food sponge

When the universe taps on your shoulder three times, perhaps it’s time to pay attention to the message. In this case it was the food universe telling me to check out Hwa Ro, a new Korean BBQ restaurant in Northbridge.

The first thing to notice inside is the shiny stainless steel exhaust pipes snaking around the ceiling & retractable vertical hoods over each table. I’ve never been to Korea (oh but one day!), but I know these exhausts are typically Korean. Fantastic for eliminating the immediate BBQ smell inside. In fact you don’t notice it on your clothes until you have eaten & waddled your way outside.

Rare skewers of meat ready to be inserted into the ‘rotisserie’.

R’s beloved top shell salad. Even better than Tong 86.

Food Korean food is one of my husbands favourite cuisines. He could happily eat at Hwa Ro every single week. The food is delicious & fresh. Tender Wagyu beef cooked on a searing hot plate. Pork belly pieces that soothes the soul.

Service I’ve never been here on a weekend night, only on quieter weekday early dinners. Service staff are attentive & helpful for novices like me.

Design Located in an former residence (possibly) this rabbit warren of rooms, bright red painted walls, shiny exhaust pipes is an odd interior experience even during the day. Add in the non-stop Korean pop music videos of gyrating identical popstars & it’s going to be a great night out! Come here for the food, simple as that.

Highlight Why is communal table cooking so very satisfying? It’s not rushed – take your time, chat & watch your ingredients sizzle, brown & ready to be dipped in one of the accompanying side sauces.

Lowlight Erm, getting hypnotized by the thumping pop music.

Will we be back Many times already.

Rating 3.5 succulent pork belly strips out of 5

Details Hwa Ro Korean Restaurant 118 Aberdeen Street Northbridge T 08 9228 8823