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The Best Korean BBQ Restaurants in Hong Kong That We Can’t Keep Secret
There’s been a noticeable surge in Korean barbecue restaurants all around Hong Kong. Judging by the long lines outside these restaurants, it’s safe to say that Korean BBQ has taken the city by storm – and here at Happy Hongkonger, we were happy to be caught up in the waves!
Today, we’ll share the spots that our own self-proclaimed BBQ buffs love most and why we’d recommend them over the others. Better get that digestive system good and ready, though, because we’re in for some serious rib-sticking goodness.
Mr. Korean BBQ
Location: 1/F, Surson Commercial Building, 140-142 Austin Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 12:30 PM to 3 AM
Contact details: +852 2907 6678
Price: $$
Mr. Korean BBQ is a hole-in-the-wall Korean barbecue joint that’s away from Tsim Sha Tsui’s popular attractions. It’s open daily from noon until 3 AM, even on holidays, so it’s a convenient go-to spot if you’re craving authentic Korean dishes.
Here, you can try a range of marinated meats and cook them yourself on the grill on the table. Don’t worry: the staff will adjust the grill and there will be smoke vents too.
We recommend Mr. Korean BBQ to big groups because they offer an extensive selection of Korean classics and the portions of dishes are generous. Plus, all the side dishes include free refills.
Anyway, if you want to get a taste of non-barbecue dishes, we suggest you go for their soy seafood platter and marinated soy crab.
Hancham Korean BBQ Restaurant
Location: Prat Ave, 6-8號, Winfield Commercial Building, 1樓, Tsim Sha Tsui
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM to 11 PM
Contact details: +852 2311 6822
Price: $$$
Hancham Korean BBQ Restaurant is like the luxurious version of the usual barbecue joints. Aside from its modern and spacious interior, the restaurant is also furnished with private rooms and smokeless barbecue grill tabletops.
You’ll spend a bit more here, but when it comes to quality, Hancham Korean BBQ’s meat and seafood offerings are top-tier.
The large menu can be overwhelming at first. We suggest you concentrate on their K-Special platters, like their signature assorted eight-color pork belly platter and 80-day dry-aged meats.
These meats are pre-cut and marinated meats prepared using secret homemade sauce, so all you have to do is grill and enjoy them. And by god, did we enjoy them!
Seorae
Location: Nathan Rd, 628號7樓全層 King Wah Centre, Mong Kok
Operating hours: Monday to Thursday – 12:30 PM to 11 PM, Friday to Sunday – 12:30 PM to 11:30 PM,
Contact details: +852 9221 7200
Price: $$
Plain and simple, Seorae is the go-to spot if you wish to be transported to Korea’s lively barbecue joints. You see, the ambiance inside captures the essence of a Korean barbecue restaurant minus the vibes of being in a dark and smoke-filled nightclub.
With over 300 branches across the city, Seorae is like the gold standard of accessible K-barbecue, offering authentic and premium meats at reasonable prices. Here, you can indulge in things like pork skirt meat, Han-don pork belly, and boneless beef short ribs.
Apart from that, the restaurant showcases other traditional Korean munchies like pan-fried seafood and kimchi pancake, kimchi stew, and soy sauce marinated crabs. There’s also a kimchi bar where you can help yourself to as much kimchi and sides as you want.
Captain Japanese & Korean Restaurant
Location: On Tai Rd, 1號大埔廣場6號地下, Tai Po
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 4 PM, 5 PM to 11 PM
Contact details: +852 3113 2355
Price: $$
If you thought K-BBQ was mouthwatering, wait until you experience the delicious fusion of Korean and Japanese flavors at Captain Japanese & Korean Restaurant. It’s the best of both worlds, so it’s a great spot to let your taste buds explore.
Come hungry if you decide to dine here because this restaurant offers buffet selections. The buffets include various marinated chicken, pork, and beef, as well as a range of other Korean dishes.
If you also want to try Japanese treats, you can savor a variety of sushi, sashimi, fried meats, desserts, and even a loaded hotpot.
And that’s not all! Captain Japanese & Korean Restaurant also offers free-flow drinks, so you can really enjoy unlimited gluttony. Make sure you try soju or sake!
Running BBQ
Location: Nathan Rd, 726號9樓, Mong Kok
Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 12 PM to 3 PM, 5:30 PM to 12 AM, Saturday to Sunday – 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM to 12 AM
Contact details: +852 2506 0380
Price: $$
Running BBQ or Running Siu is another local K-BBQ favorite in Mong Kok. It features the tabletop grills and cozy seats that you can typically see in Korean barbecue joints, so it’s a nice hangout site.
The restaurant’s named after a popular variety show in Korea called “Running Man”, by the way. Who knows? You might actually need to run a kilometer or two after indulging in their spread.
