7 Best Korean BBQ Restaurants in Singapore Right Now

Written by Sarah Ong | June 19, 2024

Image: 8 Korean BBQ

The Korean Wave, also known as “Hallyu”, has captured the fascination of Singapore following its successful reign in China and Japan. In every corner of the island, you’ll find fans of K-pop, K-drama, and Korean skincare, BUT! If we had to pick our favorite among Korea’s gifts to the rest of the world, all our votes would go to – drum roll, please…Korean Barbecue!

KBBQ, as it is fondly called, easily turns any meal into a colorful feast with its variety of meats, an assortment of side dishes or banchan, and, of course, soju. We rounded up the 7 best Korean BBQ restaurants in Singapore [2024 review] for all of you Hallyu fans (like us!).

1. 8 Korean BBQ

Image: 8 Korean BBQ

Best for

Premium BBQ items

Prices

From S$37 per pax

Address

6 Eu Tong Sen Street, #02-79/90, The Central, Singapore 059817

Phone

+65 8692 1188

Opening hours

Daily 11:30 – 14:30; 17:30 – 22:30

questions@8koreanbbq.com

Promotion

Get 10% off with 8 Korean BBQ's dining voucher

Table reservation

Motivated by its successful 5-year stint in Los Angeles, California, 8 Korean BBQ decided to open two stores in Singapore in 2013. The concept is simple: high-quality pork belly served 8 ways, presented as the signature dish, and which the restaurant is named after. 8 Flavors Pork Belly features the versatile meat in its 100% no-additive glory plus seven complementing flavors that are both healthful and extremely tasty.

8 Korean BBQ is more than just great-tasting pork belly; it also offers premium pork and beef selections for diners who are ready to splurge on a special meal. Oh, and just to let you in on a juicy secret: the Ktown Smash Burger is something you won’t find at any other KBBQ places – or even burger joints for that matter.

Highlights:

8 Flavors Mangalitsa Pork Belly: Pork belly in its pure, natural state already tastes good, but 8 Korean BBQ elevates its goodness by marinating it in seven nutritious flavors: red wine, ginseng, garlic, herb, curry, miso paste, and gochujang or red pepper paste. It’s no ordinary pork belly, either. Mangalitsa pork belly has higher marbling, thanks to zero use of additive hormones and its all-organic diet of nuts and vegetables.
12 Flavors of Makgeolli: Koreans love pairing their barbecue with alcohol. Makgeolli is a traditional sweet-sour rice wine that serves as a perfect palate cleanser between bites of KBBQ.
Housemade Korean Side Dishes, Sauces, and Dips: To be able to have authentic Korean side dishes, sauces, and dips at home? Yes, please! 8 Korean BBQ and Joo Bar partner up to offer Joo Mun Chy in jars – delicious Korean sides and sauces such as kimchi, gochujang, ssamjang, bibimbap sauce, and cuttlefish.

MENU: 8 Korean BBQ’s menu is easy to navigate: 4 signature combos to choose from, an ala carte selection of premium pork and beef, an assortment of traditional dishes, and a kickass burger. A lunch specials menu is currently in the works and is surely going to be perfect for employees who fancy a quick indulgence during their break.

MUST-TRIES:

8 Flavors Pork Belly
Prime Beef Combo
Steamed Kimchi with Pork Stew
Ktown Smash Burger

LOOK & FEEL: 8 Korean BBQ at The Central has an industrial-chic vibe going, with indoor and al fresco dining options.

NOTE: If you don’t think you should be cooking food that you’re paying for in a restaurant, you can request 8 Korean BBQ’s friendly wait staff to grill your meats for you.

GETTING THERE:

Buses: 2, 12, 33, 51, 54 (2-min walk from Clarke Quay Station Exit E)
Nearest MRT Station: Clarke Quay MRT (NE5, take Exit G – The Central)

2. Hanjip Korean Grill House @ Clarke Quay

Image: Hanjip Korean Grill House

Good for

Big groups

Prices

S$70

Address

36 Block C River Valley Road, Clarke Quay, #01-11, Singapore 179022

Phone

+65 8882 9011

Opening hours

Daily 11:30 – 14:30, 17:00 – 22:30

admin@hanjip.sg

Table reservation

Hanjip Korean Grill House may be the newest kid on the KBBQ block, having only opened in 2020, but it sure does give its contemporaries a good competition. Hanjip’s top-notch dining experience starts with top-notch meats: Kurobuta Berkshire Pork and delicately aged Australia Wagyu and USDA Prime Beef. Sharing the spotlight with these meats is Hanjip’s rich assortment of freshly-made banchan, courtesy of two Korean chefs who lead the kitchen.

