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Joomak is located along Swanston Street. It has opened secretly in 2010 on a corner of this busy street. There is no signboard whatsoever for this Korean bar, but it is gaining rapid popularity amongst the customers who do know about the place. Although there often is the stereotypical image of Korean BBQ when one talks about Korean food but here at Joomak, there is a variety of traditional Korean cuisines other than BBQ.
The Korean izakaya (bar) style is adopted because the owner sees similarities between Australian and Korean drinking culture at the point of opening the bar. Owner Youn Joon Nam researched to the finest details on bars in Korea, and put in a lot of effort in creating a place that resembles the original Korean atmosphere as if the bar was simply a relocation to Australia.
Not only did the owner pay effort to details such as the lighting and the wooden tables and chairs, the name of the bar, Joomak, symoblises the inns and izakaya that existed along the streets of countryside in olden Korea. Even if you visit the place during daytime, the dim lighting gently brings about the night's atmosphere.
Since Australian culture emphasises on the value of privacy, Joomak tries to match this culture with its private room, which is gradually gaining support. The short period of time since its opening does not affect the bar at all and there is already a number of customers who frequently visit the place.
"Although there might not be many people who know about us but once you visit Joomak, you will definitely come back again." The high frequency of customers' repetitive visits may also be attributed to the idea that the place is a secretive hideout which "only I know about", thus stimulating Melburnian to visit Joomak.
"I think Kirin Megumi is a very unique drink. It has a very robust taste but also a hint of freshness. I believe this refreshing taste will spread about if you have it with food. It goes very well with Joomak's spicy Korean cuisines. I recommend Joomak's Korean Pancake and Spicy Squid," said Youn Joon Nam.
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Silken Tofu with Special Soy Sauce
This is one of Korea's home cooking. Joomak's original soy-sauce based spicy sauce is poured on top of silken tofu. The tofu is soft and smooth. The fine tasting sauce brings about clearly the fragrance of soy beans, and the taste of the sauce will then spread across your mouth. This cold dish enhances the freshness of the beer.
Fish Roe Soup
This is the most signature dish when one talks about soup in a Korean bar. The fish roe soup is also great for sobering up. The soup tastes exquisite with the combination of several kinds of broth. This dish usually uses cod roe; the satisfaction of the abundant fish roe matched with the spicy soup is simply superb.
Pan-fried Spicy Squid
This is another tingly spicy dish. The texture and smell of squid matches perfectly with Joomak's original sauce and chili. The dish is also recommended to be eaten with rice. Moreover, the squid's compatibility with Kirin Megumi is guaranteed by the owner. Eat up and drink up.
Cheese Egg Roll with Fish Roe
One thing that cannot be left out in Korean drinking culture is definitely egg roll. The rich combination of cheese and egg roe tastes delicious as an interval between the other spicy cuisines.
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Apart from Kirin Megumi, Joomak also supplies Korean beer and other drinks made with fresh fruits such as makgeolli cocktail (Korean alcoholic drink) and soju cocktail (burned liquor). These drinks are also extraordinarily compatible with food, and it is without doubt that one will gulp them down in one go. The menu is often adjusted and it is only recently that new items are introduced.
"The staffs are happy as long as the customers are happy. Not only do we provide dishes made with love at Joomak, we also let customers feel our passion," said Youn Joon Nam. So how about spending an enjoyable time at Joomak with all the friendly staff?
Joomak
Basement, 407-409 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
TEL: 03 9663 7123
Open：Mon・Tue 5pm-1am, Wed・Thur 5pm-3am, Fri・Sat 5pm-5am
Email: melbourne.joomak@gmail.com
>> Editors' Note
A variety of items was prepared for us on the day and we were able to enjoy the photo shoot while indulging in the delicious smells. Joomak is also the sister store of Hwaro Korean BBQ Restaurant. Hwaro's owner/chef Mr. Eunsook Kim cooked for us on the day. We were able to taste plenty of dishes at the food sampling afterwards, and did not stop until our stomach could take no more.
Joomak's dishes are able to completely bring out the refreshing taste of Kirin Megumi. Please enjoy them with Kirin Megumi beer in one hand.
