Best Korean BBQ Spots in Singapore for Authentic Grills & Smoky Goodness
PUBLISHED November 12th, 2024 10:00 am
Sizzling meats, spicy jjigae, and a variety of delectable Korean dishes make Korean BBQ one of the best ways to enjoy a convivial time with family and friends. Conversations over the fire warm our hearts and our bellies, creating cherished memories over a shared meal. So, if you’re on the hunt for the best Korean BBQ spots in Singapore, you’re in for a treat, as we show you where to feast on mouth-watering, authentic Korean flavours.
Ju Shin Jung Korean Restaurant
Some people might remember it for its former store at West Coast Road but not many will know that Ju Shin Jung Korean Restaurant is the first to bring authentic Korean charcoal BBQ to Singapore. Besides their staple of juicy meat cuts, the restaurant also offers a wide variety of Korean dishes like bibimbap, stew, porridge, and noodles, some of which are available for lunch. Its authentic and nostalgic Korean flavours are well-loved by locals and Korean expats, and especially for aspiring mukbangers, the 90-minute Unlimited BBQ starts at a mere S$38++ (adult) for lunch.
Ju Shin Jung Korean Restaurant is located at 11 Unity St, #01-30/31, Singapore 237995 and 991B Alexandra Rd, #02-08/09 10/11, Singapore 119970. Please refer to the website for more details.
GU:UM
Inspired by NAE:UM’s fifth episodic menu, Front Yard Barbecue, Chef Louis Han brings the conviviality of traditional Korean barbecue gatherings to Keong Saik Road with GU:UM. This is not your usual Korean BBQ spot. Experienced chefs fire up your meal at the open kitchen, instead of grilling them at your table, to ensure optimal flavours from prime cuts such as Tajima Wagyu Ribeye MBS8 (S$188++ per 280g) and Iberico Pluma (S$118++ per 300g). Choose between four housemade marinations like galbi, chilli gochujang, fermented fish sauce, or salt. Grilled meats may be the highlight but starters here are a league on its own. The Yukhwae Jeon (S$32++) is a moreish cross between Korean pancakes and beef tartare. While the KFC – Korean Fried Cauliflower (S$26++) is a mouth-watering twist on Korean fried chicken. Order a la carte or indulge in the sharing set menu (S$168++ per person) with all the signature items.
GU:UM is located at 29 Keong Saik Rd., Singapore 089136, p.+65 8831 6308. Open Tue -Thu 6pm -10.30pm, Fri – Sat 11.30 am–2.30 pm, 6–11 pm. Closed Sun and Mon.
Wang Dae Bak Korean BBQ
Fire up juicy charcoal-grilled meats at Wang Dae Bak Korean BBQ with delicious banchan and their signature Half Half Pancake – one side seafood, one side kimchi. Set menus for two start from S$52++ with a selection of succulent meats, while larger sets which come with a soup and the half half pancake run from S$148++ for 3-4 persons. And if you are craving more Korean street food, comfort food like ramyeon and rice cakes can be found on their a la carte menu.
Wang Dae Bak Korean BBQ is located at 22 Cross Street, #01-64, Singapore 048421, p.+65 6225 2646. Open daily 11.30am -2.30pm, 5.30pm -10.30pm.
Ajoomma Korean BBQ
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KTV or BBQ? Sizzle up the night with the best of both worlds at Ajoomma Korean BBQ. Spanning all three floors of the shophouse near Club Street, the restaurant houses two private karaoke rooms on the third floor and boasts a display of live seafood on the first. Like the warm and dedicated “aunties” the restaurant is named after, you’ll enjoy carefully prepared Korean BBQ dishes and a range of top-quality meats and sauces. Warm your belly with the savoury Spicy Kimchi Soup with Tuna (S$20++) and a rich Truffle Steamed Egg (S$16++), while the staff grill up choice cuts such as US Prime Beef and Snow-aged Wagyu to your preference. If you like a little more crisp on your pork belly, go for the 2mm Pork Belly (S$28++ for 150gm), otherwise stick with the Pork Belly for more bite.. Or better still, just indulge in their unlimited KBBQ (90 minutes) promotion, where you can feast away for just S$39.80++.
Ajoomma Korean BBQ is located at No 2 & 4 Gemmill Lane, Singapore 069247, p.+65 8789 8650. Open daily 11am -11pm.
Nami Korean Grill House
No crowd, free parking – if the thought of these light you up, then Nami Korean Grill House is the place to go. The sister concept to Hanjip Korean Grill House is nestled in the tranquillity of Greenwood Avenue and has Nami-island inspired interior to match that serenity. Popular with residents around there area, the restaurant is buzzing on weekday nights so, as long as you make your reservations, you’ll get to enjoy the range of premium chucks like Japanese Wagyu or USDA Prime. Standout Korean dishes include the Gyeranjjim (steamed egg), or the crowd-favourite Ginseng Chicken Soup, which are available in the set and as a la carte orders. Add the Raw Marinated Crab (S$88++) for an extra oomph. Can’t decide what to eat? Have some of everything with the Nami Signatures platter (S$198++), which comes with Wagyu Chuck Ribs, Kurobuta Pork Jowl, Pork Collar, and 200g of Korean Abalone. Hearty eaters can reach for the Nami Platter (S$188++) which is a whopping 650g of premium pork and beef!
