number of foods already prepackaged in single-use plastics, laid down on a wooden bench nicely labeled with prices and names for the Chinese-majority population of Ashfield who may not be able to identify such delights by eyesight alone.
I purchased this bulgogi beef with rice set ($13) for my partner to take to work for dinner, but of course had to try each element while it was still fresh (to ensure it was non-poisoned, of course). The rice was nice and soft and fluffy, and the beef deliciously moist (and absolutely better than the bulgogi beef I had eaten recently at La Lune Market. Importantly, the juiciness and sauciness of the bulgogi beef was well proportioned to the amount of rice, meaning that no bite was too bland, nor was any bite too flavoured. The mixed shredded salad I honestly didn’t taste, but the potato salad was yummy and creamy, and the marinated kimchi was also quite a tangy and refreshing addition. Overall I felt this set was quite good value with quite a few different flavors and textures in one box each of which was appealing. I’m sure she’ll enjoy her dinner tonight at work.
I also had a original kimbap ($8). which was also pretty good – nice and crunchy, with the flavours from the daikon, fish cake, carb stick, carrot, egg and cucumber tasty but not at all overpowering. Similar to the bulgogi set, this is also quite a suitable to-go meal for a good price.
Overall
A number of other variations of kimbap (including onigiri-style triangular), set boxes, and bibimbaps are on offer, which I have yet to but may eventually try. Hopefully these this place will see success in their new endeavor.
GongJang Korean Deli
1/261 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield NSW 2131, Australia