If you dread wasting excellent meat because you’re not a master of the grill, do not fret because Hanjip’s highly skilled wait staff will cook your meats most perfectly – succulent and mouthwatering, just as KBBQ should be.

Highlights:

Kurobuta or Berkshire Pork: If you’ve never had Kurobuta pork, you are in for a treat. The taste of Kurobuta is so distinct that it lingers in your palate for a while, perhaps never leaving at all. Regarded by chefs across the globe as the “Wagyu” of pork, Kurobuta has intense flavor and marbling; it seriously doesn’t need much else but a tiny dash of salt and pepper.
Australia Wagyu and USDA Prime Beef: Hanjip enforces the same high standards when it comes to beef. Imagine the greatness of Australia Wagyu and USDA Prime Beef made even greater by Hanjip’s delicate aging process, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth succulence that bursts with flavor.
One of the biggest KBBQ restaurants in Singapore: Spanning over 5,000 square feet in size, Hanjip can accommodate hundreds of diners yearning for an indulgent KBBQ experience. They also offer private dining options for intimate group celebrations.

MUST-TRIES:

Meat Platter
Marinated Pork Collar
Ginseng Chicken
Braised Pork Trotters

LOOK & FEEL: Hanjip has an Old-World charm to it, with sophisticated black and gold details and marble floor and tabletops that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a secret club. It has a huge dining area where tables are widely spaced from one another. The result? You don’t end up smelling like grilled meat once you step out.

NOTE: Not keen on eating out just yet? Hanjip offers delivery and takeaway service to cure your KBBQ cravings.

GETTING THERE:

Buses: 147, 166, 197, 51, 80 (1-min walk from Clarke Quay Station Exit E)
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE5)

3. Bornga @ Vivo City

Image: Bornga

Loved for

Rotating menus

Prices

S$40

Address

1 HarbourFront Walk, #02-123/124, Singapore 098585

Phone

+65 6376 8268

Opening hours

Daily 11:30 to 22:00

sg.bornga@gmail.com

Table reservation

As one of the most successful chefs in South Korea and Asia, having Chef Jong Won Baek at the helm of any restaurant is tantamount to having a seal of excellence. Bornga originates in Korea as a rebrand of the restaurant “Wonjo Ssambabjip” in 2002. Its excellent quality of food at pocket-friendly prices allowed the restaurant to establish more than 50 locations in 10 countries in Asia and even in the USA. Sure, Chef Baek’s celebrity status has served as the restaurant’s passport to its continuous growth, but his stellar food offerings deserve much of the credit.

Bornga’s menu offers an extensive collection of KBBQ meats, stews, and other traditional dishes, but its bestseller remains the Woo Samgyup, thinly-sliced and lightly-marinated beef brisket grilled over live charcoal. It is this dish that catapulted the humble 1993 eatery into a stellar global success and is a definite must-try at Bornga.

Highlights:

Headed by celebrity chef Jong Paik: Chef Baek is a household name in South Korea, hosting three popular TV shows including Baek Jong-won’s Top 3 Chef King. His rise to stardom was fueled by his lifelong aspiration of making the rest of the world fall in love with traditional Korean cuisine. Every dish at Bornga is an expression of his passion for their local culinary culture.
Choose from 11 Korean BBQ Specialties: Bornga’s assortment of KBBQ items include different cuts, kinds, and flavors of pork and beef, shrimp, and vegetables. Of course, a must-try is the classic Woo Samgyup, a masterpiece of Chef Baek himself.
All-Korean menu: Bornga presents an all-Korean menu – traditional stews, rice and noodle dishes, side dishes, and barbecue – that is well-loved in over 50 locations. This is proof that Chef Baek has more than succeeded in his goal to introduce Korean cuisine outside Korea.

MUST-TRIES:

Woo Samgyup
Haemul Pa Jeon
Haemul Dduk Jjim
Bornga Bulgogi

LOOK & FEEL: Feel free to keep it casual at Bornga to truly enjoy a no-frills authentic Korean dining experience.

NOTE: Bornga’s menu changes from time to time, so don’t be shy to ask the wait staff – you just might be in for a yummy surprise.

