10 best Korean BBQ restaurants in JB
K-dramas always make me crave BBQ, even through the screen. It’s pure torture not being able to visit Korea and savour the real thing. The sight of sizzling meat, with its slightly charred surface and hint of charcoal aroma, is irresistible. Wrapping it in a fresh lettuce leaf and enjoying it like a local— it’s almost like being in Korea.
While you eagerly await your next trip to Korea, satisfy your cravings right here in JB. The city offers plenty of choices, and I have my personal favourites. So, let me share with you my top 10 favourite Korean BBQ spots in JB.
1. Baek Hyang Korean Restaurant
Starting from a humble store in Taman Daya, Baek Hyang Korean Restaurant used to be a hidden eatery that was only known to the neighbourhood. In recent years, it has relocated to Eco Palladium, attracting a border clientele and frequently drawing large crowds.
The restaurant is run by a warm and friendly Korean auntie, who is always seen smiling while serving her customers. Over the years, she has expanded the menu to include a wider variety of dishes, offering patrons a more complete K BBQ dining experience.
A Korean BBQ spot is a great place for gatherings, and this restaurant offers the perfect selection for you. Sink your teeth into the family set with your loved ones, priced from RM125.90 to RM155.90.
The sets include 3 flavours of pork belly (red pepper, soy sauce, original), king mushrooms, your choice of kimchi or bean paste stew, 12 side dishes, and either a combination of sausage & chicken nuggets (RM125.90) or kimchi pancake & potato pancake (RM135.90).
Eco Palladium, B1011 #01-12, BLOCK B, Jln Ekoflora 7/2, TAMAN EKOFLORA, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
+6011 5959 1636
Tue to Sat: 12pm – 10pm
Sun: 1pm – 10pm
Closed on Mon
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2. Sae Ma Eul BBQ
Sae Ma Eul BBQ is a sought-after eatery in KL, renowned for its affordable and delicious grilled meat; the establishment is frequently crowded with students. Early this year, it relocated to Austin Crest, attracting an even larger crowd than at its previous location in Iskandar Puteri.
If you’re a big eater, why not get the most out of your money with their buffet offering? For RM38.20+ per adult, you can tuck into a variety of meats, including spicy chicken ribs, pork belly, marinated pork ribs, spicy pork belly, and pork shoulder. Children 90cm to 130cm tall are affordably charged at RM27.30+, while those under 90cm can dine for free.
The buffet has a dining limit of 100 minutes, and a charge of RM10 per 100g applies for any food wastage— be sure not to over-serve yourself. Each diner is entitled to access to the self-service bar with banchan, vegetables, garlic, and condiments. A minimum of 2 pax is required to enjoy the buffet. So, invite your friends out and share the joy together!
2, Jalan Jaya Putra 7/5, Bandar Jaya Putra, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
+6012 338 6100
Daily: 12pm – 12am
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3. Hanam BBQ
Hanam BBQ is another hotspot for Korean BBQ in KL, with 2 outlets across the city. Its expansion to JB’s R&F Mall has been a success and gained popularity among the local diners. The location is strategic, situated right close to the CIQ, a convenient spot to enjoy tantalising Korean fare for those seeking a break after enduring the causeway traffic.
The menu features various cuts of pork, ranging from fatty to lean. If you prefer a balance of both, check out the Jowl Meat (RM46), which is light and chewy with marbling, or the Pork Belly (RM45) for a good ratio of lean meat to fat. It’s cut to the ideal thickness of 20mm to ensure juiciness in each bite.
For less fat, consider the Collar Butt (RM46); it has moderate fat distribution among the lean meat, making it a perfect source of protein. Alternatively, there’s the Skirt Meat (RM48), which is fat-free, with a soft and chewy texture. Each pig yields only about 300g of this cut. That’s precious! They also offer Pork Intestines (RM60), which are high in calcium and have a springy texture, a rarity in Korean BBQ eateries.
