Korean BBQ in KL, Malaysia
Image adapted from: @yvnyong
Korean BBQ is possibly the greatest gift Korea gave to the world (other than K-pop, but that’s up for debate). There’s no better feeling than sitting down with your crew and chowing down on Korean BBQ – be it to celebrate someone’s promotion or comfort a friend who’s just broken up with their partner. No harm in adding in a couple of bottles of soju either.
But not all Korean BBQ joints are made equal – with so many restaurants in Kuala Lumpur offering Korean BBQ with varying quality, check out these 11 best ones with affordable samgyeopsal (pork belly) and more.
For more ideas on what to eat in KL, check out our other food guides here:
- New KL cafes
- Local-approved street food stalls
- Speakeasy bars
- Affordable eateries in Cheras
- Restaurants with best views
- Themed cafes
- Romantic restaurants
- Seafood restaurants
- Peranakan restaurants
1. Shinmapo Korean BBQ – suitable for larger groups
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Premium BBQ restaurant Shinmapo is in the midst of the busy Garden Mall and caters to large crowds. Here, you’ll find high quality cuts being served whether you order from the a la carte or set menu.
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At RM348 (~S$114) the Best Beef Set serves up to 4 people. You’ll be served 250g of juicy marinated Beef Bone-In Short Rib, 150g of Beef Boneless Short Rib, 150g of Garlic Beef Rib Finger, a Mixed Grill Platter, Dried Pollock Soup and side dishes.
Address: 3rd Floor, T-216D, The Gardens Mall, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11:00am – 11:00pm daily
Telephone: +60 03 2201 3252
Website
2. Bon Ga Korean BBQ – non-smoky electric grills
Image credit: @kiddostas
One of the downsides to becoming our own BBQ chef is the smell of smoke that sticks to your clothing. But at Bon Ga Korean BBQ, you won’t have to deal with any of that thanks to the electric grills. The restaurant is well-lit and welcoming thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows.
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Look forward to generous portion sizes when you order any of Bon Ga’s prime meats, like Pork Belly for RM29 (~S$9.50) or Beef Ribs at RM68 (~S$22.30).
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Address: No. 169-01, Jalan Radin Bagus, Bandar Baru Sri Petaling, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
Opening hours: 11:30am—10:30pm daily
Telephone: +60 03 9058 0012
3. Po Cha Korean BBQ – a hidden gem
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You’d seriously be missing out on authentic Korean food if you relied purely on looks of a restaurant. Tucked away in Ampang, Po Cha Korean BBQ is so unassuming that it’s easy to miss.
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However, don’t let the no-frills setting fool you. The corridor leading to the eatery might even look like a scene from a horror film, but we like to think it adds to the restaurant’s charm. After all, patrons come here for food, not to be blown away by flashy decor.
Image credit:@jaydengoldfish
The food is very affordable, where a portion of pork belly and beef is RM15 (~S$5) and RM35 (~S$12) respectively. It’s also open until 3AM for most of the week, so when you’ve had a long night and need comfort food, this can be your go-to supper spot.
Address: 23, Jalan Sulaiman 1, Taman Putra Sulaiman, 68000 Ampang, Selangor
Operating hours: Mon – Sat, 5:30pm – 3:00am; Sun, 5.30pm – 12.00am
Telephone: +60 01 4662 3180
4. Gangnam88 – K-pop haven
Image credit: @mika_ccy
If you love everything Korean, then you’ll instantly fall in love with Gangnam 88, a K-pop haven. With Blackpink blasting on the speakers, MVs on the TV screens, and BTS cardboard cutouts all around, it’s easy to forget you’re here to eat!
Image credit: Gangnam88
The restaurant caters for parties of different sizes in terms of menu choice and seating area. Large groups may opt for Gathering Set 1 at RM338 (~S$110) which can feed up to 8 people. You’ll choose two large portions of marinated meat from the options of beef, pork, or chicken, as well as kimchi soup and Korean pancake alongside usual garnishes like garlic and kimchi.
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For smaller portions to have on your own, try the popular Sweet And Sour Beer Chicken for RM38 (S$12.50) and Beef Bulgogi for RM45 (S$14.75).
Address: No 1-1, Jalan Solalis 3, Solaris Mont Kiara Off Jalan Kira, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11:30am – 1:00am daily
Telephone: 03 6206 5888
Website
5. Kyung Joo Korean BBQ – operating for over 2 decades
Image credit: @kyungjookoreanbbq
Kyung Joo has been operating for over 20 years across Klang Valley, making it one of the oldest establishments in KL for Korean fare. Perennially packed to the brim, the restaurant will usually require a booking for you to secure a seat, especially on weekends.
Image credit: kyungjookorean
Image credit: @kyungjookoreanbbq
The star of the show remains the Cheesy BBQ Platter (RM72.80, ~S$24) for 2. Replete with flavourful sides like spicy rice balls and kimchi, the platter also comes with a mozzarella cheese moat which balances out all the spice. You can also get the Regular BBQ Set without cheese at RM56.80 (~S$18.65) for 3 people, or the Premium Set for 4 at RM218.80 (~S$72).
Address: 3rd Floor T049A, Mid Valley Megamall, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, 59200, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm daily
Telephone: +65 01 6616 6585
Website
6. Sae Ma Eul BBQ – round tables for small groups
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If the name Sae Ma Eul BBQ doesn’t give it away, the decor will. Here, you’ll see overhead extractor hoods hovering diligently over the grilling area, for the purpose of keeping your clothes so you can leave without smelling of BBQ. It’s spacious and their round tables can accommodate parties of up to five.
