GongJang Korean Deli — Local services in Sydney

The surging popularity of Korean cuisine is now old news. In the context of Australia’s various metropolitan and suburban dwellings, finding someone who hasn’t heard of kimchi or Korean Barbecue is scarcer than affordable living in most cities and states. That said, there are slices of the cultural pie that are still crossing over, and as such, exist very much unfiltered to serve the Korean migrant communities.

“Deli” in the context of /K-Cuisine/, is a store that sells ready-to-eat Korean foods, similar to a traditional deli but with a focus on Korean culinary offerings. They typically specialise in items like banchan (side dishes), dosirak (Korean lunchboxes), and pre-made Korean main dishes like bulgogi (meat), jeon (various savoury pancakes), mandu(dumplings) and bibimbap (rice and toppings). This style of deli both in and outside of Korea – Japan and Singapore have variations – were popularised by ready meal services for 9 to 5 Office Workers and Construction Site Labourers, as a convenient way of getting in a nutritious meal during the busier hours of the day. Over time it evolved especially in Korea to be a great, moveable feast, for occasions such as parties and picnics.

GongJang in Sydney’s largely Shanghainese inner-west nook of Ashfield, is my absolute favourite. The reason is simple: everything tastes incredibly homemade and well-balanced without over saturated flavours on any particular end of the spectrum. This doesn’t mean it’s bland by any means, but rather, there isn’t an overkill of gochujang sauce or sesame oil to mask any gaps in quality. Not only are the ingredients super fresh but they also stand well as meals for a few days—another test of a good Korean deli. Paired down with a lovely family and co. behind the counter and in the kitchen, supporting local has never been made more...

“Korean deli coming soon” was an exciting sign to see in Ashfield. While we’re not adverse to driving to Eastwood or West Ryde to get freshly made banchan (Korean side dishes), the idea that we could soon indulge without leaving the Inner West was thrilling. Gongjang finally opened about a month ago. The minimalist fitout keeps your eyes on the well-priced (nothing over $20) dishes arranged along a central bench and a long refrigerated counter. Down one wall, some bar seating gives you the option of eating in.

From the fridge, kimchi ($6.50) is made in-house, and tastes both fresh and spicy. Spicy fishcakes ($6.50) are super-flexible compared to others I’ve tried but not quite . Soy-braised eggs ($7.00) gives you four boiled eggs with their whites infused with a mix of soy-sauce, brown sugar, rice wine and green onion. These side dishes will keep for about five days in your fridge.

From the counter, still-warm containers of spicy stir-fried pork ($14) are an easy way to level up work lunches. The well-sweated onions and ultra thin slices of spicy pork belly are accompanied by rice, salad, pickles and potato noodles. The most expensive item, beef bibimbap ($17) is a well-presented bowl of rice, brightly coloured vegetables and bulgogi beef, with little pots of gochujang (chilli sauce) and sesame oil. Combine them in the bowl and give it a good mix. The only disappointment was the fairly bland egg roll ($6) lashed with mayonnaise and tomato sauce: next time I’d skip it in favour of the savoury Korean...

Stumbled across this shop whilst on a morning grocery run. They were having their grand opening and looked like they were just opening for the day. A delicious range of different packed meals, such as kimchi fried rice to fried chicken, gimbap and onigiri. Decided to try the spicy chicken and spicy pork onigiri. The lovely girl also gave a small container of pasta side dish as part of their grand opening special. Onigiri was packed with filling and was very fresh. Definitely...