R&F Mall, Lot 1-106~1-108 R&F Mall Mercu1, Jalan Tanjung Puteri, 1, R&F, Tanjung Puteri, 80300, Johor
+607 706 0094
Daily: 12pm – 3pm & 5pm – 11pm
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4. Jeju Korea BBQ Restaurant
Jeju Korea BBQ Restaurant was one of the pioneers when the Korean dining trend first gained popularity. In addition to Korean BBQ, it also serves other authentic Korean dishes like stews and hot pots. You can easily find their locations at Mount Austin and Bukit Indah.
It offers a comprehensive selection of meats, including pork, beef, and chicken; there’s even seafood, which is not commonly found in Korean BBQ establishments— great news for seafood lovers! Enjoy a variety of meats with their Pork, Beef, and Chicken Set. Priced at RM140, this set feeds 2-3 people with pork belly, marinated ribeye, marinated chicken chop, and your choice of kimchi stew or soybean stew.
The sets are available in different sizes based on the number of people. For larger groups, there’s a set that serves up to 10 people, priced at RM338. It includes a wide array of dishes such as pork belly, pork shoulder butt, pork ribs, tiger prawn, thin pork belly, pork belly with chilli paste, seafood pancake with green onion, and your choice of a large seafood casserole or kimchi casserole. Plus, you get a complimentary tteokbokki or soju with this set— what a deal!
18 & 20, Jalan Austin Heights 8/7, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
+6011 3924 3512
Sun to Thu: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 11pm
22, Jalan Indah 15/3, Taman Bukit Indah, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor
+6011 1159 0465
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm
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5. Jang Won Korea Restaurant
I believe Jang Won Korea Restaurant holds school time memories for many locals, myself included. Founded at Stulang Laut, the restaurant attracted many students because of its strategic location. After the pandemic, it opened another outlet in Mid Valley, providing a more comfortable dining environment.
Similar to other Korean BBQ eateries, this restaurant also offers various set meals that cater to up to 8 pax. If you’re visiting with a group of 2 to 4 persons, consider Set C (RM175), which includes pork belly, pork shoulder, pork spare rib, steamed egg, your preference of ginseng chicken broth or kimchi hotpot, 12 kinds of side dishes, tea, and ice cream. With such a variety of dishes, you’re sure to have a satisfying meal.
If you’re pondering over lunch options, they offer lunch sets from 11am to 4pm on weekdays. There are 8 varieties available, with remarkable dishes like Bibimbap Set (RM28), Jajangmyeon Set (RM23), Ramen Set (RM18), and Kimchi Fried Rice Set (RM23). Each comes with 3 banchan, tea, and ice cream. It’s a great deal!
K3-211, Block C, Perniagaan Stulang Laut, Jalan Ibrahim Sultan, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor
+607 220 0772
Daily: 11am – 11pm
S01&011A, Level 2, The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, Persiaran Southkey 1, Southkey, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor
+6016 246 6400
Daily: 10am – 10pm
6. Itaewon BBQ Buffet
Newly-opened in Apr 2024, Itaewon BBQ Buffet has become a popular choice for Korean BBQ among diners. It has brought a fresh touch to Taman Daya’s culinary scene, adding to the diversity of cuisine in the area.
The buffet price varies depending on the time of day, with dinner being generally more expensive than lunch. Adults can enjoy the unlimited refill Korean charcoal BBQ at RM35+ while children and senior citizens above the age of 65 pay RM28+. This pricing applies from 11am to 4pm. Dinner runs from 4pm to 11pm, with adults being charged RM38+, and children and senior citizens paying RM31+. Kids below 75cm in height can dine for free.
Diners will receive 1 stick of marshmallow with their first round of orders. The buffet meat options include pork belly, pork shoulder, pork ribs marinated in soy sauce, spicy pork belly, spicy grilled chicken ribs, and soy sauce grilled chicken ribs. Guests can also help themselves to the self-service bar for the banchan of the day, vegetables, sauces, and iced water. Be mindful not to waste food, as a charge of RM10 per 100g of food wastage will be applied.
5, Jalan Sagu 21, Taman Daya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
+6016 934 8135
Daily: 12pm – 11pm
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7. Doma BBQ
Dedicated to introducing the flavours of Korea, Doma BBQ has opened a shop in JB’s R&F Mall, offering a range of delicious Korean fare, with a primary focus on BBQ. Boasting 4 outlets in Korea, their popularity speaks for itself.
