HANGANG by Mama Park Traditional Korean Cuisine — Restaurant in Sydney

Naengmyeon Reviews: Hangang Korean BBQ Restaurant (Strathfield)

After being starved of cold noodles for a long period, I capped off this week with a frenzy of eating and two naengmyeon reviews. Truth be told, I came here primarily for their raw soy-marinated raw crab (간장게장), but naengmyeon reviewing is a serious venture, so I ordered their cold noodles too (alongside the rice that comes with the crab). Interestingly, instead of the usual temporary Korean workers that seem to grace all Korean restaurants, it was fronted by an old man and (presumably) his wife as the cook. Truly, a mom-and-pop operation. There were four cold noodle offerings; standard mulnaengmyeon, bibim naengmyeon, yeolmu naengmyoen and (interestingly) sok-guemi noodles which I have never heard of. The standard naengmyeon was recommended, so my expectations were raised instantly. I had a good feeling of what was to come.

Presentation was quite pretty when it came out. I found the broth addictive to drink, it was a light, savoury tangy offering. I don’t quite have the vocabulary to explain myself properly but it felt very summery, in contrast to Myeongdong’s version. It was light and easy to consume, defining the spirit of naengmyeon. Even in this miserable rainy weather, the sun shone through in this summery dish. That being said, the flavour is heavier than that of Stoneage (not that that is a compliant, just an observation). There was even a subtle hint of chilli to the broth, an interesting addition.

Noodles were as middle-of-the-road as you could get; standard brown/purple buckwheat. No complaints there. The pickled pears were different from the usual tangy, nutty version. The version Hangang serves on their noodles I find much more commonly as a side dish (I don’t know what that chilli pear pickle is called). I felt standard pickled pear would be a better pairing. Small complaint with the fairly large amount of fresh sliced cucumber topping the noodles; I found they did not add anything to the dish. Pickled cucumbers would be much more at home here. Beef slice was fatty and tender, very easy to eat.

As addictive as the broth was, as easy as the entire dish was to consume, I found it hard to pin down any truly defining characteristics of the dish, in comparison to the cold noodles found in other establishments. As always, I am happy that I wasn’t served instant naengmyeon. Although Hangang’s cold noodles stand apart from the generic offering, it doesn’t have enough characteristics or qualities to stand out as a dish on its own, or to be solely responsible for a 30 minute drive to Strathfield. That being said, it is better than average, inoffensive and easy to consume. 3/5

Good raw crab too, one of the few establishments where you can sample...

I’m blown away by how great this place was! Wonderful friendly service, generous portions, and great deals! I’m amazed at how much free things you get and my party of three left incredibly full and very happy ❤️

I actually booked very late at night but I got a confirmation text in the morning. They were very nice and even told me about an off the menu special! We ordered the soy marinated raw crab (blue swimmer) and it was delicious. Perfectly seasoned, sweet, and fresh - and it came with free rice AND soybean paste soup. Perfect for the more adventurous eaters looking for a filling feed. We also ordered the Kimchi and Pork pancake which came out delightfully crispy and generously large. We ordered 2 serves of BBQ as the restaurant has that as a minimum. The Wagyu was on special, and exactly as you’d expect. We got the marinated pork which was very yummy.

We were impressed that the boss (I presume?) came along and grilled the meat for us, he was quite sweet and attentive. He kept asking us how the food was and told us that they’re very proud to offer a large variety of free side dishes, which was cute! We got lots of free side dishes, my favourites were the steamed egg, spicy cucumber salad, kimchi, and mung bean jelly. Also surprisingly the rice was purple! I think this is because some black rice was mixed in but it was flavourful. FYI, they don’t have fried chicken but they have a lot of other traditional dishes. I really want to come back and try their other items ❤️❤️

To conclude, our recommendations are as follows:

Wagyu Rib Eye (#2) - $19 Soy Marinated Raw Crab (comes w rice & soybean paste soup)- $20 Marinated Pork Ribs - $19 Pork And Kimchi Pancake - $15 Extra rice - $3 Banchan/Side Dishes (free) - Braised Potato And Onion, Stir Fried Sugar Snap Beans, Kimchi, Spicy Cucumber Salad, Mung Bean Jelly Salad, Seasoned Eggplant, Steamed Egg, Spicy...

19.07 pm on Sunday. 27th I thought I would expected more than this.. the service by the lady I think she own the restaurant was rough n rude I was ordered crab which I followed my friend recommended n I did. It was a big mistake I ordered that that crab is so fishy n smelly.. I ask the girl which only one girl running around n I complained that the crab unedible she sent it back to the kitchen to asked her Mom that what she said n answer her Mom was given back that the crab is made by today n starting raising her voice which she cannot make a refund.... I ever never written this worsen feedback in my whole life... and at the end I said I will pay after she stand tall that no refund becoz of I had 1 bite on it as to given my chance to tasted... unbelievable this restaurant. I know you busy but should be more hospitality on your work...... I would not recommended to anyone.... the taste is unforgivable n don't talk about the service .... pls stay away.

Now is 4 weeks after.. I got many many viewers agree with my unsatisfied on this restaurant n every time everyone gives stars it kept showing up on my sites which I cannot resist to avoid to give away another my unhappy time visiting there... I admit that I was really angry which still now as my google keep sending my whoever gives star ..... I would like to dedicated my messages to the daughter of the restaurant who works on that night I was visiting just considering your self to be more professional on whatever you do in any kind of what you doing n do not ever did that reaction to you Customer which is rude. 18.09pm. 27 December 2022 I write this down after 4 week ..... poor poor food...