May Q – Soju, Sizzle & Seoul in the City of Churches
- Felix Marrow
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Who knew Adelaide’s most joyful late night hangout would come disguised as a vibey little Korean diner tucked down Leigh Street? The one way cobbled street is full of character laden and heritage buildings with links to the history of Adelaide and South Australia.
This hip culture hub is full is full of cosmopolitan restaurants, cafés and is a popular haunt for its bar scene. It offers a dynamic mix of businesses and shops which all come together in one of Adelaide’s finest streets. It is here we find May Q, where the bibimbap is hot, the soju is cold and the energy is somewhere between Seoul street party and family reunion after three bottles of makgeolli.
Opened in 2019 by the same K-food dream team behind Mum’s Kimbab and Mukbang, May Q is family run and full of flavour, heart and just the right amount of chaos. If you’ve ever dreamt of eating kimchi pancakes under fairy lights with BTS playing softly in the background then this is your place.
The kimchi jeon is the size of a vinyl record and twice as addictive with crispy edges, tangy punch and gone in minutes. Tteokbokki is gloriously chewy and smothered in a sauce so fiery it should come with a waiver. May Q fried chicken is double crunched and lacquered with sticky sweet heat. Order too much. Regret nothing.
And if you're not washing it all down with peach soju, what are you even doing here? They’ll even freeze your glass for that extra frosty satisfaction. Service is great here and they don't mind it if you arrive later in the evening and order some plates and a few snacks with a drink. It feels very Seoul, and is a terrific space to keep you interested.
The staff are sweethearts. Korean service has always been about attentiveness, warmth and. a willingness to be helpful, which means the May Q vibe is all about unpretentious fun. The hours run blessedly late so whether you’re ending a big night, starting one or just chasing the soul healing crunch of a perfect Korean dumpling, May Q is your spicy little salvation in the City of Churches.
May Q is at 13 Leigh Street Adelaide.
Open Tues, Thurs & Sun 5pm - 9pm, Fri and Sat 5pm - late
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