Those who have spent time scrolling the depths of TikTok and YouTube are likely to be well familiar with the concept of mukbang. The term was originally assigned to videos of people consuming vast amounts of food while live streaming, it’s evolved to adopt a broader definition of ‘enjoying eating good food’, according to Rachel Lee, one-half of MUKBANG888. “I named our restaurant MUKBANG in hopes that our customers will enjoy eating our food and be full,” she says. The neighbourhood locale has taken over the space formerly occupied by The Rusty Barrel in Varsity Lakes to deliver a delightfully authentic (a definition that isn’t used lightly), approachable and welcoming Korean restaurant. Rachel and her husband Jay Park, who helms the kitchen, have relocated to the Gold Coast to share the flavours of their homeland and have added a sizzling new dimension to the suburb’s culinary melting pot. Jay’s motto when it comes to cooking is that good ingredients make good food, and that’s precisely what you can expect at MUKBANG888.
There are a couple of different paths your culinary journey can take depending on your appetite. For those who wish to dine a la carte, the menu meanders from Korean fried chicken to sizzling hot plates of beef Bulgogi and hotpots. The bibimbap (Korean rice bowl) and kimchi pancake are among the standout selections however, if you’re up for a food-filled adventure, the BBQ menu is where it’s at. For those who are new to Korean BBQ, the beef set menu is an easy entry with brisket, belly and marinated short rib alongside soybean paste soup and ssam, which traditionally is a big-leafed plant that you wrap around a spoonful of rice, a strip of cooked meat and top with a dollop of sauce, kimchi or onion salad. Those feeling extra-adventurous might enjoy the pork set, which includes comb-cut pork belly, pork front neck, and marinated pork neck. There’s also a premium wagyu option if you’re really looking to step it up a notch. You don’t have to be a barbecue expert, that’s all part of the fun. There is one thing you should know, though, there are no knives here, instead, you’ll be presented with Kalbi meat scissors to cut the meat into more manageable strips for grabbing with your chopsticks. Wash it down with a shot of soju (which is designed for sipping, just so you know) or Makgeolli, Korean rice wine, and you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped off the plane in Seoul. According to Rachel, Makgeolli pairs especially well with the Korean kimchi pancake.
If you’re on the hunt for an authentic Korean BBQ experience, book a table at MUKBANG888 by calling 07 5562 1916. Hit our Stumble Guide for additional information and booking details.
