Samnam Chatswood — Restaurant in Sydney

I have seen this place quite a number of times but wasn't sure to try out until convinced recently after reading through a number of reviews. Totally no regrets and had a thoroughly enjoyable dining experience.

Here are my highlights: Each table has an attached tablet that patrons can place their order on. It was easy to navigate and has a staff call button too if the staff's attention is needed. We ordered the pork hock after reading a few reviews for this place and boy, definitely on point recommendations that i strongly concur. The pork hock was so tasty, flavoursome, and meat was tender. Just on its own, it was a pleasure consuming it. The accompanying sauce, pickled raddish and fresh lettuce truly elevates the flavours. We couldn't help but have more top ups of the sauces, lettuce and pickled raddish. The restaurant has 1 floor staff, Jessie, who has top-notch customer service. Very friendly, warm and welcoming. She basically covered all front of house staff would do - from greeting customers, to addressing any clarifications customers may have, setting the tables, serving dishes and clearing the tables. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. She was amazing in ensuring our banchan was refilled when we needed more. The same too for extra sauce, lettuce and the pickled raddish. Her positive attitude truly added to my dining experience here. The decor of the place was befitting and reminded me of eateries in Seoul. The only drawback for me was sometimes with the music quite loud, other patrons would also speak louder to be heard. The location is great being so close to Chatswood Interchange and as such easily accessible by bus, metro and trains. A lot of places around Chatswood then to close earlier like around 8 or 830pm and it is great that this eatery is open till much later. Love that they have 5% discount with cash payments. A bonus in my books.

I look forward to returning here to try out more of their menu and to have again their...

snoopy and my friend and i had a lovely time at samnam. i wanted to come here because i saw a reel on insta :3. we went there pretty early, so the sun was still up — lovely place, but i am sure it truly comes to life at night.

we ordered the traditional fried chicken and the mala tteokbokki. both dishes were very nice, chicken was tender and juicy and well matched with the garlic dip, and the mala had a burn that crept up on you. we wished there were more rice cakes in the mala, but overall very pleasant!! dishes are made to be shared and comes in large portions, so bring empty stomachs. snoopy enjoyed the chilled water and chicken.

service was good and never awkward — we've all experienced the thing where you raise your hand or call and the waiter doesn't come and then embarassment starts hammering your head with a big hammer. none of that here!! they are attentive and pleasant, and it definitely helped that we were there quite early, so the place had yet to truly come into it's atmospheric spotlight.

a little out of the way for my friend and snoopy and me, but if we were closer, i might consider it for upscale casual...

7/5/25 - 3.5 stars

Small little Korean bistro tucked away behind chatswood RSL. Fairly popular but not many staff so service can be a bit slow. Quite cosy and bustling, so overall, not a bad place to come for casual dinner.

Flavours are generally good, but, value for money is poor. Quite poor. Would I recommend? Probably worth a look if ur a local, but, otherwise no.

Whole chicken stew Soup: SS, 9/10. Delicious and the best part by far. Very peppery and oniony. Chicken: A, 7/10. Noodles: SS, 9/10. Looked handmade and had a great chewiness to it. Value: A, 7/10. $56 is steep but this seemed somewhat worth.

Jokbal Flavour: S+, 8.5/10. Pretty good! Maybe a bit salty but otherwise quite nice Texture: SS, 9/10. Well braised. Soft yet a bit chewy. Value: B, 6/10. $53 for a single trotter.

Fried chicken Flavour: A, 7/10. Sweet chilli and soy garlic were both fairly average Texture: S, 8/10. Decently crispy Value: B, 6/10. Around $40 is average but this wasn't...