BUB & SOOL Korean Restaurant in Darwin — Restaurant in Northern Territory

I recently dined at Bub & Sool, and my experience was deeply disappointing. The restaurant's atmosphere initially seemed promising, but unfortunately, the quality of food did not live up to expectations.

The prices were exorbitantly high. We've ordered Fish kimchi jjigae and Galbi Tang. The only bright side was that the fish jjigae tasted flavorful, however the price of $35 did not make sense for canned fish and some kimchi. The galbi tang was just beef and glass noodle, nowhere near the authentic galbi tang with daikon radish or egg, and the soup tasted bland. Again, not what you would expect at the price of $38.

The side dishes were equally disappointing. We paid an extra $10 for 5 side dishes, which means they were priced at $2 each. They tasted as if they had been sitting out for days, with little to no effort put into their preparation. We had the kimchi, a soggy quarter-size potato cake, lettuce and cherry tomatoes with a slap of mayo, two thin slices of tofu, and 4 pieces of carbonara tteokbokki. They were also not refillable.

Overall, overpriced food with underwhelming ingredients and small portions make this a restaurant I will not visit again.

Edited - my reply to the owner.

Thank you for the response and the culinary crash course! It’s always enlightening to learn how geography can affect taste and price points. If customers don't mind walking a bit further to Waterfront, Bannsang Korean is a good option!

$28 for fish kimchi jjigae with canned fish still feels like gourmet pricing for a college dorm meal. As for the side dishes, I must have hit an 'off day'—fresh daily must be relative, because mine tasted more 'vintage.'

Regarding Galbi-tang, thanks for the definition. My experience was indeed a learning moment—who knew soup could have such an identity crisis? Minimalist or not, it was a bit too subtle for my palate. I suppose my 'not very much knowledge' expected a bit more flavor and substance.

I appreciate your dedication to authenticity, even if my experience fell flat. Best of luck navigating Darwin’s unique challenges—I’ll continue my culinary adventures...

Food wise: Top notch. Expect to pay a premium (this is Darwin) but what you get served is authentic and fresh Korean styled food. Our group shared a pajeon, a pork belly hotplate and Korean Fried Chicken.

The pajeon was crisp and fresh with a side of chilli soy. A good start to the meal.

The pork belly was great. Served hot and tender and with your usual accompanying sides of kimchi, egg roll, soup, seaweed, breaded tofu and one dish we weren't sure of (still highly tasty).

The star of the show was the Korean Fried Chicken. Multiple cuts of breast and wings covered in a sweet and spicy sauce. The skin was still crisp after around 10 minutes and kept the chicken piping hot inside. The meat was juicy and tender and a delight to munch on.

A few niggles though. Their QR code ordering system wasn't working at the time we were there and only showed their available alcohol. Even with that they apparently didn't have their liquor licence yet so it was lucky we didn't order any starting drinks.

Overall I see a lot of potential in this place. We were the first group to come in at lunch so the food came relatively fast. Your mileage might vary depending on how busy it gets. Food wise again I have to say is of top quality and if you can look past some minor infractions, this can absolutely be one of the better places in Darwin to eat.

Addendum - The cakes they had on display looked really good and I will definitely try their Korean Sweet Potato...

This restaurant is a fantastic spot to savor authentic Korean cuisine, offering a variety of delicious dishes bursting with delightful flavors. When we visited at night, the place was bustling with people, yet the service remained quick and friendly, ensuring a pleasant dining experience despite the crowd.

One of the standout dishes is the cheese buldak, a spicy chicken dish topped with melted cheese. Another must-try is the pork grill samgyeopsal Jeongsik, which features succulent grilled pork belly served with a variety of side dishes that enhance the overall flavor profile. Additionally, the tteokbokki, a popular Korean street food made with chewy rice cakes in a spicy sauce, is a treat you shouldn’t miss.

Their weekday lunch sets offer excellent value for money, making it an ideal spot for a midday meal. This place has become my favorite lunch destination, particularly because of fried chicken coated with delicious cheese and coconut powder. Another favorite of mine is the cheese buldak deopbap, a delectable combination of spicy chicken thigh and cheese served over rice.

The service here is exceptional, with the staff consistently going above and beyond to make diners feel welcome. They are attentive, friendly, and contribute significantly to the overall positive dining experience. I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone looking to enjoy fantastic Korean cuisine with...