A Guide to Korean BBQ Restaurants and How to Order for Foreign Travelers

Korean BBQ is one of the most iconic dining experiences for visitors to Korea. The atmosphere of grilling meat at your table, sharing side dishes, and enjoying the meal together is deeply connected to Korean food culture. For many foreign travelers, however, walking into a Korean BBQ restaurant for the first time can be a little confusing—especially when it comes to understanding the menu, ordering the right cuts of meat, and knowing basic table etiquette.

This guide provides practical and clear explanations to help foreign travelers enjoy Korean BBQ without feeling overwhelmed. From what to expect at a Korean BBQ restaurant to how to order and eat properly, everything is organized step-by-step.

1. What Makes Korean BBQ Unique?

At a typical Korean BBQ restaurant, diners grill their own meat at the table. The restaurant provides a grill, tongs, scissors, and a variety of side dishes called “banchan.” The experience is interactive and social, and the meal usually takes place at a relaxed pace.

Common features include:

✅ A grill built into the table

✅ Unlimited side dishes that are refilled upon request

✅ Lettuce wraps (called “ssam”) served with various sauces

✅ Ventilation hoods above each table

✅ Staff assistance when needed

The combination of grilling, wrapping, dipping, and pairing creates a unique dining style that many travelers remember long after their visit.

2. How to Read a Korean BBQ Menu

Most BBQ restaurants organize their menu by meat type and cut. Here are some of the most common items foreign travelers will encounter:

Popular Pork Cuts

✅ Samgyeopsal (삼겹살) – Pork belly, the most popular choice

✅ Moksal (목살) – Pork neck, thicker and juicier

✅ Ggeupdaegi (껍데기) – Pork skin, chewy and savory

Popular Beef Cuts

✅ Galbi (갈비) – Marinated or non-marinated short ribs

✅ Bulgogi (불고기) – Thinly sliced, marinated beef

✅ Chadolbagi (차돌박이) – Thinly shaved brisket, cooks quickly

Korean BBQ menus may not always include photos, so knowing these names in advance helps when ordering.

3. How to Order at a Korean BBQ Restaurant

Ordering follows a simple process, even if the menu looks unfamiliar.

Step 1: Choose your main meat

Most restaurants require a minimum order of two portions, especially for pork and beef. One portion is usually around 150g.

Step 2: Select additional dishes if needed

Some restaurants offer side dishes like kimchi stew, soybean paste stew, noodles, or rice. These are often ordered separately.

Step 3: Indicate how many people are eating

For example:

“Two people, two portions of samgyeopsal.”

Step 4: Ask for help if needed

Many restaurants are used to foreign travelers, and the staff may help with grilling or explaining sauces.

4. How to Grill and Eat Korean BBQ Properly

Grilling is part of the fun, but there are a few tips that make the experience smoother.

Grilling Tips

✅ Use tongs for the meat and scissors to cut it into bite-size pieces

✅ Flip the meat only once or twice for the best texture

✅ Do not overcrowd the grill; cook small batches

✅ When the grill gets dirty, ask the staff for a grill change

Eating Tips

✅ Make a lettuce wrap by placing a piece of meat, garlic, and sauce (ssamjang) inside

✅ Try the meat plain before adding sauces

✅ Side dishes are free to refill; simply ask politely

Korean BBQ emphasizes sharing, tasting, and enjoying the meal together.

5. Basic Phrases That Help When Ordering

Foreign travelers may find these simple phrases helpful:

✅ “Samgyeopsal two servings, please.”

✅ “Can we get more side dishes?”

✅ “Please change the grill.”

✅ “Do you have non-spicy options?”

Most staff at popular restaurants understand basic English, but these phrases make the experience smoother.

6. Additional Tips for a Better BBQ Experience

✅ BBQ restaurants can get smoky, so avoid wearing delicate clothes

✅ Some places offer aprons to protect clothing

✅ Popular restaurants may require waiting during dinner hours

✅ Many BBQ shops combine well with Korean soju or beer

Understanding these small details helps travelers enjoy BBQ like a local.

Conclusion

Korean BBQ is more than just a meal—it is a cultural experience that brings people together around a table. By understanding the menu, knowing how to order, and learning basic grilling tips, foreign travelers can enjoy a relaxing and delicious dining experience. Whether it is pork belly, marinated short ribs, or thinly sliced brisket, Korean BBQ offers rich flavors and a memorable atmosphere that visitors often consider one of the highlights of their trip.