GETTING THERE:

Buses: 10, 143, 61, 97, 97E (3-min walk from Vivo City Shuttle Bus Stop)
Nearest MRT: HarbourFront (NE1|CC29)

4. Oppa Korean BBQ Buffet @ JCube

Image: Oppa Korean BBQ Buffet

Loved for

Pocket-friendly prices
Frequent promos and discounts

Prices

S$28

Address

#03-10 JCube, 2 Jurong East Central 1, Singapore 609731

Phone

+65 6339 5841

Opening hours

Daily 11:30 – 22:00

koreanfoodunited@gmail.com

Table reservation

Oppa Korean BBQ Buffet is one of the longest-running KBBQ restaurants in Singapore. Launched in 2008, the key to its longevity is authentic Korean flavors at affordable prices. By “affordable”, we mean an all-you-can-eat Korean feast at only S$16 for weekday lunch and $$26 for dinner, weekends, and holidays.

Oppa’s fantastic value-for-money buffet offers a variety of over 40 meats and seafood, soups, side dishes, appetizers, and even fresh fruits for dessert. The place has a small grocery corner where you can get popular Korean snacks and beverages.

Highlights:

Over 40 meats and dishes to choose from: Whether you want to stick to the classics or explore new options, the wide variety of dishes at Oppa will surely delight you. This is especially perfect for impatient diners who can’t wait to eat in between grilling their barbecue.
Assortment of Korean liquor at grocery prices: If you’re a fan of K-drama, you would know that KBBQ and alcohol are a match made in heaven. At Oppa, you can enjoy well-loved brands of Korean beer, soju, and makgolli at grocery prices.
In-store Korean grocery: No need to hie off to Koreatown to stock up on your favorite K-treats such as chips, nuts, instant ramyun and jjamppong, fruit juices, and, of course, the well-loved fish ice cream.

MUST-TRIES:

Black Angus Beef Short Plate (Seasonal)
Pork Galbi
Spicy Jjamppong Ramen
Korean Fried Chicken

PRO TIP: Wear something comfy when you dine-in at Oppa because you’ll be making a lot of trips from your table to the buffet station.

NOTE: Oppa Korean BBQ Buffet loves giving promos and discounts, so be on the lookout for even greater deals.

GETTING THERE:

Buses: 105, 334, 335, 51, 52, 718, 98 (2-min walk from Jurong Gateway Road)
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW24|NS1)

5. 2D1N Soju Bang Korean Restaurant

Image: 2D1N Soju Bang

Best for

Low-priced Korean BBQ

Prices

S$40

Address

46 Tg Pagar Road, Singapore 088467

Phone

+65 6227 6033

Opening hours

Monday to Friday 15:00 – 01:00
Saturday 11:00 – 01:00
Sunday 11:30 – 01:00

Table reservation

Tanjong Pagar is known as Singapore’s “Little Korea Town” because of its bustling rows of vibrant Korean restaurants, clubs, and groceries. Aside from its history and charming architecture, there is one remarkable thing about this place: the queues of hungry diners waiting outside the eateries. 2D1N Soju Bang is one of those restaurants that have gained a steady following composed of locals and foreigners alike.

2D1N Soju Bang is run by Korean chefs who specialize in classic Korean flavors but also regularly throw in creative modern recipes. Bulgogi fries while waiting for your samgyupsal – sounds delicious, doesn’t it?

Highlights:

Located in the colorful Tanjong Pagar: A visit to 2D1N doesn’t have to be all about dining because Tanjong Pagar itself is an interesting destination. The place was historically a sleeping village, with most of its charming architecture still wonderfully intact. Pro tip: take a stroll around Tanjong Pagar and marvel at the art and architecture to start burning that hearty 2D1N KBBQ feast.
Affordable premium meat combos: The mouthwatering selection of meats include Wagyu loin steak, beef short ribs, and black pork belly. You can choose to go all-beef, beef-pork combo, and chicken-pork combo. Any combo you choose comes with complimentary dishes and, of course, the requisite banchan.
Deliciously fun Korean treats with a twist: With its depth and complexity of flavors, Korean cuisine can’t ever be boring! At 2D1N, it gets even more exciting. Try their East-meets-West dishes such as bulgogi fries, carbonara tteokbokki, and kimchi pancake.

MUST-TRIES:

Wagyu Loin Steak
Spicy Chicken Feet
Sea Snail Salad
Sulguk Hangover Soup

LOOK & FEEL: The frosted glass doors may seem intimidating but once you get inside 2D1N, you will ease into the unassuming brick-lined interiors, all ready to feast.

NOTE: Get more value for your money by asking the staff about their ongoing promotions.

GETTING THERE:

Buses: 143, 162, 166, 851
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS20)

6. PUJIM BBQ @ Amoy Street

Image: Pujim BBQ

Loved for

PUJIM Shovel set

Prices

S$85 per pax

Address

82 Amoy Street, #01-00, Singapore 069901

Phone

+65 6224 1588

Opening hours

Daily 14:30 – 23:00

reservation@pujim.com.sg

Table reservation

The popularity of PUJIM BBQ among foodies and K-culture fans in Singapore has risen to legendary status that the waitlist for a table could take as long as 2 months. All hype? Absolutely not. PUJIM’s claim to fame is its lineup of signature meats: Premium A4 Wagyu, Iberico Bellota, and Duroc. If you think “melt in your mouth” is mere hyperbole, PUJIM’s meats will convince you otherwise.

