A Sydney restaurant adored by celebrity foodies like Nigella Lawson and Kylie Kwong will sadly soon close its doors after 15 years in business.
Hangang By Mama Park, a Korean restaurant in the heart of Strathfield, will continue to serve its traditional Korean menu until early May 2026.
The family-run restaurant – which affectionately refers to their founder and cook, Regina Park, as ‘Mama Park’ – shared a heartfelt announcement about the impending closure.
‘Hangang By Mama Park is closing its doors in Strathfield,’ confirmed an Instagram post shared on March 30.
Daily Mail spoke to Regina’s daughter Jina, who explained that ‘a mixture of things’ led to her elderly parents’ decision to shut up shop.
‘The decision to close has been, and still is, a really hard process for both my parents as they are first-generation Korean immigrants from the mid 1970s and their work and lifestyle ethic is to always KEEP GOING,’ Jina explained.
Ultimately, Jina said there were a number of factors behind the difficult decision, which included the changing demographics in the Strathfield area, and the fact that a lot of nearby businesses had also shut, making it ‘hard for existing businesses to thrive’.
‘It’s been quiet and we have been hanging on,’ Jina added.
Korean restaurant Hangang By Mama Park in Strathfield will soon close its doors after 15 years of operation. The eatery is helmed by Regina Park (pictured), who is affectionately known as ‘Mama Park’
Less than a year ago the restaurant had celebrity guests when Nigella Lawson and her long-time friend Kylie Kwong popped in for a meal
‘Also, Mama is 71 years old and Papa is 79. They still work six days a week, 12-15 hour days – so it’s also time for a change for them.’
But heart-warmingly, both Jina and the official closure announcement confirmed that the talented septuagenarian cook at the helm of the family restaurant won’t be hanging up her apron permanently.
‘But Mama Park’s journey continues, stronger than ever,’ read part of the online statement.
Jina confirmed that ‘Mama Park will continue to cook and connect with her community through her food’, via her Catering by Mama Park venture.
‘Mama Park isn’t stopping – she’s returning to what she loves most. She will continue sharing her food through catering, creating meaningful connections one meal at a time,’ the online post confirmed. ‘And yes… her beloved raw soy crabs and prawns will still be available by direct order.’
The lengthy and emotional online announcement paid tribute to Mama Park’s incredible life and restaurant journey – noting the heart she has always put into her food and the establishment.
‘If you’ve visited the restaurant, you’ve likely seen her running the kitchen on her own – because for Mama, every dish must be made with Jeong (heart), and every customer is treated as a guest in her home,’ read part of the post.
Renowned Sydney foodie Kev, who posts about the local dining scene to his @sydneyfoodboy Instagram account, shared his own online stories tribute to Hangang By Mama Park, praising Regina for having spent years working ‘the whole kitchen by herself, literally for love of the game’.
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Even at 71-years-old, Mama Park isn’t hanging up her apron all together. She will continue cooking for her Catering by Mama Park business, which will serve events, birthdays, weddings and private dinners
He also wished Mama Park and the entire family ‘good luck’ as they continue their incredible Korean food legacy in the next chapter of catering for events, birthdays, weddings and private dinners.
It was less than a year ago that Hangang By Mama Park welcomed high-profile diners Nigella Lawson and her long-time friend Kylie Kwong at the inner west restaurant.
After their visit in June 2025, Nigella herself even posted about the memorable dining experience to her Instagram account, enthusing that they ‘feasted exuberantly’.
‘Mama Park’s life-giving Korean food…made me feel nourished deeply and completely,’ Nigella shared in a post last June.
Nigella also revealed her standout dishes from the visit, highlighting the Bossam (steamed pork belly), Beef Rib Soup, and Spicy Hairtail Fish Stew – all accompanied by an ‘expansive array of enlivening pickles and condiments’.
Jina recalled the exciting evening when their local eatery was graced by food world royalty.
‘Kylie Kwong and Nigella Lawson coming to dine was just the most humbling experience – and a celebration for Mama,’ Jina said.
‘Mama didn’t know who they were, to be honest,’ Jina laughed. ‘So for Mama, she just enjoyed feeding them and was delighted they loved her food.’
Hangang By Mama Park is renowned for its traditional Korean cuisine
The family-run business based in Strathfield has been part of the local community for over 15 years
Although welcoming celebrity diners was an undeniable thrill, Jina added that it’s the restaurant’s long-time patrons that gave them a sense of community – and who they will soon miss most.
‘Our most memorable part of running the shop is our long-time customers and friends who kept us going and encouraged us. We connected deeply with so many in the community – and so Mama will continue to keep going.’
Hangang By Mama Park has been operating at its current location on Churchill Avenue for over six years, and before that, operated from a space two doors down the road for eight years.
With only a few days left to enjoy the Park family’s warm hospitality and traditional Korean cuisine, the family is looking forward to serving their community one last time.
‘Bring your friends, your family, your appetite…’ read one of their latest Instagram posts.
‘Let’s send Mama Park off the only way she deserves; full tables, full hearts, and zero leftovers.’
