Mabasa is a hidden gem on the quieter section of Balmain’s dining strip, serving up contemporary Korean cuisine in a rather unexpected location. We were given the tip by a friend of ours who recently moved into the area and found ourselves here for a Sunday dinner that did not disappoint. It was quite a different experience to have Korean food in a quiet, neighbourhood restaurant setting in contrast to the usual bustling environment of Korean joints in the city or elsewhere in the suburbs where they’re more common, but the flavours here are no less authentic and thankfully, they still have side dishes on offer to keep you interested between dishes.
Mabasa is a modern Korean restaurant, similar to Danjee. Highlights were the samgyetang: a whole baby chicken cooked in a clear, nutritious broth with ginseng; the soondubu jiggae: soft beancurd with seafood in a fiery-looking-but-not-really soup; seafood jeon: a puffy seafood pancake with crispy edges; lastly, the sweet hoddeok pancake for dessert, drizzled with honey and sprinkled with sunflower seeds. The mandu, the spicy braised chicken, the fried chicken and the bibimbap were alright though not particularly memorable. Service was decent but we thought the lady owner was a bit pushy, trying to upsell us on extra dishes we didn't want or ask for. It was really quiet on a Saturday night so atmosphere was a bit lacking. On the flip side, it's excellent for large groups. But overall, a nice place for Korean food in Balmain.
Design of the restaurant is very average but do not allow this design demotivate you to try their awesome food.
We tried Bulgogi for 2 people. They cook it at your table which is so amazing. Portion is generous and the food is so yummy.
Potato croquettes are also awesome and worth to try. It doesn't seem like an unhealty fried 'anything' which has a same taste everywhere, you really feel the flavour of potato.
Customer service is also pretty good!
Really like this place with its infused Korean food. The dishes look spicy, but they are actually not. Rice cake is my favourite, recommended to try. booking is not essential here, at least we did not have any issue finding a seat for lunch on Sunday.
Global Foodie & Filmy
+4.5
Amazing homely place yet with all the professionalism of a fine dining place without the high prices. Highlight is an amazingly elaborate menu with specials of the day extra. Flavours are great and a friendly staff who don't even know how good and popular they are... Best bit... They just serve u professionally and warmly.
•Wow wow wow wow! A modern Korean fusion situated in heart of Balmain, great food, great atmosphere, trendy area to hang out
•Haemul-pajeon - it is like a thick pancake stuffed with seafood, generous portions, fantastic flavour
•Ddeokbokki - spicy rice cakes with oyster mushrooms, amazing flavours, caution! Don't get any on your mouth!
•Jokbal - pig trotters braised in soy sauce and various spices, delicious! Have it with the sauce and greens provided
•Yook-hwe - Korean style beef tartare, WOW! Full of flavours, a must try!
•Pan-fried tofu - yummy! Came with a strange vinegar sauce, but the combo made it fantastic (also use it with the pancakes)
•Potato croquettes - fried to perfection, crispy outside but a nice and soft inside
Love this restaurant! Been coming here since it's open and its consistently good! It's a mother and son team and its good to see over the years them expanding and growing! They've recently increased their prices but with the quality of food and service I'm surprised they hadn't done it sooner. Still such good value for money! Tried most things on the menu and everything is amazing! Good wholesome Korean food!
I ate here the other night. It's a decent Korean option, especially in the area. The dumplings were tasty as long as you top them with plenty of sauce. The bibimbap dolsot was warm and comforting but it needed a little more chilli sauce. If you're in Balmain and craving Korean, check it out.
On a wintry Friday night with a cold developing, comfort food is a must. And MaBaSa certainly delivered. We started with the deep fried tofu with a sesame chilli sauce on the side, then followed with the Korean classic - bibim bop. The tofu was perfect - crispy in the outside and melting through the middle and the sauce nicely kicked it out of the bland zone. We got the bibim bop in the stone pot which meant that the rice developed a gorgeous crispy crust. As well as the veggies in the dish, it was served with lots of accompaniments - tasters of Kim chi, sesame greens, mayonnaise potato salad to name a few. Amazing value for $16! The staff were lovely and very efficient and, like all the best places, it obviously had a firm following of locals. Great little place all round.
Great Food, Great Service - Will keep coming. Live in the neighbourhood but first time we decided to visit. Should have come sooner! A very knowledgable host who knew the menu inside out and he was very polite. Food came out relatively quickly and it was delicious and full of flavour. A a good combination of starters/entree size items set the foundation for some great mains (both seafood and meat). The bill was also a lot less than we expected. Thanks guys.
Modern Korean in a small setting with a modern decor. Very friendly staff and the food was fantastic. The pork belly was excellent and the BBQ beef was also very good.
The only downside is that it is BYO only but if you come prepared then it is no issue.
I will gladly come back and look forward to exploring the rest of the menu.
I don't know what I would do without Ma Ba SA on the peninsula. Apart from the ubiquitous Thai food, Balmain is a bit of a desert when it comes to quailty Asian. This place delivers in spades. The Dolsot bibimbap is fantastic, as is the kimchi pancake. The service is snappy and friendly too and since they have done a renovation it is a really nice minimal space. What's not to love?
Really enjoyed this Asian diner.
As usual I ordered too much food but had to finish it all, just too tasty not too.
Staff were great help in deciphering the menu.
Great Korean restaurant in Balmain run by a truly lovely mother and son team. Excellent food and service. I love the dulsot bibimbap. Never disappoints.
Always amazing service and deliciously authentic flavours! My absolute favourite restaurant, friendly and accomodating with food that always makes my mouth water.
Enjoyed everything about Mabasa. Great food, friendly service and reasonably priced. Beef bulgogi is hard to go past and packed with flavor.
We love Masaba and eat here often. The food is fresh and delicious and service impeccable. Highly recommended.
Every time I visit Balmain I come here! Such delicious stone bowls and side dishes. A real treat.
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