Korean restaurant Hongdae Pocha brings the heart and soul of Seoul's street food to Sydney
Started by the Vuza Hospitality group – the same guys behind Buttered, Allta and Funda – this place has just opened next door to the viral Korean bakery (they're the purveyors of the viral Korean salt bread). The chef in charge of Hongdae Pocha is Haeseung Choi, whose resume includes restaurant Jueun in Seoul and Firedoor here in Sydney.
Firstly, context about the name: 'Hongdae' is a vibrant neighbourhood in Seoul, and 'pocha' is short for pojangmacha – Korea's street stalls that serve late-night eats, soju and beer in a no-frills setting. It's a big part of Seoul's nightlife, where delicious flavours and good times go hand-in-hand. The team wanted to capture that magic and serve it to Sydneysiders.
Craving something punchy? Try the gochujang yukhoe – Korean beef tartare jazzed up with gochujang (Korean red chilli paste) and served on a crisp hash brown. Or go for the yetnal tongdak, a whole deep-fried chook served two ways: one half with a mustard-soy glaze and spring onion, the other slathered in a sweet-sour-spicy sauce. Of course, there's a delish range of banchan (small side dishes).
Says chef Choi, 'Pocha is a big part of Korean nightlife – it's where food and drink come together in a relaxed, social setting. With Hongdae Pocha, we wanted to capture that same energy for Sydney – approachable, vibrant and true to the way we eat and socialise back home.'
The drinks list is equally fun – soju cocktails, frosty Korean beers and plenty of makgeolli (rice wine) to keep the good times flowing. Geonbae!
Find out more here.
Address: 5 Central Park Ave, Chippendale NSW 2008
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out
19 hours ago
- Time Out
The Comic Book Chef from ‘Culinary Class Wars' takes over Honjokko with time-limited dishes
While we're waiting with baited breath for the next season of Netflix's hit cooking reality show Culinary Class Wars, chef Cho Kwang-hyo, also known as the Comic Book Chef, is coming to Hong Kong for a very limited time only. He'll be bringing a combination of Japanese, Korean, and Chinese flavours to Honjokko for a few days in person, followed by a month-long menu of selected dishes for Hongkongers to enjoy. Chef Cho's collaboration with Pirata group's own Korean-born executive chef Kyle Lee kicks off with dinner on July 4, followed by brunch and dinner on July 5. From oyster amuse bouche with a spicy Korean sauce, onion salsa, and tobiko; and Korean beef tartare contrasted with refreshing cold chicken and Sichuan cucumber salads, to a Korean take on the Japanese uni hot stone rice, diners can expect a delicious melding of Asia's best flavours, presented in chef Cho's signature experimental takes on cuisine. Highlights include the Korean soybean MacJeok seabass, and chef Cho's signature Dongpo pork complemented with mapo tofu and fried rice done the Korean way – the very dish that has guests clamouring to dine at his restaurants in Seoul. The feast is rounded off with a flower bun that comes with tofu cream, a playful full stop to culinary artistry and both chefs' Asian roots. As for their brunch menu, they'll be serving dishes such as Korean fried chicken glazed in soy garlic, soybean paste soup, sweet and sour pork gyoza, triple-flavour kimbap, as well as the beloved Dongpo pork. The dinner service is priced at $580 per person and the brunch runs for $438; diners can also tack on Perrier-Jouët Champagne for $348 or a traditional soju pairing for $298. And here's a heads up: Because there's been such overwhelming demand for seats on these two days, the chefs are adding a final dinner service on Sunday, July 6. Here's a great opportunity to meet this exciting on-screen chef in person, and to try the Comic Book Chef's offerings without the long waitlists and travelling to Korea. Even if you can't grab a seat at this hot event, don't sweat it, because diners can still enjoy select dishes from this collaboration, which will be available at Honjokko until August 3. Find out more and make bookings at their official website.
Time Out
a day ago
- Time Out
Korean restaurant Hongdae Pocha brings the heart and soul of Seoul's street food to Sydney
Korean food is well and truly having a moment in Sydney, and we can see why. From umami-sweet bulgogi to soft and crisp vegetable pancakes and funky kimchi, Korean food is a one-way ticket to flavour town. The new kid on the block? Hongdae Pocha, a 172-seat restaurant in Chippendale that brings the late-night soul of Seoul to Sydney, complete with sizzling Korean barbecue, chilled soju and neon lights. Started by the Vuza Hospitality group – the same guys behind Buttered, Allta and Funda – this place has just opened next door to the viral Korean bakery (they're the purveyors of the viral Korean salt bread). The chef in charge of Hongdae Pocha is Haeseung Choi, whose resume includes restaurant Jueun in Seoul and Firedoor here in Sydney. Firstly, context about the name: 'Hongdae' is a vibrant neighbourhood in Seoul, and 'pocha' is short for pojangmacha – Korea's street stalls that serve late-night eats, soju and beer in a no-frills setting. It's a big part of Seoul's nightlife, where delicious flavours and good times go hand-in-hand. The team wanted to capture that magic and serve it to Sydneysiders. Craving something punchy? Try the gochujang yukhoe – Korean beef tartare jazzed up with gochujang (Korean red chilli paste) and served on a crisp hash brown. Or go for the yetnal tongdak, a whole deep-fried chook served two ways: one half with a mustard-soy glaze and spring onion, the other slathered in a sweet-sour-spicy sauce. Of course, there's a delish range of banchan (small side dishes). Says chef Choi, 'Pocha is a big part of Korean nightlife – it's where food and drink come together in a relaxed, social setting. With Hongdae Pocha, we wanted to capture that same energy for Sydney – approachable, vibrant and true to the way we eat and socialise back home.' The drinks list is equally fun – soju cocktails, frosty Korean beers and plenty of makgeolli (rice wine) to keep the good times flowing. Geonbae! Find out more here. Address: 5 Central Park Ave, Chippendale NSW 2008
