As we navigate the new normal living with COVID, I’ve been trying to find eateries that aren’t packed with people inside. I’m happy to find that Sonamu Korean has plenty of dining spaces inside and out. Standing outside, it doesn’t look like a big space. However there are tables out the front, a front indoor section, a back room, and a back deck with tables undercover. Tables are also socially distanced apart. We choose the outdoor section at the back surrounded by pot plants which provides a lovely serenity on a drizzly day.
The menu has some staples like bibimbap, bulgogi, fried chicken, mandu (Korean dumplings), soups, stews, dessert and various special teas.
The japchae ($18) sweet potato glass noodles with spinach, mushrooms, carrot is Mr FPJ’s favourite. It is always something we order when we have Korean food. This does not disappoint – large portion, plenty of noodles, lots of flavour topped with enoki mushrooms.
The deokbokki ($18) is a favourite of mine. It’s usually only available as a very spicy dish made with red peppers so I am keen to try this in a sweet chilli sauce with mushrooms, broccoli and capsicum. The menu states the deokbokki is thick, and it certainly is. The fattest deokbokki I’ve ever seen! Not exactly a sweet chilli sauce as expected, but a sweet honey/soy like sauce. Kind of like a sweet stir fry. This dish starts to get a little plain a few bites in so I’m glad we have a couple of other dishes.
The beef bibimbap ($20) does not hit the spot for us. The bowl is small compared to the other dishes, and there’s only a small portion of beef and no egg on top. The chilli sauce provided can be mixed throughout the dish but this is too spicy for me. This ended up being a very plain rice dish with some vegetables. But I did enjoy the freshly pickled radish and crunchy vegetables.
Sonamu is quiet, there’s lots of space, and it doesn’t take long for the dishes to arrive. Note: There’s one step up into the restaurant at the front door, and a few steps down into the back room so it is not very wheel friendly in that respect. You can find the restaurant at the Griffith shops.
Sonamu Korean Restaurant
Griffith Shops
4 Barker St, Griffith ACT
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