Annyeong foodies! We can’t help but ride the Korean wave, from yummy food to catchy music bops, Korean culture has got us hooked. This time, we’re showcasing the ever so popular Korean barbecue (KBBQ), a special Korean delicacy where they grill cuts of marinated meats served with an array of side dishes (called banchan).
In Korean BBQ restaurants, the tables usually have a built-in charcoal or gas grill where customers cook the meat themselves before devouring the juicy cuts.
The traditional Korean ssam (ssam means “wrap”) style is the best way to enjoy Korean barbecue. Ssam, refers to the process of wrapping little portions of ingredients in one another to produce a single mouthwatering bite. Usually this means wrapping the cooked meat in a single lettuce leaf with the side dishes as toppings!
Given that originally K-BBQ and other Korean dishes typically use pork meat, it’s no surprise that it’s not that easy to find authentic yet Halal restaurants. But fret not Koreaboos, we’re here to save you the hassle of tedious research by bringing you the ONLY list you need to explore well rated K-BBQ spots that are pork-free all around Klang Valley.
We’re sure you’ll find a restaurant near you from this guide.
For the most part, the restaurants on our list are certified Halal and if not, they are definitely pork free. Although the restaurants don’t serve pork, they may still sell Korean alcoholic beverages on the menu, making them unable to obtain the halal certification.
But worry not, you’re definitely eating halal meat at these restaurants! Plus, it’s damn good, every bite bringing you just a little closer to living out your Korean fantasy life.
1.SeoulNami Korean BBQ
SeoulNami provides a plate for everyone, whether you like chicken, beef, or seafood. The Beef Platter (RM145) comprises bulgogi, beef rib fingers, and beef belly, while the Chicken Sampler (RM99) has Honey Butter Chicken, Hot Pepper Chicken, and Ganjang Chicken.
King scallops, prawns, and mackerel are presented in the Seafood Platter (RM88). If these options of meats weren’t enough already, you can continue to glutton out with their famous selection of crispy Korean fried chicken that comes in 4 different flavours (like sweet honey butter chicken and fiery hot pepper chicken).
Location: The Gardens Mall, KL East Mall, Tropicana Gardens Mall
Operating Hours: Open Daily, 11am – 10pm
For more information: Website | Facebook | Instagram
2. Seoul Garden
Seoul Garden the largest and most well-known halal KBBQ chain in Malaysia (and Singapore). They have been operating for 37 years now, perfecting the recipes used to marinate their meats.
They’re also known for their 2-in-1 patented smokeless grill, which allows guests to enjoy grilled meat while simultaneously cooking other ingredients in a savoury soup. It serves a wide variety of fresh and seasoned meats, such as kimchi chicken, black pepper dory fish, bulgogi beef, and tom yam squid.
Location: Various outlets in Klang Valley and nationwide! Click here to find out where.
Operating Hours: Open Daily, 11:30am – 10pm (Depends on location)
For more information: Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. Da On Fine Korean Cuisine
This option is most definitely for those looking for a fancy Korean cuisine experience. Da On is roughly 6,500 square feet in size and can seat 170 people. Da On delivers scrumptious and mouth-watering Korean gourmet dining.
Meat enthusiasts should choose the Galbi Gui & Dolsot Bibimbap (RM55), which combines excellent grilled beef ribs with stone-grilled Korean mixed rice. If you’re here for a feast, fire up the grill with the Modum Gui set (RM228 for two people). This exceptional pairing of charbroiled US black Angus beef and diverse fresh shellfish is well worth the price.
Aside from their Korean barbecue and traditional dishes, they also serve Korean Seafood Hotpot to satisfy your taste buds with imported herbs and spices.
Location: Level 6, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (KL), Bukit Bintang
Operating Hours: Open Daily, 11:30am – 10pm (Last order at 9pm!)
For more information: Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. Sweetree Restaurant
Sweetree, located in Ampang, is one of the many trusted and frequented halal-certified Korean restaurants that delivers traditional cuisine to customers. The shop is run by a cheerful and friendly Korean man who always greets visitors with a “annyeonghaseyo” and a bright smile.
Other than the Korean barbecue served here within its cozy dining ambience, Sweetree also has yummy Korean fried chicken that’s double-fried to ensure it is crispier than ever! Did we also mention that the side dishes here (banchan) are complimentary with every KBBQ order? Yup!
What we also enjoy about this restaurant is their must try selection of Bingsu that’s guaranteed to put the cherry on top of your feast.
Location: Sweetree, Jalan Ampang Putra, Taman Putra Sulaiman, 68000 Ampang, Selangor
Operating Hours: Open Daily, 11:30am- 10pm (Last order at 9pm!)
For more information: Website | Facebook | Instagram
5. KoRyo-Won
This Korean restaurant is well liked for their reasonably priced wagyu beef. Not only that, but their banchan (side dishes) like kimchi, are unlimited! So top up as much as you want with no extra charges.
Fresh Tenderloin (RM140), Smoked Charbroiled Beef Short Ribs (RM138), and Smoked Charbroiled Fresh Sirloin (RM138) are among the fresh meat cuts available at KoRyo-Won. If you want your grilled meat marinated, try the Boneless Short Ribs Beef Marinated with Special BBQ Sauce (RM135).
If you’re here in a large group, be sure to order their other traditional dishes to share, like their beef stew and Kimchi-Jjigae!
