Where to find the best Korean BBQs 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. If you’re a fan of Korean BBQ (you need to get started if you haven’t tried), here are the top restaurants you need to jot down in your little black book.
Hanwoori
Serving up authentic Korean food since 2011, this joint has classics like kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew), samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) and spicy tofu stew. 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
O.BBa BBQ
A popular spot amongst night owls and party-goers, this Korean barbecue place in Tanjong Pagar is open till 6am! It might be on the pricier side but it’s so worth it. Go for the short rib, rib eye and pork belly, and don’t worry about burning the meat in your drunken stupor. Leave it to the friendly staff to do all of the work.
O.BBa BBQ, 63 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088484
Su Korean BBQ
Hidden away in Peace Centre, this cosy, family-run barbecue joint serves up flavourful cuts, including garlic pork belly and beef bulgogi alongside the usual suspects like kimchi pancake and soybean paste soup. Don’t forget to end your feast on a sweet note with its wide array of bingsu bowls.
SU Korean BBQ, #02-01/02, Peace Centre, 1 Sophia Road, Singapore 228149
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 here, as it has combo sets dedicated to one type of meat. Going with a friend? Dig into the signature combo for the best of both worlds as it serves melt-in-your-mouth brisket and juicy pork belly.
Magal BBQ, 123 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068592
8 Korean BBQ
This upscale-than-most Korean barbecue restaurant takes its name from its signature 8 Colour Set, which consists of thick, long strips of Mangalitsa pork belly flavoured in eight ways: original, wine, curry, garlic, miso, herb, kalbi and red pepper paste. But like any all-rounded Korean BBQ restaurant, that’s not that only cut of meat worth having here. There are also top-notch beef and seafood selections like Japanese wagyu, Atlantic salmon, and king prawn for charring on grill, as well as crispy pancakes, truffle steamed egg and a variety of stews to be had.
8 Korean BBQ, Shaw Centre and The Central.
Seoul Restaurant
Have a classy soiree with authentic charcoal Korean BBQ at this ritzy spot in Regent Hotel. 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, Regent Hotel, #03-02 , No. 1 Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249715
Seorae Korean Charcoal BBQ
This Korean BBQ joint makes a good post-shopping meal. Located in Dhoby Ghaut, Seorae specialises in tender, galmaegisal pork which comes in three flavours: Original, garlic and spicy. Opt for a moat of melted cheese around the barbecue plate to go along with your grilled meats – cheese lovers, rejoice!
Seorae Korean Charcoal BBQ, Plaza Singapura and Jem.
I’m Kim Korean BBQ
This popular Korean buffet and BBQ joint (slots are always fully booked) is for those who love eating their food in a jiffy. 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, School of The Arts, #01-04, 1 Zubir Said Dr, Singapore 227968
2D1N Soju Bang
Warning: be prepared to queue and smell afterwards. They don’t take reservations for buffet, so we recommend heading down early before 6pm; if not, you’ll have to join a snaking queue that often stretches down Tanjong Pagar road. But hey, the buffet dinner only costs $22++ – you gotta sacrifice a lil’ for this steal!
2D1N Soju Bang, 46 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088467
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 prime ribs and wagyu ribeye, and the staff will even grill these babies up for you.
Chang Korean BBQ Restaurant, #01-01, 71 Loewen Road, Singapore 248847
Bornga
A famed contemporary Korean restaurant chain in Korea; Bornga arrived on Singapore shores to much fanfare. What you can expect are generous servings of thick meat cuts, service staff to help you cook your meats, and platters of fresh greens to wrap the cooked meats with. Don’t forget to slather on some of celebrity chef-owner Paik Jong Won’s special sauces in your meat wrap before you devour them!
Bornga, various locations.
Wang Dae Bak
Unlike most Korean BBQ places that use gas grills, Wang Dae Bak elevates itself from its peers by offering charcoal grills, imparting a characteristically smoky taste to the restaurant’s BBQ offerings. Another novel offering that we have no complaints about is the free flow of egg. If requested, servers will pour an egg mixture into a moat surrounding the BBQ plate, so you can cook it to your liking. But if you’d rather not deal with the fuss of cooking food yourself, Wang Dae Bak offers a full range of homely Korean dishes like pork rib stew and the crowd-pleasing kimchi pancake.
Wang Dae Bak, 98 Amoy Street, Singapore 048421
Ju Shin Jung
Known for its impeccable service (they grill the meats for you!) and an impressive spread of side dishes, this wallet-friendly Korean restaurant has popped up like mushrooms around Singapore – East Coast, Robertson Quay and West Coast. Don’t hesitate to make it a family affair either, as Ju Shin Jung’s West Coast outlet features an indoor playground for the young’uns. You know where you can conveniently leave them if you need to get some serious chow on.
Ju Shin Jung, various locations.
Hyangtogol Korean Restaurant
Hailed as one of the best Korean restaurants in Singapore, Hyangtogol shows commitment to a top-notch BBQ experience with high-quality meats and Korean food lovers would be pumped to know that every dish is prepared by a Korean chef, so you know it’s the real deal.
Hyangtogol Korean Restaurant, Amara Hotel, Level 2, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088539
