Pros 
Cons A Taste of Korea Meets Premium Butchery: Chef's Butcher & Co Unveiled
Chef's Butcher & Co 쉐프의 정육점, nestled within the bustling Lidcombe Shopping Centre in Auburn, isn't your average butcher shop. It's a vibrant destination where traditional butchery seamlessly blends with Korean-inspired flavours and exceptional customer service. This establishment is rapidly gaining a strong reputation (currently boasting a 4.6-star rating) and for good reason. What sets Chef’s Butcher & Co apart is their commitment to both high-quality, fresh meats and innovative ready-to-eat options, particularly their Korean-style banh mi rolls. The convenience factor is a big draw, too – opening hours are consistently 9 AM to 7 PM, every day of the week, making it an easy stop for weekday lunches or weekend BBQ preparations.
"Their meat is always fresh and tender. We go here everytime for the marinated beef short ribs, bulgogi, wagyu slices and thin pork belly slices! It’s so much better than going out to get kbbq." – A delighted customer describing their recurring visits.
The shop offers accessibility with a wheelchair-friendly entrance and is designed for quick visits. Payment options are convenient, encompassing credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments – though it’s worth noting that credit card payments are not always available.) And best of all, there’s ample free parking available, eliminating another potential hurdle. Those seeking a diverse selection for home cooking or BBQs will find a wide range of fresh and unique offerings, and even thoughtful meat gift packs presented beautifully.
The Rolls & Hot Food Bar: A Delicious Fusion Experience
The true buzz around Chef's Butcher & Co often revolves around their Korean-inspired banh mi rolls. The Bulgogi beef roll and Pork Katsu roll are standout favourites, praised for their generous portions and expertly balanced flavours. Here's a breakdown of what makes these rolls so appealing, according to reviewers:
- Bulgogi Beef Roll: Tender, flavourful beef nestled within a roll alongside fresh lettuce, cucumber, pickled carrots and radish, jalapenos, and a delightful mayo-based sauce.
- Pork Katsu Roll: Perfectly crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside pork katsu, complemented by the same fresh vegetable mix and sauces as the Bulgogi roll.
Beyond the rolls, the hot food bar provides another appealing option. While many found the Vietnamese-inspired salad mix in the banh mi to have a slightly overpowering vinegar taste (a minor critique), the overall sentiment is positive. The Bulgogi burger, made with fresh meat prepared on-site, is also a winner, offering another convenient and delicious option. It’s clear that Chef's Butcher & Co is pushing boundaries, offering more than just raw meat—it's crafting a culinary experience. Many reviewers reguarly state it's an alternative to getting KBBQ at a restaurant.
| Item | Description | Customer feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Bulgogi Beef Roll | Marinated beef, lettuce, cucumber, pickled vegetables, jalapenos, sauce & mayo | "Delicious, full of flavour," "Meat was soft and not chewy" |
| Pork Katsu Roll | Crunchy pork katsu, lettuce, cucumber, pickled vegetables, jalapenos, sauce & mayo | "Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside" |
| Bulgogi Burger | Freshly made Bulgogi patty | Convenient and delicious |
Premium Meats & Affordability: Wagyu & Beyond
For serious meat lovers, Chef’s Butcher & Co is a haven. Their selection of premium meats is a major draw, particularly their Wagyu offerings. One customer highlighted purchasing enough premium Wagyu meat to feed two adults for under $100, testament to the value they offer for high-quality products.
The popularity stems from their standard of meat quality. Reviewers constantly rave about the meat's freshness and tenderness, particularly when using it for home KBBQ. Specific mentions include:
- Marinated beef short ribs
- Bulgogi
- Wagyu slices
- Thin pork belly slices
- Marinated soy chicken (both regular and spicy versions – highly recommended!)
- Rib finger
The detailed descriptions provided by customers paint a vivid picture of the quality – “just look at that fat and marbling!” – reflecting a dedication to sourcing and preparing exceptional meat cuts. Even those new to ordering from the shop were thoroughly impressed, calling the quality "the best" and stating they'll be returning for future purchases. The staff are keen to assist; one reviewer was asked to check the salad and provide feedback, demonstrating a genuine commitment to customer satisfaction and quality control.
Customer Service & Community: A Welcoming Experience
Beyond the excellent food and premium cuts, a recurring theme in the reviews is the outstanding customer service. Employees are consistently described as friendly, welcoming, and possessing a genuinely positive attitude. The little things matter, like the friendly smile and willingness to check if customers are happy with their selections, creating a warm and personal shopping experience. This focus on service appears to be a core part of the business philosophy.
However, a handful of customers faced some minor issues. One stated over a quarter of a bulgogi box was just the marinade and not meat. It's a good reminder to check the contents before completely committing to bulk orders.
Despite that isolated issue, the overwhelming consensus is that Chef’s Butcher & Co 쉐프의 정육점 is a truly unique butcher shop providing a memorable dining and shopping experience in Auburn. Be sure to follow @hangryhawlz for more delicious food and cooking reviews!