How to eat Korean BBQ (Guide for beginners)
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Samgyeopsal | Thick-cut pork belly, the most common and beginner-friendly cut |
| Galbi | Marinated beef short ribs, sweeter and slightly more expensive |
| Banchan | The small side dishes that arrive automatically, refillable for free |
| Ssam | Wrapping grilled meat in lettuce or perilla leaf with sauce and garlic |
| Soju | The clear, mild alcohol nearly always ordered alongside the meal |
How the Meal Actually Works
You’ll usually order meat by the portion, not as a full individual meal — it’s meant to be shared and grilled at the table as you go, a few pieces at a time rather than all at once. At many restaurants, particularly busier ones, staff will do the actual grilling and cutting for you, especially with thicker cuts like samgyeopsal. If they don’t, don’t worry — turning and cutting the meat yourself with the provided scissors is completely normal.
The banchan (side dishes) that show up before your meat does are included in the price and often refillable — no need to order more food if you’re still hungry, just ask for a refill on whichever side dish you liked.
How to Eat It
The classic method is a ssam: take a lettuce or perilla leaf, add a piece of grilled meat, a dab of ssamjang (the thick, savory dipping sauce), maybe a sliver of garlic or a piece of grilled kimchi, wrap it up, and eat it in one bite. It’s meant to be a little messy — nobody’s judging you for using both hands.
What to Order If You’re Not Sure
- Samgyeopsal — the safest, most widely loved option, fatty and forgiving even if slightly overcooked
- Galbi — a step up in price, sweeter marinade, great if you want something closer to a familiar BBQ flavor
- A stew to finish — many groups order a doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) or kimchi jjigae near the end of the meal, cooked using the leftover grill drippings for extra flavor
Quick Tips
- Reservations help on weekend evenings, especially at popular spots — walk-ins can mean a wait
- Portions are meant for sharing — order a few types of meat for the table rather than one each
- It’s normal to grill continuously throughout the meal rather than cooking everything at once
- Non-drinkers aren’t out of place — soju is common, but plenty of tables stick to soft drinks