Anyway, Running BBQ is known for its sought-after fried spicy chicken, but locals also come back for their great selection of all-you-can-eat marinated meats and fresh seafood. Here, you can grill and enjoy premium meat cuts as well as fresh shrimp, scallops, and oysters.
Just note that drinks are not included in the buffet, so you’ll have to order them separately.
The Charcoal Room
Location: Shop 501, 5/F, T.O.P This is Our Place, 700 Nathan Rd, Mong Kok
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
Contact details: +852 2619 0868
Price: $$$
The Charcoal Room is the first-ever gourmet Korean charcoal grill house in the city. What makes it different from typical K-BBQ joints is that instead of tabletop grills, this restaurant features charcoal grills to ensure that the distinct charcoal smokiness and aroma remain on the meats.
Plus, this restaurant mainly offers top-of-the-line Korean Hanwoo, Wagyu, and a good range of marinated pork cuts. Their Hanwoo Rib Eye and Wagyu Sirloin with Sukiyaki are our top picks.
Nonetheless, if those aren’t your cup of tea or you want something different, you can also check out rare beef cuts and a few seafood dishes. Feeling extra adventurous? Give the Seasoned Ox Tongue Platter a try!
Arirang Korean Restaurant
Location: Hennessy Rd, 314-324號, W Square, 3樓, Wan Chai
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 3 PM, 6 PM to 11 PM
Contact details: +852 2506 3298
Price: $$$
Arirang Korean Restaurant is an icon in Hong Kong. It was the first Korean restaurant in the city, and also the first to introduce smokeless barbecue tabletops.
Here, you can check out an extensive menu of marinated meats to satiate all the barbecue goodness you crave. Our top picks here are the M9 Wagyu Beef and Wang Galbi (Double Size Short Ribs).
But, if you want to make the most of your visit, we suggest you go for their combo platters like Modeum SoGoGi, which includes marinated beef, beef tongue, and short rib, or the Modeum GoGi, which includes marinated chicken, beef, pork, and lamb.
Anyway, if you can’t handle the combo platters on your own, you can also opt for the a la carte traditional menu or seasonal dishes.
OPPA Korean Restaurant
Location: Kin Wong Mansion, 117號 Sai Yee St, Mong Kok
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 5 PM to 2 AM
Contact details: +852 2381 2193
Price: $$
OPPA Korean Restaurant is equal parts barbecue joint and drinking spot, so it’s a nice place to gather friends and enjoy a night filled with tasty and sizzling Korean delights.
The highlights of their menu are, of course, the assorted pork and beef cuts. Here, you can try a good range of marinated meats like pig ribs, lamb racks, wagyu steak, and more for a reasonable price.
And don’t forget to get a side of their famous kimchi egg. It should be on your must-try list when you drop by!
Another thing we like about this restaurant is that they offer personal service. Usually, in a Korean BBQ joint, you’ll have to cook your own meat… but at OPPA, you can ask the servers to help you handle all the grilling.
Han Ah Rum Korean Restaurant
Location: 韓雅林 6/F Causeway Bay Plaza 1, 489 Hennessy Rd, Causeway Bay
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 3 PM, 6 PM to 11 PM
Contact details: +852 2866 6927
Price: $$
Han Ah Rum Korean Restaurant is like a nice balance between an authentic K-BBQ joint and a high-end steakhouse. Although it’s a little complicated to locate because it’s on the high floor of a commercial building, the trip is worth it.
If you’re after authentic Korean banchan, seafood sets, and marinated specialty beef cuts, you’ll love eating here. And guess what? They also offer a few vegetarian dishes.
Plus, the portions here are quite big, so you won’t leave this restaurant hungry. Just note that the side dishes here are not unlimited, so if you want extra, you’ll have to pay HKD 10 per portion.
PS: To wash all the greasiness down, drink a few shots of soju. But if you want something with more kick, you can opt for the soju bomb, which is a mix of soju and beer.
Sorabol Korean Restaurant
Media Credit: Leon Lam
Location: Lee Theatre Plaza 99 Percival Street18 B/F, Causeway Bay
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM, 5:30 PM to 11 PM
Contact details: +852 2881 6823
Price: $$
Another long-standing K-BBQ joint in Causeway Bay is Sorabol. It’s a great stop for group dinners that call for cozy and fun get-together vibes.
This Michelin-recommended restaurant specializes in offering both marinated and non-marinated meat cuts sourced straight from Korea and organic farms in southern China.
Their marinated meat combos and lunch sets are also good deals, considering the amount of food you’ll get. We always go for their sliced pork belly, beef brisket, and rib eye.
If you still have room for more, you can also add other traditional Korean dishes that catch your eye.