We found the best Korean BBQ spots in Singapore, from all-you-can-eat buffets to quick and easy meals.
Whether it’s short ribs, pork belly, beef brisket, or sliced chicken, the Koreans sure know how to marinate and grill meat cuts to juicy, tender perfection. We can’t get over the plethora of sides that go along with your sumptuous mains too! If you haven’t had Korean BBQ in Singapore yet, we’re here to save your day. Here are the top restaurants to jot down in your little black book.
Best Korean BBQ places in Singapore
1. Hanjip Korean Grill House
This hip spot at Clarke Quay prides itself on its extensive range of kurobuta pork, Australian wagyu, and USDA prime beef. If you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion, go for the private dining menu. Besides platters of wagyu striploin and brisket, you get a choice of stews, soups, and side dishes. Psst: kids under 10 get to eat for free on weekends with every paying adult!
Hanjip Korean Grill House, #01-11, 3C River Valley Road, Singapore 179022
2. Seorae Korean Charcoal BBQ
Craving Korean barbecue that’s a cut above the rest? Step away from the norm and indulge in an authentic feast at pork rare-cut specialist Seorae Korean Charcoal BBQ. For starters, try Seorae’s newly launched Traditional Hangari Dry-aged Samgyeobsal (Duroc chestnut pork belly) which has been dry-aged in traditional Hangari pot – a first in Singapore. This technique yields succulent pork with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible umami. A heads-up: going back to regular pork belly might be difficult after!
Another must-try is the signature galmaegisal (premium pork skirt), marinated and massaged for 30 minutes in a delicious blend of Korean spices. Psst: only 250g of this cut is available in a full-grown pig! Juicy, tender and bursting with rich flavours, it tastes almost like wagyu beef. Visit any of Seorae’s six outlets for a regal feast fit for every meat lover.
Seorae Korean Charcoal BBQ, multiple locations including Plaza Singapura, Jem and Tampines Mall
3. Hanwoori
Serving authentic Korean food since 2011, this joint has classics like kimchi pancakes and mandu. But the highlight has to be the BBQ combination – the best thing about it is that you don’t have to do any of the cooking! The friendly staff will serve a heaping plate of fully cooked meat in bite-size portions so you can sit back and enjoy.
Hanwoori, 76 Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555972
4. O.BBa BBQ
This Korean barbecue place in Tanjong Pagar is a hotspot with the CBD crowd. It might be on the pricier side but it’s so worth it. Go for the sets that’ll have you armed with delicious marinated meats and sides. Leave it to the friendly staff to do all of the work. Or, head to its outlet at Bukit Timah to avoid the busy working crowd. This branch serves up the usual quality meat, along with its famed jajangmyeon (black bean sauce noodles) and other Korean favourites.
O.BBa BBQ, multiple locations including Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Timah
5. Magal BBQ
When it comes to Korean BBQ, there are two kinds of people: those who love pork and those who love beef. Take your pick with combo sets dedicated to one type of meat. Going with a friend? Dig into the signature combo for the best of both worlds – it serves melt-in-your-mouth brisket and juicy pork belly.
Magal BBQ, 123 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068592
6. 8 Korean BBQ
This more-upscale-than-most Korean barbecue restaurant takes its name from its signature 8 Colour Set. The thick, long strips of Mangalitsa pork belly are flavoured in eight ways: original, wine, curry, garlic, miso, herb, ginseng and red pepper paste. But like any all-rounded Korean BBQ restaurant, that’s not the only cut of meat worth having. There are also top-notch beef and seafood selections like wagyu, Atlantic salmon, and king prawn for charring on the grill.
8 Korean BBQ, multiple locations including Clarke Quay Central and Shaw Centre
7. Bornga
A famed contemporary Korean restaurant chain in Korea, Bornga arrived on Singapore shores to much fanfare. What can you expect? Generous servings of thick meat cuts, service staff to help you cook your orders, and platters of fresh greens to wrap around the cooked meats. Don’t forget to slather on celebrity chef-owner Baek Jong Won’s special sauces before you devour the meat!
Bornga, multiple locations including Suntec City and VivoCity
8. Wang Dae Bak
Unlike most Korean BBQ places that use gas grills, Wang Dae Bak elevates itself from its peers by offering charcoal grills. It imparts a characteristically smoky taste to the restaurant’s BBQ offerings. If you aren’t keen on grilled meats, Wang Dae Bak offers a full range of homely Korean dishes too. The army stew is big enough to feed two or three people with the option of extra noodles and cheese.
Wang Dae Bak, multiple locations including Cross Street and Holland Village
9. Ju Shin Jung
This wallet-friendly Korean restaurant is known for its impeccable service and an impressive spread of side dishes. Don’t hesitate to make it a family affair ‘cos set meals are good to feed a big group. Choose from varying meat sets featuring beef, pork, and chicken. Next, add on soups, sides, and even booze to complete the experience!
Ju Shin Jung, multiple locations including Robertson Walk and Alexandra Road
10. I’m Kim Korean BBQ
This popular Korean buffet and BBQ joint is for those who love eating their food in a jiffy. Everything is served up as a huge buffet spread, so grab all the things you love and grill them to perfection. Oh, and there’s a fixed time limit of 90 minutes for those in a group of three people or less, so you won’t have to worry about table hoggers.
I’m Kim Korean BBQ, #01-04, School of The Arts, 1 Zubir Said Drive, Singapore 227968
11. Chang Korean BBQ Restaurant
Expect to fork out a little more cash at this Korean BBQ place in Dempsey. But trust us when we say it’s totally worth it. There are meat cuts like marinated short rib and prime ribeye, and the staff will grill these babies up for you.
Chang Korean BBQ Restaurant, #01-01, 71 Loewen Road, Singapore 248847
12. Hyangtogol Korean Restaurant
Hailed as one of the best Korean restaurants in Singapore, Hyangtogol shows its commitment to offering a top-notch BBQ experience with high-quality meats. Every dish here is prepared by a Korean chef, so you know it’s the real deal.
Hyangtogol Korean Restaurant, #B1-74, Raffles City, 252 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179103
13. Seoul Restaurant
Temporarily closed.
Have a classy soiree with authentic charcoal Korean BBQ at this ritzy spot. For Korean BBQ purists, the variety of premium cuts is just the tip of the iceberg. Seoul Restaurant also offers an extensive list of Korean beer and liquor to wash it all down.
Seoul Restaurant, #03-02, Conrad Singapore Orchard, 1 Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249715
Now go forth and fill up on with delish grilled meats from these Korean BBQ spots in Singapore!
[This article was originally published in 2018 and updated in 2023 by Ashe Liao.]