Another thing that draws in the crowds? The swanky industrial vibe with neon pink detail is an absolute Insta material. The staff also goes the extra mile to ensure that customers have a satisfactory dining experience with simple things such as placing a slice of bread on the grill so that cooked meats stay warm without getting overcooked. That piece of bread tastes heavenly, by the way.

Highlights:

Premium A4 Wagyu Beef: What’s so special about A4 Wagyu? It is the second highest-rated Wagyu beef, which means luscious marbling that smoothly glides in your mouth to release a superior umami flavor.
Iberico Bellota and Duroc Pork: Often described by meat connoisseurs as “superior to Wagyu beef”, Iberico Bellota is honored as one of the most opulent meats in the world. Black Iberian pigs are fed an almost-exclusive diet of acorns, which results in meat that has a distinctive earthy/nutty flavor with unbelievable marbling. Duroc pork is another supreme delicacy, a heritage breed with an enticing red color, crisp and clean flavor, and spectacular marbling.
Healthful Black Rice: In keeping with the luxurious theme of its menu, PUJIM upgraded its rice dishes to black rice. Superior to white rice, black rice is gluten-free, rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and is good for the eyes and the heart.

MUST-TRIES:

PUJIM Shovel (consists of A4 Wagyu ribeye, prime Black Angus boneless short rib, Iberico Bellota pork collar and rib finger, and Duroc pork belly)
Milmyeon
Kimchi Jjim
Yangpunyi Bibimbap

LOOK & FEEL: PUJIM BBQ has an upbeat, youthful vibe to it – a black “unfinished” industrial vibe with neon pink light fixtures that seem to have jumped straight out of the newest K-Pop music video.

NOTE: If you’re intrigued by all the buzz about PUJIM but a bit strapped for cash, go for their affordable lunch sets – start at S$18.20.

GETTING THERE:

Buses: 10, 655, 97E (3-min walk from Telok Ayer Station)
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT18)

7. Ssak3 Korean BBQ @ Bras Basah

Image: Ssak3 Bras Basah

Address

231 Bain Street, #02-01, Singapore 180231

Phone

+65 6336 4476

Opening hours

Daily 11:30 – 15:30; 17:00 – 22:30

Table reservation

There are several criteria for judging the best Korean BBQ restaurants in Singapore, and Ssak3 Korean BBQ ticks three boxes: great-quality meat, affordable price, and superb service. It’s one of those restaurants that easily come to mind when you get a craving because it’s easy on the pocket but heavy on the belly. The friendly price point allows you to order more than just KBBQ, which you should because their ala carte dishes are sensational, too.

If it’s your first time at Ssak3, it is recommended that you order their assorted BBQ set, which consists of beef short rib, Duroc honeycomb pork belly, original pork belly, and beef short plate. Oh, and if you’re a fan of Korean fried chicken, Ssak3 has four flavors of bone-in and boneless chicken. How good is Ssak3’s Korean fried chicken? Delicious enough to attract flocks of our Korean friends here in the country, that’s how.

Highlights:

90-minute Unlimited Ssak3 Buffet: Buffets are an excellent way of getting value for your money. For only S$29.90, you get a free-flow serving of Duroc honeycomb pork belly, beef short plate, marinated pork, and marinated chicken; side dishes; and your choice of stew.
Fried Chicken and Beer Combo: There’s just something about Korean fried chicken that is so special. Luckily, there are four flavors offered at Ssak 3: original crispy, yangnyeom, garlic soya, and mala. Do you know what’s perfect with Korean fried chicken? Ice-cold beer.
Approved by Koreans: The number of tables occupied by our Korean guests on any given day is definitive proof that Ssak3 does serve excellent Korean BBQ, fried chicken, and traditional dishes.

MUST-TRIES:

Ssak3 Assorted Set
Yangnyeom Fried Chicken
Smoked Duck and Chivas
Beansprout Tteokbokki

LOOK & FEEL: The overall vibe at Ssak3 is laidback and casual – stark, white walls with framed portraits of Korean celebrities, cutesy decors, and overhead TV sets.

AVERAGE PRICE/PAX: S$22

NOTE: Fancy your KBBQ with some booze? Check for ongoing soju and beer promos! Drink responsibly.

GETTING THERE: