The best Korean BBQ restaurants in Singapore

Look past the highly instagrammable retro-futuristic interiors and you’ll find sizzling hot grills and pork belly aplenty. Rather than offering a plethora of meats, the Korean-owned restaurant spotlights pork belly (from $24) as the only protein they serve – so you don’t get to be fussy. Expect the usual banchan suspects of kimchi, radish, lettuce wrap, marinated sprouts and ssamjang to go along. Away from the grills, the modest menu keeps it simple with comforting dishes. Think cheese fried rice, mentaiko cheese steamed egg, spicy cold noodles and Korean army stews. While you’re at it, wash it all down with a series of sparkling soju (from $18) – just like how the Koreans do it.

Located on Tanjong Pagar's K-town strip, this trendy Korean BBQ restaurant opened its doors during the pandemic. Fulfilling her mother's lifelong dream of owning a KBBQ restaurant, Ryu quit her cushy job at Apple to open Charim. The joint has since received stellar reviews and even went viral on Tiktok for its quality grilled meats. One of which is the salted pork neck ($24) which stands out from the usual cuts. DIY sushi is also available to top up at just $5 where diners can drape their meats on eight pieces of sushi rice. Word of advice, it is strictly walk-ins only so don't go searching for the reservations page.

Conceptualised out of pure fandom of the hit Korean TV show (Reply 1988), this Korean-owned KBBQ joint sits along the stretch of Jalan Besar. Aside from the 80s movie poster clad walls, the unpretentious restaurant sports trendy neonlights and fuss-free furniture. This brings attention to their affordably-priced cuts of quality meats – think USDA prime beef, Wagyu beef and Duroc pork – and their merticulous treatment by the grill. Thicker cuts naturally go on the cast iron grill but thinner cuts will see a thoughtful swap for brass wire mesh to achieve a fiercer sear for the meats. The casual joint also serves up Korean fried chicken and hearty sides to go along if the complimentary banchan fail to satisfy. Hot tip, get the crispy seafood pancake to complete the indulgent experience.

Fav.grillbar keeps it modern minimalist on a street filled with traditionally rustic Korean BBQ restaurants. Opened back in mid-2022, it has already gained a cult following for its mammoth beef short rib ($98). Sink your teeth into tender cuts of wet-aged short rib sliced in front of you to reveal luscious bright red hues before you finish by searing it to your desired doneness. If you like your beef intense and ultra-juicy, this is the place to be. Otherwise, the duroc pork set ($65) equally satisfies with three indulgent cuts of collar, belly and jowl. Each order of the set comes with a complimentary steamed egg dish that is best eaten with rice on the side.

E!ght Korean BBQ is known for its signature 8 Colours Set ($98 for three to four diners) serves up slices of Berkshire pork belly in eight flavours such as yucha, plum, honey ginger and red pepper paste, along with complimentary servings of homemade banchan and seafood bean paste stew. Other notable highlights on the menu include the degustation Flower Pork Set ($68), Kimcheese fried rice ($20), and a spin on the kimchi fried rice topped off with mozzarella, egg and bonito flakes. Their table grills are designed to be placed at a slanted angle to allow excess oil to drain off down the bottom, and in an ingenious stroke, they have radish bits on hand to clean off the grills without scratching the metal. 

Besides really tasty black bean noodles, O.BBA sure knows how to work the grills too when it comes to meat. There are the usual suspects of short ribs, ribeye, prime beef slices, and pork belly to feast on. But for a truly indulgent experience, get the wet-aged pork belly that promises to deliver a melt-in-your-mouth sensation which every bite. If not, the pork jowl is also a tasty alternative to the premium cut.

The magic of this tableside grill joint with a vintage '70s vibe is in its name. Galmaegisal, a slim pork skirt cut ($23.90) found between the ribs and belly of a pig, is said to have been reserved for the country's royal family in ancient times. But here, the succulent cuts are laid out after a steep in Korean spices on charcoal-heated grills for us modern-day nobles. Other cook-it-yourself meats on offer include beef and pork cuts, while a metal moat around the fire melts cheese to have with your meat.

This high-end Korean BBQ might get some stick being a bit pricey but they compensate with premium service and ingredients used. You will be blown away by the selection of side dishes on your table, ranging from sauteed bean sprouts to seaweed soup. On top of the usual grilled meat, try its signature meat Woo Samyup – thin grilled beef slices will melt in your mouth. Dessert is complimentary and what better way to end the meal than with free sweets.

Head down to Pujim for a premium meaty feast. This popular neon-lit restaurant has been bustling with customers ever since it opened its doors. Best known for its high-quality marbled meats, the restaurant is well stocked with premium Wagyu beef, iberico bellota, and duroc pork belly. Sharing dishes such as the pajeon (Korean seafood pancake), seafood soup and colourful bibimbap come with generous portions that are worth the splurge. 

No stranger to the Korean BBQ scene here, Superstar K has always been popular with the younger crowd. This hassle-free and easy breezy restaurant deliver promptly without much waiting time. Order the seasoned and super tender king-sized beef rib ($39.90) and pair it with their beef bone soup ($15) for the ultimate beefed-up meal.

2D1N Soju Bang is known for its family-friendly and affordable grilled meats. And with such a name, you'd be remiss to not get a round of soju bombs for the squad. The crowd favourite beef short ribs represent the best of smoky meats on the menu so stick to that while you're there. The best part? This casual joint opens till three in the morning for some late night supper.

Here you'll learn that their secret to grilling succulent meat is the way they stick to charcoal barbeque grills instead of the conventional electrical sets you see in most Korean BBQ restaurants. A plus point, enjoy their free-flow complimentary egg ring as you enjoy it with your meat. The joint also welcomes large groups with value-for-money sets that cater to groups of five and above.

The key word here is cheese. If you love cheese on all your meats, this cheesy barbecue joint will satisfy your every craving. Get their cheese Deng-galbi ($69.90) for a heavier meal option and try the galbi tang ($25) for something lighter.