Mojee @ Strathfield

Allow me to introduce to you the side of Korean food you're not familiar with. Normally, non-Koreans think of bulgogi, bibimbap, and maybe even soju when thinking of Korean food. Yes they are very common and Koreans love those dishes/drink as well but there are times when one feels nostalgic and feels like something 'homey'. 

Bunshik is a casual Korean cuisine. It's something you can get off the side of the streets in tents where people sit, drink and eat until late into the night. You can also find these eateries along the street around schools and universities as it is cheap but delicious. There are plenty of places in Sydney as well so if you're in for something different, then try these out!

The side. This is a type of kimchi but made with radishes. 

 Fish cake soup (odeng-guk). It's a seaweed/anchovy based soup that has a deep, rich flavour. Perfect for warming you up during cold days or to soothe your innards when you're having something hot.

Soondae (pig intestines stuffed with potato noodles) and gan (liver). They also give intestines which are the tan slimy looking things but personally, I don't like their texture. You dip it into the salt or...

you can dip it into the chili paste! This is the ddukbbokki, an assemble of rice cake, ramen noodles, fish cake and veggies. The paste might be too chili for some people so beware. Some places make their pastes thick, some places make it watery. I prefer it to be thick so I can dip my rice rolls or soondae in the sauce. It makes it even better!

This place is located upstairs of the chemist near the plaza. Just make your way down towards Santa Sabina High School from Gelatissimo and you should see their sign :)

Napoli in Bocca @ Haberfield

Haberfield was introduced to me by a good friend of mine who was also a fellow foodie. In celebration of my birthday, she took me to Napoli in Bocca, a homey, Lady-and-the-Tramp-like restaurant. Three of us went on a Friday night around 7 when the restaurant was fairly free. 

Fresh woodfired pizza!

Half a bottle of wine. The wine here are generally good, even the house reds!

Sorry child :p I wanted a shot of the restaurant. It's quite a cozy place. I love the checkered tablecloths!

Bolognese and lasagna. Simple but delicious. That lasagna is still stuck in my head! Between the layers of soft pasta is an abundant amount of meat, all covered in plenty of sauce. 

Vanilla pannacotta. It didn't quite taste like vanilla but I didn't mind the flavour. My friends, however, were not pleased.

The rest of our dessert - cheesecake and tiramisu. The tiramisu was lovely and sillky. The cheesecake had a strange taste to it. 

This was my second visit. They also have specials on the board if you wan't something different to the usual Italian. 

Patata (potato) pizza! It didn't have any base on it, just cheese, herbs and potatoes but it was delicious enough. For us, it lacked that hit so we had it with some chili. 

Ask for some chili if you want more flavour!

Spaghetti with meatballs. True 'Lady and the Tramp' moment :) The meatballs were well seasoned and tender. I love that they give plenty of sauce so I could mop up the rest with my meatballs. 

In both visits, I left the restaurant happy and content. Normally, I don't crave Italian but after finding this little gem, I am constantly hungry for some quality pasta. Now I'm really keen for Jamie's Italian, which I'm hoping to try really soon!

Jinbuldak @ Eastwood

This Korean pub styled restaurant is found inside Eastwood pub. They serve the usual pub grub but have a special Korean menu on the side for those who are brave enough to try the infamous 'fire chicken' (buldak). Basically, the dish is grilled chicken marinaded in extremely hot sauce that could be excruciatingly painful for both the mouth and later on, the 'other side'. I prefer the buldon or the fire pork so that's what I get every time I visit this place. 

You get complementary pasta salad and pickled radish. The pickled radish is a lifesaver when the meat starts to burn you inside out. 

Quite a generous serving for $32! You could share this between three people and get some extras on the side to cool you down. 

The seasoned rice (jumokbap). 

Step 1. Cut the meat. 

Step 2. Mix it with the rice.
Step 3. Make rice balls with the gloves they give you.
Step 4. Enjoy!

The good thing about this place being at a pub is you can grab all sorts of drinks including beer, wine, spirits and Korean alcohol. It's a perfect place to chill with your friends if you're up for something a little different :)