“Korean food is fast becoming popular in the capital, but Muk Bar has its own take on matters,” says dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON.
The Muk Bar is about trendy Korean food with a twist and telling stories through flavour.
Korean food is fast becoming popular in the capital, but Muk Bar, in Macquarie Street, Barton, has its own take on matters.
Some menu items might be challenging – such as beef intestine and a fettuccine with abalone liver sauce – but that doesn’t faze the Korean team behind the restaurant, who are determined to celebrate the deep traditions of their country’s special and distinct cuisine.
We were at Muk Bar to share, and share we did.
First up was a trio of Korean spreads served with slices of baguette ($19). Our favorites were the pollock roe cream cheese and tofu dips. The garlic chive butter was tasty, but we weren’t entirely enamoured with the buttery texture (personal preference for sure).
The tacos were packed with punchy flavours and were mighty impressive. The Korean fried chicken taco with sweet chilli sauce ($24 for two) was colourful, crunchy and zingy. The chunks of chicken were tender and moist.
Just as addicting was the Duck Bulgogi tacos with garlic chives ($24 for two). The duck meat was marinated and sweet and savoury at the same time. Mango flavours pushed through and, once again, the tacos were packed with ingredients (no skimping at Muk Bar).
Muk Bar’s dinner menu is compact with four mains. The pork ribs were sticky and finger-licking good. They were tender, meaty and smothered in a glaze of house-made signature sauce – sweet, smoky and balanced with a Korean kick ($55). The kick is more about bold flavours than hot and spicy ones.
Another time we would try the seafood Jjim, which promises to be a hearty mix of king prawns, green mussels, octopus and clams in a rich Korean chilli sauce ($68). And, yes, I’d give the beef intestine a go at one point ($38).
Muk Bar is super accommodating with numbers in a dining party and didn’t hesitate to adjust, for example, the number of ribs needed for the six of us.
Cocktails are intriguing at Muk Bar and include an oaked premium Soju old fashion ($27), a Ginseng Margarita ($29) and Matcha Martini ($25). Korean drinks include Soju and Maksa. Beers include local ales, always nice to see. We struggled a bit with the wine list. While we managed to order one bottle of rose, it was the last available. Some whites had also depleted.
Muk Bar’s interior is much the same as the former Vincent. It’s a dark and moody interior by design, with low lighting levels. Seating is mostly set around the bar with some larger tables available. The well-known Scrabble wall – first showcased by Vincent – remains.
Service was super helpful, attentive and friendly.
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