Two New Dining Concepts Put Macquarie Park on Sydney's Culinary Map
Macquarie Park, a suburb that embodies the discipline and forward-thinking spirit of modern urban development, is attracting some of Sydney's most talented hospitality professionals. Two seasoned restaurateurs are bringing their expertise to this thriving commercial and residential hub, a move that reflects the area's growing status as a destination for quality dining.
Why Macquarie Park is Becoming a Food Destination
The interest from the city's food talent is no accident. Kenny Lee, chief operating officer at JS Hospitality, points to the nearby Korean community in Eastwood, just a ten-minute drive away. The appetite for Korean cuisine is already evident with the recent launch of S-Mart, a sprawling Korean specialty food store.
Joe Kitsana, owner of the cult Darlinghurst restaurant Joe's Table, sees Macquarie Park as a location with immense potential. With its tech industry and university, the suburb already possesses a strong, captive dining market. The proximity of food-savvy residents from Ryde and Lane Cove adds to its appeal. “I see us building a whole new clientele there,” Kitsana said.
Song Wat: A Modern Thai Concept with a Global Vision
Kitsana is teaming up with restaurateur Darase Kraykaew from Haymarket's At Bangkok for the new venue, named Song Wat after the vibrant Bangkok neighbourhood that mixes old shopfronts, spice houses, and restaurants. “We'll do modern Thai, the Chinese-Thai thing is hot in Thailand now,” Kitsana explained. The restaurant will be located on Mahogany Avenue near the new Macquarie Park Public School, with a target launch in mid-2027.
Jin Guk: A Celebration of Korean Culinary Heritage
The wait will be shorter for Jin Guk, a 35-seater opening for lunch on Monday, October 12. The restaurant takes its name from the Korean broth of pork, beef, or seafood, with a specialty in gomtang, served with rice. Chef Jay Lee, the long-time head chef at Soul Dining, is leading the kitchen.
Lee's version of jin guk is distinct: “Jin guk is similar to ramen, but we don't use the bones, only meat,” he said. This approach produces a clearer soup, a testament to the precision and care that defines Korean cooking. Lee is enjoying the switch from an exacting chef's hatted kitchen to the simpler yet still precise preparation of this comforting staple. “[Jin guk] is a deep, comforting broth, you can have it any time. For me, twice a week,” he admitted.
The pursuit of perfection extended to the rice, a crucial component of the dish. After trialling rice from around the world, Lee settled on a variety from Cheorwon, a region near the demilitarised zone, for its high moisture content and sweetness. The amount of rice added to the broth is a matter of personal taste, much like the way Australians approach Vegemite, he noted.
What This Means for Sydney's Culinary Landscape
The arrival of Song Wat and Jin Guk signals a new chapter for Macquarie Park. These ventures, driven by experienced professionals with a clear vision, are set to elevate the suburb's dining scene and offer residents and workers a taste of world-class cuisine. It is a story of growth, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of quality, values that resonate far beyond the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Jin Guk open in Macquarie Park?
Jin Guk will open for lunch on Monday, October 12, offering a 35-seat dining experience focused on Korean broth-based dishes.
What type of food will Song Wat serve?
Song Wat will serve modern Thai cuisine, inspired by the vibrant Song Wat neighbourhood in Bangkok, with a focus on the Chinese-Thai culinary style that is currently popular in Thailand.
Why are these chefs choosing Macquarie Park?
Macquarie Park offers a strong captive dining market due to its tech industry and university, as well as proximity to food-savvy residents in surrounding suburbs like Ryde and Lane Cove.