A Wander Through Belfield's Local Charm

Some suburbs have a way of putting you at ease, and Belfield is one such place. It emanates a friendly, relaxed energy, one that invites you to stay awhile. Located on the traditional lands of the Dharug people, Belfield is also where you will find some of the earliest war service homes in Australia.

St Michael the Archangel, Belfield

Belfield

Paldo Kimchi, Belfield

Starting your day on Burwood Road in Belfield, cafes are bursting with activity, lively conversations are happening over coffee and the line for coffee and cookies at Bite is snaking along the pavement. There’s a sense of hubbub and you really feel the energy. Cafe Belfield is a neighbourhood favourite, so order a Toby’s Estate coffee, take a seat outside and watch the neighbourhood in action. If you’re peckish, the brioche breaky burger with a popping tomato relish is a tasty option.

Cafe Belfield, Belfield

Cafe Belfield, Belfield

Bite, Belfield

After a relaxing start, the ideal way to discover Belfield is by exploring its streets. Many of the brick homes were built after World War I for returning servicemen, and you’ll notice classic California Bungalow and Inter-War styles. Street names also reflect wartime history, referencing battle sites and troop ships. Community life is anchored by places like The Celebration Church International, St Michael the Archangel and Hanaro Presbyterian Church, a church for the Korean community, with an interesting and distinctive sloped roof design.

Belfield Houses, Belfield

The Celebration Church International, Belfield

Hanaro Presbyterian Church, Belfield

In the 1970’s the community of Belfield and surrounding suburb became a lively place for Korean families to setup home and build a new life. One local Korean-Australian business that is celebrated right across the country is Paldo Kimchi, a third-generation family-owned kimchi business started in 1986. Run by Abraham and Ester, the business began when Ester’s grandmother migrated to Australia and started making kimchi from home. Today, it produces around two tonnes daily, showing the national popularity of this home-grown business. An experience to be enjoyed in and of itself.

WEST joined a Powerhouse Food Producers tour of the Paldo Kimchi factory, and loved learning about the process from start to end. The family legacy and how authentic Korean flavours are brought to each and every batch of their secret family recipe. Prioritising Australian produce, including premium wombok cabbage from farms in the Blue Mountains and Queensland, and incredibly with many processes done by hand. The white kimchi and spicy radish kimchi are sensational, some flavours WEST recommends you try for yourself.

Powerhouse Food Producers tour of the Paldo Kimchi Factory, Belfield

Paldo Kimchi, Belfield

Paldo Kimchi, Belfield

Once you’ve explored Belfield’s streets, head back to Burwood Road for some great lunch options, such as Bricklane N12, Hokk Thai Restaurant, Mancini’s and Char’d Charcoal Chicken. Make a visit to Belfield Bowling Club if you’re up for a game of lawn bowls with your meal.

Brick Lane, Belfield

Belfield Bowling Club, Belfield

Brick Lane, Belfield

At Char’d Charcoal Chicken, you’ll find the juiciest, most succulent chicken. Cooked over roaring hot charcoal, there’s a lovely char flavour which is so enjoyable. Pair it with a crisp fattoush salad for a pop of zesty freshness. Winner of the 2Day FM Chicken Shop Showdown competition, WEST can agree that it is delicious.

Char'd Charcoal Chicken, Belfield

Char'd Charcoal Chicken, Belfield

Char'd Charcoal Chicken, Belfield

Sitting outside with your meal, you’ll feel Belfield’s relaxed, friendly village atmosphere. An inviting day out perfect for an unwinding, slow-paced way of travel and understated local charm.

Explore with WEST.