Opening on Friday 27 June, 2025, Hongdae Pocha is a testament to Korean nightlife and the pocha dining scene—outdoor carts which serve piping hot dishes and soju to the streets of Seoul. The latest venture from hospitality group Vuza, Hongdae Pocha is due to open its doors right next to the viral bakery Buttered—bringing modern Korean culture to the heart of Sydney’s CBD.
Image credit: Stanley House Studios | Supplied
Head Chef Haeseung Choi (ex–Firedoor), describes pocha as the point “where food and drink come together in a relaxed, social setting…it’s about unwinding with drinks and enjoying bold flavours with good company”. This is the energy that Hongdae Pocha promises to bring to Sydney—the Korean equivalent of informal pub culture.
Image credit: Stanley House Studios | Supplied
For the menu, expect authentic Korean snacks as well as full dishes—with staples like tteokbokki, kimchi udon, and Korean BBQ favourites. The star of the show is their Yetnal Tongdak: an entire deep–fried chook half topped with spring onion and a mustard soy glaze, and half with a 90s style sweet, sour and spicy sauce, reminiscent of old–school, street–side Korean fried chicken.
Ice–cold Korean beers, black raspberry wine, and a selection of peach, yogurt, and grape soju lead a dependable, no-fuss drinks list.
Image credit: Stanley House Studios | Supplied
The space itself echoes the energy of Seoul nightlife, with large, communal round tables and KBBQ stoves—all illuminated by neon signage and the nostalgia of retro Korean street dining. Set in a heritage–listed Chippendale brewery, the interior is oozing with charm and lively atmosphere—the perfect place for your next catch–up with mates, or a unique birthday bash.
Hongdae Poncha is open Monday–Sunday, 5pm–10pm.
Main image credit: Stanley House Studios | Supplied