People of Gauteng behold as we bring you a list of our favourite Korean BBQ spots in your region – the perfect excuse for a group dining experience with friends and family or a great interactive date night idea.

Pretoria

Seoul Garden Korean Food (Lynnwood)

Choose from a generous helping of Bulgogi – thin, marinated slices of beef sirloin served with a variety of vegetables, or opt for their Galbi – marinated beef short ribs or even opt for the Samgyupsal – plain pork belly served with vegetables and sauces when stopping by at Seoul Garden Korean Food. Booking is essential via their website and they offer dine-in and take-out menu options. The restaurant is open from Monday to Sunday 11am to 7pm.

Pork belly and sides prepared and served at Seoul Garden Korean Foods. Image sourced from Facebook.

Johannesburg

Biru (Edenburg, Rivonia)

Biru sets itself apart from most Asian spots by blending the concept of fine dining and BBQ. It’s well-known for its hot pots and Korean BBQ and has a wide selection of meat and seafood, including garlic-flavoured Taiwanese sausages (R88 for 2 pieces), calamari rings (R78), lamb belly (R95), and duck breast (R118). Wagyu is available in cuts such as brisket (R175), tongue (R75) and rib-eye (R668). Biru also offers delicious vegetables and side dish options, such as butter oyster mushrooms (R68), brinjals (R35), seaweed salad (R128), egg-fried rice (R118) and kimchi (R65). Remember to make a reservation to avoid disappointment.

 

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Banchan (Parkmore)

“Banchan” is a Korean term meaning small plates/side dishes meant to complement main meals. Situated in Parkmore, this relaxed family-run Korean spot is a local favourite for those looking for an authentic Korean BBQ fix. The pork belly (R180) and soy-and-pear marinated beef (R180) are a must. All the BBQ options are served with ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce), duenjang lite (Korean soy paste), jjang-a-ajji (Korean pickles) and a vegetable platter (R85) consisting of fresh cucumber, carrot sticks, mushrooms, sweet potato, baby marrow, brinjal and sweetcorn. Sides include Asian rice (R30), egg rice with sesame oil (R45) and fried ramyun noodles (R45).

 

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Arkomy (Rivonia)

Previously known as Dae Jang Jum, Arkomy is loved for its authentic Korean food and drinks experience. Head to this hidden gem for juicy, flavourful marinated shortrib (R200) and pork belly (R180) BBQ. The BBQ is served with complimentary banchans, including lettuce, ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce), cucumber kimchi and an egg roll.

Arirang Restaurant (Lonehill)

In search of a new favourite Korean spot? Arirang offers authentic Korean food at affordable prices. For their BBQ meat selection, they offer marinated beef (R120), marinated pork (R110) and spicy pork belly rashers (R95) for those who appreciate a bit of heat. The BBQ comes with a generous portion of side dishes to complement the meat.

Love Me So (Melville)

Although temporarily closed to accommodate private functions, this quaint, vibey restaurant has proven to be a local favourite for those looking for mouth-watering cocktails and delicious Asian fusion dishes.

For the BBQ meat selection, they offer beef sirloin (R150), sesame-marinated deboned chicken thighs (R145) with a red chilli paste, and mirin-and-ginger pork loin (R145), all served with bibimbap (Korean rice with vegetables). The restaurant will inform customers when they resume business.

 

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Korea Garden Restaurant (Magaliessig, Fourways)

Located in the heart of Fourways, Korea Garden Restaurant is the perfect spot to experience Korean BBQ at its best. The food is tasty and the portions are generous enough for people to share. Their BBQ selection includes beef shortrib (R220), pork belly (R220), beef brisket (R280) and pork neck (R220).