BREAKING: The newly opened Moonbear Convenience and Cafe on Crown Street in Wollongong is making waves with its unique offering of Korean street food and sweet corn gelato. Just launched on August 10, 2023, the cafe has already attracted overwhelming traffic, according to owner Jae Park.
As you step inside, a stunning wall of ramen options immediately captures your attention, featuring various flavors ready for noodle enthusiasts. “This is a convenience store with a Korean street food concept,” Park explained, emphasizing the novelty of this dining experience in Wollongong.
Moonbear’s menu includes favorites such as fried chicken, skewers, and topokki (rice cakes), along with the popular sushi-like dish, kimbap. Park noted, “I was surprised how many people knew what kimbap was. Maybe because of K-pop, there’s so much food that we have that is featured in that.”
The cafe also boasts a variety of ramen, from Buldak ramen to cold noodles and udon noodles. “We have Japanese miso noodles; there are so many varieties,” Park added. Located conveniently across from the ramen wall is a fridge stocked with essential extras, including eggs and bok choy to complement your meal.
The concept is not just about food; it’s about creating a vibrant community space. As Park remarked, “Late night, this area has been really quiet. However, Yo-Chi has started to bring a lot of people into the area. So maybe it’s helping each other.”
The opening of Moonbear followed a meticulous year-long preparation process, with Park navigating development applications for the heritage-listed building. Now that it’s open, Park is optimistic about the cafe’s role in enhancing the local food scene.
With the overwhelming positive response already, Moonbear is poised to become a staple in Wollongong’s culinary landscape. Patrons can expect a delightful fusion of flavors and a fresh take on convenience dining.
Expect more from Moonbear as it settles into the community, bringing a taste of Korea to the heart of Wollongong. Don’t miss out on this exciting new dining experience—visit today to see what all the buzz is about!
