• Howick and Botany Times
SURA Korean has been a part of the Highland Park shopping centre for quite some time. I’ve often passed it but somehow the occasion to eat there has never arisen. Until recently, that is.
I’d rushed past a few days earlier and the aroma that drifted out the door brought me to a halt. Readng the menu on the window, I was instantly hungry and debated stopping for a snack but there was no time.
However, that tantalising cooking smell followed me for days until I finally suggested to hubby we should go try. He needed no persuading and before you could say rice stone bowl we there discovering what has to be the best value for money eatery I’ve come across.
Small with basic decor typical of many Asian cafés where little attention is given to accessories, Sura Korean nevertheless exuded cosy appeal. Solid timber tables and chairs gave a sense of warmth to this tiny venue and while the owners could do a lot to brighten the interior all that went by the by when the food arrived.
With most dishes around the $10-13 mark, I can see why many patrons dine there on a regular basis. I spoke with two tables of European customers both of whom said Sura was a family favourite for both the food and the prices.
Hubby and I started with a share plate of vegetarian dumplings – soooo good and 12 for just $8! For mains I ordered a delicious sizzling beef with rice done mild, which was just right for me. The other half chose marinated barbecue pork cooked by the hostess at the table on a bowl-shaped dish placed upside down over a small gas burner.
Tasty, generous and very filling, he wolfed it down. Both meals came with complimentary miso soup and hubby’s was also accompanied by a range of Korean salads – seaweed, mung beans and picked cabbage.
We took a bottle of wine – corkage was $1 per wine-drinking patron i.e. two people, two glasses $2; three people, three glasses $3. Complimentary tea was available and being fully licensed the restaurant also provided a basic selection of wines and beers.
We took home a takeaway meal for our son and the whole bill came to just $49. A week later we were back with daughter, son-in-law and grandson and not long after we just had to introduce it to friends.
Yet again we paid a small price for meals big of flavour and content.
A practical venue with friendly service I did think a little more attention to décor could work wonders and provision of a high chair would have been good but really if you’re after a wholesome meal Sura Korean BBQ Restaurant has plenty to offer.
