Hansang Haymarket

Time Out

15-05-2025

The best beef soup I ever had was in Insadong. I was visiting South Korea's capital for five high-octane days, and, like most people, became intoxicated with its sky-high beauty, its K-beauty cool, tea house-dotted laneways, sizzling barbecue and, yes, admittedly, soju. I remember this beef soup's incredible depth of flavour – the sweetness from onions, the tender meat, and how it warmed me from the inside on a crisp day.
The spicy beef soup I'm eating at Hansang in Haymarket is not quite heading to pole position, but it sure is tasty. It arrives with enough steam to give you a free facial, the broth flecked with lava-red oil droplets. Gochujang adds a delicious earthy and savoury taste, and there's a subtle, lingering heat. Slippery handmade noodles, thin slices of beef and spring onion round out a cracking bowl. It's not yet freezing outside in Sydney, but I kinda wish it was.
The vibe
Hansang opened on Haymarket 's Goulburn Street in mid-2023. The family-run Korean restaurant has a well-loved outpost in Strathfield. People flock to both venues for home-style Korean food and its signature oxtail soup. The pièce de résistance is the deeply flavoured, cream-coloured broth that's been simmering for hours in the bubbling, witch-like cauldrons at the front of the venue. People say it's one of the best soups in Sydney – so if it's your first time, go for that.
The space is clean, modern and no-frills, with grey tiles, bright lighting (read: not great for first dates) and wooden tables topped with silver water jugs and plastic cups. Coming with a big group? No worries – there's more seating upstairs.
The food
Made up of home-style soups and stews, bibimbap, hot pots and more, the menu at Hansang is bloody massive. Portions, too, are generous – so this is a great place to catch up with mates, order a bunch of things and go to town. Soon, an assortment of rainbow banchan lands on the table: garlicky bean sprouts, crunchy and sour kimchi, strips of stir-fried fish cake and more.
Featuring chopped-up octopus and prawns, as well as spring onion for sweetness, the seafood pancake is particularly good. The batter is crunchy – though a touch on the oily side. My favourite thing is the sweet vinegar, mirin and soy dipping sauce. It's so good I could drink it. (I may have.) The pancake is about the size of a dinner plate – maybe bigger – so it's perfect to share between four people.
The drinks
If you want to enjoy soju with your hot pot, you can do that – there are both classic and flavoured options. Plus, there's plum, raspberry and rice wine, a selection of beers and soft drinks. For something refreshing, go for one of the canned iced teas. You can also BYO wine – corkage is $5 per person.