Nami Korean Grill House is located at 18 Greenwood Ave, Singapore 289212, +65 8831 4180. Open 11.30am -2.30pm, 5pm -11pm.
Bulgogi Syo
Grilling is not just about fire. At Bulgogi Syo, grilling is a three-step theatrical process of fire, flavour, and flair.. Known as the Sear, Torch, and Flambé technique, this method locks in the rich juiciness of premium meats. Prime cuts are first seared on custom Korean hot stones at 180 degrees, then torched with 1,400-degree Fire Blasters to deliver a smoky char, and finally flambéed tableside for a sensory feast. Their Mixed Combo (S$65++) features the LA Galbi, with Pork Collar and Chicken, alongside a choice of jjigae. And if you need some carbs, the Chef’s Choice Combo set (S$59++) comes with fried rice. For a spicy kick, we love the Spicy Baby Octopus (S$25.90++) and the Spicy Cheesy Chicken (S$20.90++) that’s served on a hotplate. Prepare yourselves (and your cameras) for a flavoursome and fiery showcase.
Bulgogi Syo has four outlets around Singapore, please refer to their website for location details.
Bornga
If you want to know what won the heart (and belly) of Paik Jong-won in Culinary Class Wars, head to Bornga to find out. Founded by the celebrity chef and judge, the Korean restaurant is known for its signature Woo Samgyup—thinly sliced beef brisket and flank in a light marinade crafted by Chef Paik. Best eaten with a dip in their savoury soybean paste. Don’t miss Chef Paik’s takes on classics like Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), Tteokgalbi (grilled short rib patties), accompanied by dolsot bibimbap (rice dish in a hot-stone pot) and japchae (stir-fried glass noodles and vegetables) each designed to showcase the rich flavours of Korea.
Bornga is located at Vivo City, 1 HarbourFront Walk, #02-123 /124, Singapore 098585, p.+65 6376 8268. Open daily 11.30am -10pm.
Charim Korean BBQ
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Along the stretch of Korean barbecue spots on Tanjong Pagar Road, Charim Korean BBQ is probably one of the few that remains open after lunch. The owner is a passionate foodie and Korean native who embarked on a journey to bring authentic Korean BBQ to Singapore. Must-try items include the King Beef Rib, Soy Chicken, and the Salted Pork Neck, which can be found in their set menus, which run from S$68++ (good for 2 persons). Here, you’ll savour the meats like the Koreans do – wrapped in fresh, crisp lettuce in a ssam. Alongside generous servings of banchan, and their DIY Sushi Rice that comes with wild leek and a specialty sauce, BBQ here is as fun as it’s flavourful.
Charim Korean BBQ is located at 65 Tg Pagar Rd, Singapore 088486. Open Tue – Sat 11.30am -1am, Sun 11.30am -12am. Closed Mon.
Chang Korean Charcoal BBQ
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Set in the black and white houses in Dempsey, Chang Korean Charcoal BBQ brings a touch of elegance to Korean BBQ. Smoke won’t get in your eyes here as they offer a choice of grilling in the kitchen before they serve you. Renowned for quality food and service, the restaurant offers premium cuts from around the world – beef from USA and Australia, Pork from UK and Spain, Chicken from Brazil, and Duck from France. Besides their generous servings of banchan, you might even find exclusive items like soy marinated crab in it. That’s because they also serve fresh seafood for the grill or for authentic Korean dishes like the Haemul Pa Jeon (S$25++), a spring onion pancake with prawns, clams, mussels, and squid. Soup are hearty and packed with ingredients here and you’ll get a wide selection of bibimbaps and noodles. Popular with Korean natives and locals alike.
Chang Korean Charcoal BBQ Restaurant is located at 71 Loewen Rd, #01-01, Singapore 248847, p.+65 6473 9005. Open Sun – Thu 12pm -3pm, 6pm -10pm, Fri – Sat 12pm -3pm, 6 – 10.30pm.
8 Korean BBQ
From wine to garlic, miso and red pepper paste, 8 Korean BBQ serves up pork belly in eight different flavours. Sample them all in the 8 Flavours Pork Belly Combo set which comes with a seafood soybean stew and kimchi fried rice. Meat lovers, you’ll go crazy with the all-you-can-eat combos. The A.Y.C.E. SUPREME beef and pork combo not only includes all eight flavours of pork belly, it also comes with seafood like shrimp and squid and a selection of beef cuts such as beef tongue, beef galbi bulgogi, short rib and more.
8 Korean BBQ is located at Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Rd, #04 – 20 / 21, Singapore 228208 and 6 Eu Tong Sen St, #02-79/90 The Central, Singapore 059817. Please refer to the website for more details.
Top Image: Ajoomma Korean BBQ
