Korean BBQ 101: How to order and grill

Korean BBQ is a communal dining experience where diners grill meats at the table, accompanied by a variety of side dishes. Knowing how to order and grill makes it easier, and it pairs well with our guide to eating like a local.

Choosing your meats

Popular cuts

• Samgyeopsal (삼겹살): Thick slices of pork belly, known for their rich flavor and juiciness.
• Bulgogi (불고기): Thinly sliced marinated beef, offering a sweet and savory taste.
• Galbi (갈비): Marinated beef or pork ribs, tender and flavorful.
• Chadolbaegi (차돌박이): Thinly sliced beef brisket, cooks quickly and has a delicate texture.

Ordering tips

• Portion sizes: Meats are typically ordered by the gram, with 150-200 grams per person being standard.
• Minimum order: Some restaurants require a minimum of two servings per meat type.
• Combination platters: Ideal for trying various cuts without overordering.

Understanding side dishes (banchan)

Common banchan

• Kimchi (김치): Fermented vegetables, usually napa cabbage, with a spicy kick.
• Ssamjang (쌈장): A savory dipping sauce made from doenjang (soybean paste) and gochujang (red chili paste).
• Pickled radish (단무지): Sweet and tangy, provides a palate cleanser.
• Lettuce leaves (상추): Used for wrapping grilled meats with banchan and sauces.

Sangcharim (상차림)

Some restaurants offer a "sangcharim" service, where you can bring your own meat, and they provide the grill, side dishes, and condiments for a fee. This can be a cost-effective option, especially in areas with nearby meat markets. (english.visitkorea.or.kr)

Grilling techniques

Preparing the grill

• Charcoal vs. gas: Charcoal grills impart a smoky flavor, while gas grills offer consistent heat.
• Heating: Ensure the grill is adequately heated before placing meats to achieve a good sear.

Cooking meats

• Pork belly: Grill until the fat renders and the edges are crispy. Cut into bite-sized pieces before eating.
• Bulgogi: Due to its thinness, it cooks quickly. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
• Galbi: Cook evenly on both sides, allowing the marinade to caramelize.

Using scissors and tongs

• Scissors: Used to cut larger pieces of meat into manageable bites directly on the grill.
• Tongs: For flipping and moving meats to prevent burning.

Dining etiquette

Cooking for others

It's customary for one person to manage the grill, often the host or the most experienced diner.

Using wraps (ssam)

Place a piece of grilled meat on a lettuce leaf, add banchan and ssamjang, then fold into a bite-sized wrap.

Drinking customs

When drinking alcohol, pour for others before refilling your own glass. Accept drinks with both hands as a sign of respect.

Recommended Korean BBQ restaurants

Yeontabal Jongro (연타발 종로)

Specializes in high-quality Korean beef rib eye steak.

• Address: 19, Samil-daero, 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Operating hours: Weekdays 11:30-23:00; Weekends 11:30-23:00
• Contact: +82-2-720-9263

Allsso (올쏘)

Known for grilled beef and beef tartare bibimbap.

• Address: 30, Jong-ro, 14-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Operating hours: 11:00-23:00
• Contact: +82-2-722-9222

Yennaljip Chamsutgui (옛날집참숯구이)

Famous for grilled pork belly near Hongik Univ. Station.

• Address: 143, Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Operating hours: 16:00-04:00
• Contact: +82-2-3141-9608

Practical tips

• Reservations: Popular BBQ spots can be busy; consider booking in advance.
• Ventilation: Be prepared for smoky environments; some restaurants provide aprons to protect clothing.
• Vegetarian options: While BBQ is meat-centric, some places offer grilled vegetables and tofu. It's advisable to inform the staff of dietary preferences. (english.visitkorea.or.kr)

Enjoying Korean BBQ is as much about the experience as it is about the food. Share the grill, try a few cuts with the banchan, and ask the staff if you are unsure. For what to order beyond BBQ, see what to order first and the food and dining section.