Metro
a day ago
- Metro
£55 Three-course sharing dinner and champagne: 10 unmissable Time Out deals
Looking for 10 things to do in London? Luckily, there's lots to do in this city for cheap in 2025! At least… There is now. Metro has teamed up with Time Out to bring you the best deals across the capital. Every Friday, 10 new deals will drop, available in the Metro newspaper, on Metro, and on our socials. You'll also find them in our weekly London newsletter, The Slice, in your inbox every Wednesday. Inamo offers you an bottomless brunch that's more than a meal, with touch-sensitive interactive tables you can dine on their signature pan-Asian cuisine while finessing your gaming £29.95 you can pair bottomless fizz, wine or beer with their all-you-can-eat brunch offering sushi, dumplings and Korean chicken wings. Take some time for yourself and indulge in the ultimate unwind with the Turkish Hammam spa experience. Allow yourself 90 minutes to unwind with a fully body exfoliation, soak massage and body mask for a fraction of the price – £49 for one person or £89 for two. Explore your creative side! Token Studio's 90 minute BYOB pottery session is the perfect spot to expand your artistic skills, grab your favourite drinks and throw miniature pottery, or customise a mug, plate or bowl for only £23. The Slice is your weekly guide to what's happening in London, so if you're looking for restaurant reviews, drinks deals or just a great new exhibition to visit on a rainy Saturday in the capital, we've got you covered. Click here for this week's edit of the best things to do in town. The Slice newsletter also a brand new look! We'll still be in your inbox every week, bringing you all the very best things to eat, drink and do in the capital. So if you want get the next edition before anyone else, sign up here! If you want to do it all on the cheap, you can also find our latest batch of exclusive hand-picked offers in partnership with Time Out here. It's all here and more in these 10 incredible offers, discounts and deals. Dive into a weekend of fun, flavour, and fizz at Inamo! Enjoy an all-you-can-eat brunch with signature pan-Asian delights like sushi, dumplings, and Korean chicken wings, paired with bottomless fizz, wine, or beer. With touch-sensitive tables, 20+ games, and locations in Covent Garden and Soho, it's more than a meal – it's an experience. GET THE OFFER Elevate your dining experience with 34% off a three-course sharing menu and Champagne at Oblix East at The Shard. Indulge in chef-crafted dishes like burrata, roasted prawns, and a decadent dessert platter – all while soaking in unrivalled skyline views. Whether it's a special occasion or just a night of pure indulgence, this is luxury dining at its finest. GET THE OFFER Experience fine dining at its best with an exclusive set menu and a complimentary signature cocktail at Gordon Ramsay's Bar & Grill in Mayfair. Choose from expertly crafted dishes including cauliflower velouté, chicken supreme, and Basque cheesecake. Opt for the two-course option at £20 or go all-in with three courses for just £25, both served with a signature cocktail, worth up to £16.50. GET THE OFFER Tuck into three delicious courses, sip on a glass of Prosecco, and soak up the smooth sounds of live jazz – all in the heart of Mayfair. This is dinner with a seriously chic twist, and it's yours for just £34.95. GET THE OFFER Craving crispy, golden goodness? Thunderbird Fried Chicken's legendary bucket deal is now half price! Get 12 juicy strips, 3 tasty dips and a heap of fries – all brined, spiced, and hand-breaded to Southern-style perfection. Available all week long at locations across London. GET THE OFFER Experience award-winning bowling at Vintners Lanes, Greenwich's newest boutique hotspot. Recently crowned 'Best in the World', this six-lane venue blends vintage charm with industrial-chic style. For just £24.95, enjoy a game of bowling plus a burger, fries, and a drink of your choice. Just minutes from Greenwich DLR and mainline stations, it's unbeatable value for a top night out. GET THE OFFER Get soft, glowing skin this winter with a luxe spa day at Crystal Palace Spa in Marylebone. Enjoy full-body exfoliation, a soak massage, and a choice of clay, mud, or coffee body mask, all for a fraction of the price – £48 for one person, £89 for two. Relax for 90 minutes and even bring a friend for the ultimate unwind! GET THE OFFER Unleash your creativity at Token Studio with a fun 90-minute session! Try your hand at the potter's wheel, create miniature pottery, or learn hand-building techniques. Prefer design? Opt for pottery painting and customise a mug, plate, or bowl. Plus, bring your favourite drinks to enjoy while you craft! GET THE OFFER Enjoy a wine-tasting adventure at one of six cosy central London spots for just £29.95 (was £48)! Sample three global wines, red, white, or bubbly, guided by an expert sommelier. Accompanied by a delicious cheese board, this is the perfect way to catch up, celebrate, or unwind. Cheers to a memorable experience! GET THE OFFER Do you feel that? It's the feeling of a long-awaited self-care day on the horizon! Invite a friend or partner to escape the hustle and bustle of central London and share a five-star luxury experience at Mayfair's Athenaeum Hotel Spa. Spend a relaxing hour in the wet area, sauna, steam rooms and hot tub, then take your pick from a facial and body wrap treatment or massage. All this with a glass of bubbly for 40% off – you'll find it hard to say no. GET THE OFFER MORE: From tears to cheers, readers discuss Rachel Reeves and tax rises MORE: The Metro daily cartoon by Guy Venables MORE: 106-year-old man gives secret to long life and he eats a mug of it every day Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