Location: Suria KLCC, Fahrenheit88
Operating Hours: Open Daily, 10am – 10pm (Depends on location)
For more information: Facebook | Instagram
6. Super Boring Club
Next on our list is a Japanese-Korean fusion restaurant that focuses mostly on barbecued meats. Honestly, this restaurant is anything but boring. Located near Changkat, the spot gives off a very urban vibe and has become a favourite eatery for cool city-folk to treat themselves on a special occasions since it opened back in 2018.
The Super Combo (RM148) at Super Boring Club includes lamb, smoked duck, short ribs, Australian wagyu, and a variety of shellfish including squid, oysters, and prawns – it’s a pretty good deal considering the variety of meats you get!
If you’re REALLY looking to eat like royalty then their Bossku Combo (RM440) is a no brainer for you to try. This set includes 6 different meat cuts, including 4 types of wagyu: Japanese A5 marukawa, kamenoko, Sirloin, and Premium Sankaku. Argentina Short Ribs and Black Angus Wrap Garlic are also included in this bundle.
Like we said, it’s anything but boring.
Location: 15, Jln Mesui, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Weekdays, 12pm – 2:30pm & 6pm – 10pm. Weekends, 1pm – 10pm.
For more information: Website | Facebook | Instagram
7. K-POP Grille
The ever so popular K-Pop music industry is the driving force behind South Korea’s worldwide recognition. K-POP Grille in Citta Mall honours Korea’s entertainment sector through their naming their BBQ sets after prominent K-Pop groups!
The BTSaranghae Set (RM119) serves 4 to 6 people and is a cheeky take on South Korea’s most popular boy band, BTS. This set includes Argentina squid, Australian lamb, beef striploin, smoked duck, and chicken thigh, guaranteed to put you in a food coma once you’ve finished eating!
Location: Lot G-6, Ground Floor, Citta Mall, 1, Jalan PJU 1a/48, Pusat Perdagangan Dana 1, 47301 Petaling Jaya
Operating Hours: Open Daily, 11am – 9:30pm
For more information: Website | Facebook | Instagram
8. Gangnam Station
Op Op Op Oppa Gangnam Style! Maybe you’d wanna bring your Oppa here for a nice hearty meal as you fantasize being at Gangnam, Korea… (even though you’re at Shah Alam). This restaurant has been popular for awhile but newer foodies might not know that Gangnam Station’s delicious food has been included in the beloved local food show called “Jalan-Jalan Cari Makan” by TV3.
This restaurant is halal certified and Muslim owned! We love it here because the food is affordable and reliably good even after years of operation.
Location: No G45, Block 6, Laman Seri Business Park, Persiaran Sukan, Seksyen 13, 40100 Shah Alam,
Operating Hours: Open Daily, 11:30am – 10pm
For more information: Facebook | Instagram
9. Kung Jung Korean Restaurant 
Kung Jung restaurant is one of the first Korean kitchens in Kuala Lumpur and has established itself as an authentic fine dining Korean restaurant for the past 23 years, remaining true to Korean culture, hospitality, and cuisine.
They provide a variety of meat options, including charbroiled marinated sirloin, marinated spare ribs, and other premium beef cuts. At this restaurant you get complementary side dishes with each meat order! We also recommend customers to try out their ice-cold spicy chewy noodles known as Bibim-naengmyeon if you’ve never tried cold noodles before.
Location: Lot No 3.1 Level 3 PNB Perdana, Jln Binjai, Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11:30am – 2pm & 5:30pm – 9:30pm. Sunday, closed.
For more information: Facebook | Instagram
10. Cheong-Dam Jaya
Cheongdam Jaya is highly-rated amongst residents of Putrajaya. The flavours here are spot on, thanks to the Korean chef and owners, who of course exclusively use only halal-certified meats. The Premium Halal Beef Platter, which includes their three best-sellers and signature meats, is a must-try here! They also serve a variety of individual BBQ dishes, such as Korean Smoked Duck and Beef Brisket.
What’s comfortable about this restaurant is that all the fresh meats are barbecued in a smokeless griller for a hassle free experience. So you won’t have to worry about your hair smelling smokey after a visit to this KBBQ spot.
Even more unique, Cheongdam Jaya serves a variety of fun Barbican drinks as well as Dalgona Parfait for dessert. This restaurant has got you covered from premium cuts to sweet desserts!
Location: LG-79C, IOI City Mall, IOI Resort, 62502 Putrajaya
Operating Hours: Open Daily, 10am – 10pm
For more information: Website | Facebook | Instagram
11. HAN Modern Korean Grill
Traditional Korean food is served at HAN Modern Korean Grill with a modern twist through the restaurant’s premium looking dining space located in the heart of the city. It is divided into four unique sections, including private dining rooms with larger tables, an outdoor space with views of the city, and a larger common area.
Large groups might look to purchase the Family Set (RM400), which includes all of the popular meat cuts for a mouth-watering barbecue. This package includes marinated prime beef ribs, marinated boneless short ribs, spring lamb chops, and slices of beef belly. HAN also offers a Couple Set (RM230) and a Premium Set (RM250) for diners travelling in pairs.
Location: First Floor, Menara Hap Seng, 1, Jalan P. Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11:30am – 2:30pm & 5pm – 10pm. Sunday, closed.
For more information: Facebook | Instagram
And that marks the end of our list! If you’ve never tried Korean barbecue before, we promise that it will leave you comfortingly full and content. It’s also a great place to eat with big groups for special occasions, socializing as you cook the meat together makes for a fun pre meal activity.
So what are you waiting for? Plan a KBBQ outing soon!
Also Read: Top 5 Food Courts You Have to Try at Least Once Within the Klang Valley
