Best Korean BBQ in Singapore

A guide to Korean BBQ in Singapore

Korean BBQ in Singapore is a fun, social meal for friends and families. Each table has its own grill. You order raw meat, cook it in front of you and share everything. This guide explains what to order, how the meal works and where to go.

What to order

Menus can be long, so start with a few classics. Most places sell meat by the portion, and some ask for at least two portions per order.

Popular meats

• Samgyeopsal: thick slices of pork belly. It is one of the most common choices.
• Galbi: beef or pork short ribs, often in a sweet soy marinade.
• Bulgogi: thin slices of marinated beef, sweet and easy to like.
• Chicken: often marinated in a spicy red pepper sauce.

Side dishes and extras

Your meal comes with banchan, a set of small side dishes. Common ones include kimchi, bean sprouts and seasoned vegetables. At many places they are refilled for free. Popular extras include steamed egg, kimchi stew and cold noodles called naengmyeon.

How a Korean BBQ meal works

1. Order your meat. Pick two or three meats to share. Add rice or a stew.
2. Grill it. Staff light the grill and may cook the first round for you. Use the tongs to turn the meat and the scissors to cut it into pieces.
3. Make a wrap. Place a piece of meat on a lettuce leaf. Add ssamjang, a thick soybean and chilli paste, plus garlic or kimchi. Fold it up and eat it in one bite.
4. Ask for help. If the grill plate turns black or sticky, staff can change it for you.

Charcoal or gas?

Some restaurants cook over charcoal, which gives a smoky taste. Others use gas or electric grills, which are cleaner and easier to control. Both work well, so choose what you prefer.

Where to eat Korean BBQ

Seorae Korean Charcoal BBQ is in the Orchard & River Valley area. As the name says, it grills over charcoal. It is a good choice after a day of shopping on Orchard Road.

Super Star K is a Korean BBQ restaurant in the Chinatown & Tanjong Pagar area. Tanjong Pagar has many Korean restaurants close together, so it is an easy area for a Korean meal. See more places on our Chinatown & Tanjong Pagar page.

For a more formal Korean meal, see Nae:um, a Korean fine dining restaurant in Marina Bay & CBD. Browse more grills in our Steakhouses & Grills list, or more Asian food in Thai, Korean & Asian.

Prices and tips

• Rough cost: expect around S$30 to S$70 a person at a sit-down grill restaurant. Buffet-style places can cost less. Most restaurants add a service charge and GST. Prices change, so check the menu.
• Book ahead: popular places get busy at dinner and on weekends.
• Dress for smoke: your clothes and hair may smell of grilled meat. Skip your best outfit.
• Go in a group: sharing lets you try more meats, and many dishes are sized for two or more.
• Drinks: many Korean BBQ places sell soju, a Korean spirit, as well as beer. The legal drinking age in Singapore is 18. Please drink responsibly.

FAQs about Korean BBQ

Do I have to cook the meat myself?

Usually, yes, but staff at many places will help. Some will cook the whole meal for you. Just ask if you are unsure.

Is Korean BBQ good for vegetarians?

It is mainly a meat meal. Vegetarians can order grilled mushrooms, rice and some vegetable sides. Kimchi and many stews contain fish sauce or seafood, so ask first.

How much meat should I order?

One portion per person is a good start. Add more once you see the size. Leave room for a stew or noodles at the end.

Can I find halal Korean BBQ?

Most Korean BBQ restaurants serve pork. If you eat halal, choose a restaurant that displays a MUIS halal certificate, and ask the staff if you are unsure.