Melbourne Bornga

The Verdict

This Melbourne CBD restaurant might be a tricky one to find, but once you do, you’ll be treated to a truly awesome Korean dining experience. Bornga is a tasty spot that specialises in quintessential Korean fare—we’re talking bibimbap, sizzling barbecue platters, crispy fried chicken, slurpable noodles and other addictive dishes that will have you deciding that this is the place to get your Korean food fix in Melbourne town.

Walk through the somewhat secret entrance and up the stairwell, and you’ll find yourself in a place where traditional Korean food is king. The tables are all decked out with extractor fan hoses, so you can cook your own feast, Korean barbecue style! Choose between chicken, pork, and seafood, and chow down. You’ll also be treated to an unlimited amount of sides served with your meal. All you have to do is call for a waiter via the button on your table. Pretty tech savvy, huh?

Korean dining is all about sharing and Bornga is the perfect place to broaden your culinary horizons. For starters, order the spicy rice cakes, Wagyu beef tartare and kimchi seafood pancake—a trio that will get your taste buds tingling. The sweet and sour pork remains one of Bornga’s most popular dishes and you can’t leave without trying their blackbean noodles—think moreish homemade noodles with pork and veges in a yummy sauce. While you’re probably stuffed right about now, the beef short ribs are a must-try. Succulent short ribs are marinated in a sweet sauce and served with bean shoots and vegetables.

If you’ve been searching for the absolute best KFC—Korean fried chicken—in Melbourne, the hunt is officially over. Bornga’s fried chicken game is seriously strong and comes in plain, sweet soy, sweet chilli or fire, for the bold, brave spice-lovers. The best bit? Bornga is open ‘til 2am Monday to Saturday, so your late-night Korean food cravings are covered.

In need of a quick lunch in the CBD? Bornga’s lunch menu will hit the spot. There’s beef or chicken bulgogi, bibimbap, noodles and prawn fried rice, all of which will send you back to the office with full belly and a smile on your dial.

So, whether you’re a sucker for traditional Korean cooking, want to branch out from your standard Asian fusion or looking for a Melbourne hidden gem, Bornga is the place to go—you won’t be disappointed.

Image credit: Griffin Simm