Choose your own adventure at this Korean cafe full of cute edibles

Personalised customisation of what we eat and drink these days is fast becoming a thing. There is literally a whole planet of culturally flavoursome options within walking distance of each other in central Wollongong.

One day, your adventurous tastebuds may be seeking an Asian food experience – possibly one packed full of punchy flavours, yet simple and fulfilling in its variety of indulgent directions. For less than $20, what could your options be? Do you help multimillion-dollar franchises or do you go to a small, locally owned and run, freshly made, independent business that cares?

Among the plethora of options for dining around this area, there is a sub-culture that can sometimes feel hidden from the main walks of major food courts, where crowds sometimes swarm like bogong moths to headlights. There would be noise, chaos, groups of shoppers, big bulky prams, bags to trip over, loud music, bright lights and overwhelm.

Be brave, take a moment, breathe deeply and decide to go elsewhere, because this decision could lead you to magical places, in particular, towards Korean cafe goodness.

The other week, I took my quiet and shy children, who despise food courts, to MoonBear Korean Cafe on Crown Street in Wollongong.

After hearing them describe delicious videos about Korean food, I thought it would make me such a trendy and cool mum to take them to MoonBear Korean Cafe, whereas maybe I was being "cringe" for trying so hard.

Either way, I could tell they were delighted to be there, because their eyes sparkled with excitement when we arrived, and they both wanted to go back again only days later with their friends in tow. Yep, I am a cool mum.

Owned and run by one very multi-talented gentleman, Jae Park, MoonBear’s main attraction is their huge wall of self-serve ramen. The concept reminds me of the "choose your own adventure" books from my Gen X/Y childhood, but the savoury mealtime version. The sweet version of this would obviously be frozen yogurt (fro-yo) or bubble tea (boba) with their variety of toppings and add-ins. 

Upon entering, you'll see a ceiling-high wall of ramen to choose from, ranging in spiciness, noodle type, with soup or dry (stir-fry style). Then there is the fridge full of ramen-topping options, making no two bowls the same.

Be sure you listen carefully to the staff’s instructions of how to make your bowl because you don’t want to be making stir fry when it’s supposed to be soup. Once through the automated cooking process, sit down and enjoy your meal. It’s a dream come true! 

Try not to burn your tongue in your rush to scoff it down or test the strength of your stomach lining for underestimating how much heat you can handle (Miss 17 discovered this as she cried tears of joy during her bowl).

Thankfully, on each table sits soothing saviours of creamy, foamy or icy drink combinations that can be made to order by the staff, or one can make-your-own beverage via the many pre-mixed drink pouches that you pour into a ready-to-go cup of ice. (Insert steam sounds here when you take your first sip).

Hot and crunchy Korean snacks made daily are also close by in case you don’t have time or space for ramen.

There are also the well-stocked sweets fridge for your "dessert stomach". Dare to walk past the very alluring wall overflowing with K-pop merch and you will find the freezer of gelato which can be enjoyed with mochi, and finish your adventure with cute photos, guaranteed to make you laugh, with a great selection of props, frame styles and my favourite – the "retake" option.

Finally, immortalise your ramen experience with an actual hard copy printed picture to share with loved ones. (Don’t stress though, a QR code pops up afterwards for people to scan if they prefer a digital version, as both my children did).

From a woman born and bred in the southern suburbs of the 'Gong, I continue to be impressed with the ever-increasing variety of cultural experiences one can discover in our district.

There was a time when my whole family had to travel up to Sydney to find our culture’s authentic food and groceries, but nowadays our little regional town does alright compared to the big smoke in providing variety. Forty years ago, my family would drive to Cabramatta for banh mi, and now I don’t feel like I have to take my kids to Korea for self-serve ramen.

What a great place the Illawarra is!

Where to find MoonBear Korean Cafe

230-232 Crown Street, Wollongong NSW 2500 (a few doors west from the Humber corner). Open: Sunday to Wednesday 11am-8pm; Thursday, Friday, Saturday 11am-10pm.

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About the writer

Phuong B. is an emerging writer, mixed media artist, and lover of all things community. She now spends her days curating her dream life, physically lost in nature and emotionally lost in "romantasy" books.