How to Eat Korean BBQ: A First-Timer’s Guide

 

Korean barbecue is social, interactive and easier than it first appears. Here is a simple guide for your first meal.

Choose Your Meat

Common choices include samgyeopsal, pork belly, and galbi, marinated ribs. Portions are often ordered for the table, and some restaurants require a minimum order.

Use the Tools Correctly

Restaurants normally provide tongs and kitchen scissors. Use the tongs to turn the meat and scissors to cut it into bite-sized pieces. If separate utensils are provided for raw meat, do not use them for cooked food.

Build a Ssam

Place a small piece of meat on lettuce or perilla leaf, add a little ssamjang, garlic or vegetables, then fold it into one bite. A wrap does not need every ingredient.

Enjoy the Banchan

Small side dishes are part of the meal. Many restaurants refill basic banchan at no extra cost, but policies differ. Ask politely if you would like more.

Who Cooks?

In some restaurants, staff cook the meat. In others, diners do it themselves. If an employee takes over the grill, let them handle the timing.

Useful Manners

Share dishes neatly, avoid placing used utensils in communal food, and do not over-order. Ventilation is common, but your clothes may still smell like grilled meat.

Simple Tip

Start with one meat, learn the grill system, then order more if needed. Korean barbecue is meant to be relaxed, so watch the table and follow the staff’s lead.

Korean food reference: https://www.hansik.or.kr/