The eatery offers a variety of set menus suitable for groups. The 3-pax set menu is available for RM240 and includes 4 types of meat: beef prime rib, pork belly slices, boneless chicken, and a choice between pork spare ribs or beef spare ribs. The meats are expertly cut, grilled over charcoal, and cooked to perfection. The set also includes a refreshing side of mushrooms to balance the meal.
In addition to delectable grilled meats, the restaurant features another highlight: soy-marinated raw seafood, a rarity in JB. The options, though limited, include Soy Sauce Marinated Crab (RM75) and Soy Sauce Marinated Prawn (RM65), providing a perfect counterpoint to the hearty grilled meats.
Level 1-116, R&F MALL, Jalan Tanjung Puteri, Tanjung Puteri, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor
+6012 687 4988
Daily: 12pm – 11pm
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8. The Matjib Korean Restaurant
Mount Austin is brimming with excellent dining options, and The Matjib Korean Restaurant is one of the standouts. This K BBQ spot, owned by a Korean, prides itself on using fresh ingredients and is a popular destination in the neighbourhood for tantalising Korean cuisine.
One of its specialties is the 3-flavour BBQ in one pot! But that’s not all; the pot even comes with cheese. There are 5 varieties available for this 3-in-1 pot, with prices ranging from RM105 to RM109. To enjoy a mix of flavours, consider the chicken and pork set (B-1), which includes pork belly, soy sauce pork, spicy chicken, and cheese.
Notably, the eatery offers Buldak BBQ in 3 different flavours: Original, Buldak x2 Spicy, and Carbonara. Yes, you read that right— BBQ with the famous Samyang instant noodles! All 3 sets are priced at RM99 and come with soy sauce pork, mozzarella cheese, and a choice of pork belly or spicy chicken. This twist on BBQ adds a fun and intriguing element to the dining experience.
12, Jalan Austin Heights 8/7, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
+607 353 2784
Sun to Thu: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 11pm
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9. Myeong Dong Korean BBQ Buffet
Myeong Dong Korean BBQ Buffet used to be a popular spot among students for its budget-friendly prices, and is situated in bustling Mount Austin. Be prepared for a potentially long search for parking if you visit during peak hours. Alternatively, they also have an outlet in Permas Jaya.
Open only in the evenings, this dinner establishment offers a BBQ buffet from 5pm to 11pm. Adults can dine for RM39, while children are charged RM26. There’s a dining time limit of 1 hour and 45 minutes. Remarkably, there is no surcharge even on weekends; the buffet remains the same price!
The buffet features over 6 types of meats with different cuts and flavours. Options include sweet marinated pork, pork belly slices, pork shoulder slices, spicy pork belly, wine pork, spicy pork bulgogi, pork shoulder, and pork bulgogi. They also offer kimchi soup and seaweed soup for those seeking something hot and comforting, which can be paired with instant noodles. The array of choices is sure to satisfy every palate.
For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, click here.
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10. Palsaik Korean BBQ
For a slightly premium Korean BBQ experience, head over to Palsaik Korean BBQ. This popular chain, well-known to many diners, boasts several outlets across the country. In JB, you can find this restaurant at Mid Valley and Sutera Utama.
Palsaik essentially means “8 colours” in Korean, reflecting the 8 distinct flavours of their signature BBQ meat dish. The Palsaik Pork Belly (RM188) weighs 600g and includes varieties like ginseng, wine, pine leaves, garlic, herb, curry, miso paste, and red pepper paste. This set, best suited for 2 to 4 people, comes with a choice of Soybean Paste Hotpot, Spicy Seafood Hotpot, or Kimchi Pork Hotpot. On a side note, this is an award-winning dish!
For a more elevated experience, try the Premium Pork Set (RM228), featuring quality ingredients like Iberico pork collar, squid, pork jowl, pork belly, and pork shoulder. It is also served with a hotpot in your choice of flavours, similar to the ones mentioned above. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal as a reward for all your hard work!
T048 & T049, Level 3 The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, Persiaran Southkey 1, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor
+607 276 3303
Daily: 10am – 10pm
51, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/2, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor
+607 556 3833
Daily: 11.30am – 11.30pm
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