MR Bap Opens in Kensington With Fresh Korean Comfort Food
MR Bap, a new Korean eatery in Kensington, Melbourne, serves made-to-order bibimbap, kimbap and ramyun with vegan and gluten-free picks. Read more here.
Prajakta Sanjay Warwadkar 
KENSINGTON, Australia, June 17, 2026 — A new modern Korean eatery called MR Bap has opened in Kensington, serving made-to-order kimbap, bibimbap, cupbap and warming Korean ramyun stew. The restaurant sits at 429 Macaulay Rd and centres its menu on fresh, customisable meals.
MR Bap brings a casual, community-focused Korean option to a growing pocket of north-west Melbourne. The opening adds to the area's dining scene with food the owners describe as approachable rather than fine dining.
The Team Behind MR Bap
MR Bap is the latest venture from Max Ji and Rio Yoon, who together hold more than 16 years of experience serving Korean food in Australia. The pair met in South Korea in 1999 after finishing high school and both moved to Australia in the early 2000s.
Ji and Yoon previously co-founded Gami Chicken & Beer alongside Ayden Jung and Jun Lee. With MR Bap, Ji said the team wanted "something more approachable, fresh, and community-focused" for the Kensington and North Melbourne area.
A Menu Built Around Fresh Korean Staples
The eatery's build-your-own bibimbap lets diners assemble their own bowl, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. The kitchen also serves kimbap, cupbap and Korean ramyun stew.
Ji said the team focuses on satisfying, everyday meals rather than complicated dishes. The team is also developing a gluten-free version of its fried chicken, which Ji said is shaping up to be crispier than the original. Home cooks can explore a collection of Korean recipes to try the style at home.
Soft Opening Now, Grand Launch in July
MR Bap opened two months ago and is in its soft opening phase, offering lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day except Sunday. A grand opening follows in July, when the venue expands into dinner trade with longer hours, combo deals and giveaways.
The name combines Max and Rio's initials, while "bap" means rice, or a meal, in Korean. Ji said he wants the restaurant to feel like the Korean equivalent of a trusted local sandwich shop or bakery. trades Monday to Saturday at 429 Macaulay Rd, and details are on its official website.
Reporting based on details and owner statements published by North West City News and MR Bap's own listings. Verified by HospitalityCareerProfile.com