Image credit: @saemaeul_jayaone
Start off with their popular Spicy Rice Ball for RM23 (~S$7.50) , a wonderfully crunchy treat with a soft gooey inside. But the best part? The meat here is reasonably priced with a portion of Pork Belly available at RM25 (~S$8.20) and Sirloin at RM58 (~S$19).
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The consistent knockout quality of the dishes is what makes Sae Ma Eul popular to regulars. If it’s your first time visiting and you’re not sure what to order, go for BBQ Set A at RM59 (~S$19.35) which comes with a variety of meats, including pork belly, pork shoulder, and marinated baby octopus and a host of side dishes.
There are three branches in KL altogether.
Address: The Square, Jaya One, Jalan University Petaling Jaya, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Opening hours: 11.30AM-11.30PM, Daily
Telephone: +60 03 7932 3196
Address: 2-1, Jalan PJU 5/4, Dataran Sunway, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya
Opening hours: 12PM-12AM, Daily
Telephone: +60 01 8985 5362
Address: 1, Ground Floor, Jalan Solaris 4, Solaris Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, Mont Kiara, 50480
Opening hours: 3PM-1AM, Daily
Telephone: +60 01 4368 6050
7. Hanwoori Ampang – with both BBQ grills and hotpot
Hanwoori has gained a reputation for their authentic Korean cuisine. Many look forward to savouring their grilled and hotpot menu items.
Image credit: @yvnyong
Make sure you try the Bulgogi Beef – it’s tender, juicy, and melts in your mouth. And you can get your hands on this Korean delicacy in any of the set menus ranging from RM110 to RM460 (~S$36 to ~S$151) which feed 2 to 7 people. Each set also comes with the standard combo of chicken and seafood, along with side dishes of seafood pancake, glass noodles, and rice cake.
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If you’re willing to go for broke, there’s the Set Menu at RM860 (~S$282) that is suitable for up to 10 people. Expect to dig into a premium range of BBQ items like smoked duck, bossam, and bulgogi, and enjoy some soju included in the package.
Address: 1, Jalan Ampang Utama 1/1, Taman Ampang Utama, 68000 Ampang
Opening hours: 10:30am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 10:30pm
Telephone: +60 03 4253 1308
Website
8. Daorae Korean BBQ Restaurant – traditional floor seating
Image credit: @yulita0519
Daorae is one of the most well-known Korean BBQ places across KL for its excellent service, and traditional layout with lowered seating which will have your feet dangling as you grill away – bringing a taste of Korea to KL.
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It’s a little pricier than other Korean cookouts with the standard Pork Belly at RM33 (S$11) per portion. Another popular dish is the Prime Rib Eye for RM90 (S$30)? And for the adventurous gourmets out there, there’s the Ox Tongue for RM58 (S$19).
Image credit: @foodinflamed
If you don’t think you can hold back from all this charcoaled, meaty goodness, a medley of meat consisting of Ox Tongue, Rib Eye, Rib, and Woo Sam Kyup is available at RM150 (S$50) in the Beef Modum.
Address: 9 Jalan 23/70A, Sri Hartamas 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: Sun – Thurs,11:30am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 11pm; Fri, 11:30am – 3pm; Sat, 5:30pm – 11pm
Telephone: +60 03 6203 2616
Website
9. Palsaik Korean BBQ – preservative-free meat with 8 different marinades
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Palsaik Korean BBQ serves preservative-free meat, and are famous for their 8 Color Set (RM129, ~S$42), featuring 8 different marinades of pork, namely: wine, pine, garlic, herb, curry, soybean, and hot pepper.
Image credit: @parammaries
If that’s too much for you, go for the 3 Colour Set suitable for 2 people at RM108 (~S$35) and choose your desired marinades. This restaurant may be on the pricier side compared to your usual Korean BBQ restaurant, but the variety and quality are worth it.
Image credit: @clarence_wcy
Palsaik is spacious and can accommodate crowds of various sizes. It’s an ideal place to bring a date to or enjoy a quick bite for your lunch break because it’s chic and modern, and you can enjoy stress-free dining thanks to staff who handle the grilling for you.
Address: J-01-09, Soho KL, Jalan Solaris, Solaris Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11.30am-11.30pm daily
Telephone: +60 3 6211 0383
Website
10. Da On Fine Korean Cuisine – high-end restaurant
Image credit: Da On Fine Korean Cuisine
One of the higher end Korean BBQ restaurants on this list, Da On Fine Korean Cuisine will give you excellent service to match the premium food and its price tags.
Image credit:@syaarosly
When ordering from the set menus, you can look forward to Bulgogi, Samgye Tang and Galbi Tang in Set A at RM280 (~S$92)for 2 people. Although the cost might sting a bit, portions are generous.
Address: 6.40.00, 168, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11am-10pm daily
Telephone: +60 03 2141 2100
Website
11. Little Korea – located at Mont Kiara
Image credit: @peiyingggggggg
To the discerning eye and palate, authenticity is the deciding factor between decent and divine Korean BBQ – and you can enjoy one of the most authentic KBBQs at aptly-named Little Korea.
Image credit: @tsyen10
Tuck into their crunchy Dolsot Bibimbap for RM24 (~S$8). And for the KBBQ lovers, order the Pork Belly for RM29 (~S$9.50), Beef Outside Skirt for RM72 (~S$24), or the Prime Beef Rib Eye for RM85 (~S$28).
Address: 5-3; 7-3; 9-3, Jalan Solaris 1, Solaris Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 11pm daily
Telephone: +60 03 6203 7217
Website
Cheap Korean BBQ in Kuala Lumpur
The next time you’re on the prowl for the best Korean BBQ in KL, don’t settle for anything less than the best. Try one of these authentic Korean restaurants for a night to remember – for all the right reasons!
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