Unlike Western barbecue where the food is cooked in the kitchen, Korean BBQ restaurants let you grill your own meat at the table. Each table has a charcoal or gas grill built in. Staff will often help you cook, but part of the fun is grilling together with your friends. Korean BBQ culture focuses on:

• Sharing: All dishes are meant to be eaten together.
• Interaction: BBQ is designed for conversation, not a quick meal.
• Customizing: You build every bite your way spicy, savory, crunchy, sweet.

What Should You Order? Most foreigners start with these popular cuts:

• Samgyeopsal (삼겹살): Thick pork belly slices juicy, tender, and the #1 choice.
• Mok-sal (목살): Pork neck meat slightly leaner but flavorful.
• Galbi (갈비): Marinated beef short ribs sweet, tender, and perfect for beginners.
• Chadolbagi (차돌박이): Very thin beef brisket cooks in seconds.

Many restaurants require a minimum order of 2 servings (e.g., 2×200 g). This is normal.Understanding the Side Dishes (Banchan, 반찬)

One of the best parts of Korean BBQ is the banchan, which is unlimited and free. You’ll usually get:

• Kimchi
• Pickled radish
• Lettuce and perilla leaves (깻잎)
• Garlic and chili peppers
• Ssamjang (spicy savory paste)
• Soy sauce with wasabi or sesame oil with salt

These are meant to be mixed with your meat—don’t just eat them separately!Tip: You can ask for refills anytime. Just say “더 주세요” (deo ju-se-yo) meaning please give me more.What to Drink With BBQWhaKorean BBQ is often paired with alcohol—especially for groups of friends or coworkers. The most common choices:

• Soju (소주) – clean, smooth, perfect with pork.
• Beer (맥주) – light Korean lagers like Cass or Terra.
• Somaek (소맥) – a popular mix of soju + beer.

If you don’t drink, that’s perfectly okay. Many foreigners enjoy BBQ with cold soda or barley tea (보리차).Go during dinner time to enjoy both the barbecue and the evening, it’s especially popular for group gatherings.