Eating out -Korean bbq

As my parents are into trying new Korean restaurants, they invited us to come out for dinner. We headed over to Homebush to check out Tosung jang jak kui. We were greeted by trendy decor, attentive wait staff and a glass room where duck is smoked and cooked within a large oven. We were seated at a table with an individual ventilator and doorbell. This is typical at most bbq restaurants and the doorbell is great for getting service which my dad was quite liberal with using.

The specialty at this restaurant is duck. The duck is initially smoked in the oven where the fat drips off and then is cut up and ready to bbq on the grill.  You could dip the meat into either a soy based or mustard sauce and use lettuce to wrap the meat up before taking a large mouthful. We had one and half serves of duck as I couldn't get enough, it was sooo good. A serving of one duck costs $85, not sure if this is on par with other Korean bbq restaurants. Thought it was abit stingy with the side dishes (panchun) just a small teething issue. We also tried the carbonated Makkoli.

Makkolli, also known as Makgeoli or Makuly(takju) is an alcoholic beverage native to Korea. It is made from a mixture of wheat and rice which gives it a milky, off-white color, and sweetness. It is made by fermenting a mixture of boiled rice, wheat and water, and is about 6.5–7% alcohol by volume. Typical alcohol content of beer and just as refreshing to drink.

Commercially, makkolli is most commonly available in plastic bottles. Traditionally, it is served in a wooden bowl from which individual cups and bowls are filled using a ladle (shown in front of my mum). As it is an unfiltered beverage, makkolli is generally shaken or stirred before being consumed, as the cloudy white portion tends to settle to the bottom, leaving a pale yellow-clear liquid on top. But since the one we tried was carbonated, it isn't advised to vigorously shake it or else you may be left with a mess when you open it.

I've heard that you can also use makkoli for cocktails which I'm yet to try. Has anyone tried this?


Details of the restaurant
Name: Tosung jang jak kui.

Where: 17-35 Paramatta Rd, Homebush (former ducati motorcycle site)
Phone: 8756 5252
Bookings can be made

Family friendly with highchairs and room for prams

Free parking available in front of the restaurant.