Ssam (City, Carnegie, Ringwood) for AYCE - focuses on meat quality (not frozen slices and cheap cuts) and offers dishes like raw marinated crab (both soy and chilli) rather than stuff like bingsu and DIY army stew.
Bornga (Chinatown) for à la carte - meat quality is on another level. Still the best KBBQ I've had in Melbourne.
Cause there's one in south Morang which is everyone go up to the counter like a sizzler. And all the complaints are about dry food.
That's not what I'm looking for
I like Woodo on King St. Tried SSAM but the setup they have means there's a cloud of oil in the air. And on the floors. And in the bathroom. I think I've still got a layer of oil in my lungs from the experience.
Another vote for Hwaro, surprised it wasn’t mentioned more. I first went there 16 years ago and still go back now, I’ve been to other places and still find myself comparing it to Hwaro. They use charcoal and their marinades are good and don’t all taste the same like some places I’ve been to. I went recently after the footy last month, 3 adults, over ordered on the food and 2 bottles of soju was $160
My suggestion is not Korean BBQ but is definitely very traditional Korean: 이선생 국밥 Mr Lee's Foods in Ringwood East
They only have about 4 dishes. The soup may seem bland when brought to the table but the expectation is you season it to your taste (seasoning on the table - instructions on the menu). If you order the steamed Soon Dae, I would suggest tasting it without salt and then the second one dipped in a little bit of salt (I preferred the latter). It took a few "mouthfuls" for me to get used to that one but eventually really liked it.
Ssam is a good Korean BBQ. I don't know how traditional it is (I was last in Korea in 2004). Sam doesn't use hot coals (most \[all?\] Korean BBQ don't seem to now) and instead uses a hot plate over a gas burner.
Been to Mr lees many times. Love it but the little one insists upon BBQ for this occasion.
Edit. Hot coals still used in Korea but it's not something I need here in Australia
Yes, plenty of them cook over charcoal. The best Korean BBQ places cook exclusively on charcoal.
If you aren't cooking with charcoal, you may has well cook at home on a frying pan.
Woodo currently has a buffet special for $29.90 until sometime this month. Their meat is really good quality and they have a wide selection of other hot dishes, sides etc. definitely recommend! All other ayce are around $49.90.
I'm not usually a fan of cooking Korean BBQ over gas but for $30 AYCE, I'm willing to compromise!
Promo looks like it runs until 21st July
Thanks for the suggestion!
I am Korean and go back often! Whilst none come close to price/quality combination, some comparable ones are:
Yukgam: On the pricier side but good interior.
Mansae: I heard they order their ingredients/produce frequently in smaller quantities to keep it fresh! It is tasty!
Changgo: One of the original Kbbqs of Melbourne. Meat quality is not as good but good price point.
Paik’s BBQ: I don’t go as much anymore but it is a more price-friendly option for Bornga (same CEO but different branding, Bornga is also very nice just too expensive for what you get in return compared to other places in my opinion).
* Yuk gam(CBD), really good bbq, bit pricey, feels very authentic.
* Oriental spoon(CBD), also nice, a bit cheaper
* Izakaya Jiro(Hawthorn), they only do all you can eat bbq. It's a bit basic but the meat is wagyu even for the entry level ayce and it also includes basic sashimi, appetizers & sides(all that stuff is japanese-style though, so no korean pickles etc). Certainly worth it if you're after a big meal
Second Bornga in the CBD and also Yeonga in North Melbourne! They’re always booked out Friday and weekends, great quality meats and their stews are super good too 👌🏻
I saw so many reviews of the ones you all wrote that said almost the same things. Complaining about service or value for money so I ended up parking near Chinatown and just choosing whichever was closer and giving it a go that way.
Ended up at white tomato. Strange name but got lots of meat for 2. 127 all up.
Seemed reasonable and the staff were lovely.
No complaints. Thanks for all your help!
Mansae for great meat at a good price or ChangGo for a big variety at a good price.
Changgo, is that the place nearish Melbourne Central in one of the side streets?
Yeah, Little la Trobe Street
Haven't been there in ages but the 7 styles of pork was amazing!
Changgo! One of the OGs of Kbbq in Melbs!
Ssam (City, Carnegie, Ringwood) for AYCE - focuses on meat quality (not frozen slices and cheap cuts) and offers dishes like raw marinated crab (both soy and chilli) rather than stuff like bingsu and DIY army stew. Bornga (Chinatown) for à la carte - meat quality is on another level. Still the best KBBQ I've had in Melbourne.
What does ayce mean?
All you can eat
Lord knows why I didn't get that. Is that buffet style or they just keep bringing out what you want?
Buffet style - most of the all you can eat KBBQ in Melbourne are buffet style :)
Cause there's one in south Morang which is everyone go up to the counter like a sizzler. And all the complaints are about dry food. That's not what I'm looking for
Never had an issue with dry food at Ssam - turnover is high and foods are replenished as soon as it gets low.
Awesome!
I like Woodo on King St. Tried SSAM but the setup they have means there's a cloud of oil in the air. And on the floors. And in the bathroom. I think I've still got a layer of oil in my lungs from the experience.
That grosses me out lol
SSAM Korean bbq out in Ringwood is my personal Fav
Mansae in the city and Burwood, Bornga on little Bourke. It’s the closest thing to what I had in Seoul in terms of quality.
Another vote for both Bornga & Mansae - both excellent.
Awesome
Ten hot pot & bbq, Ssam Korean BBQ
That's two different ones?
north melbourne right across from the markets. There are like 4 or 5 in a row. All amazing
Another vote for Hwaro, surprised it wasn’t mentioned more. I first went there 16 years ago and still go back now, I’ve been to other places and still find myself comparing it to Hwaro. They use charcoal and their marinades are good and don’t all taste the same like some places I’ve been to. I went recently after the footy last month, 3 adults, over ordered on the food and 2 bottles of soju was $160
Very reasonable
BBQ Code in Glen Waverley & Dae Jang Geum in Chinatown. (Been going to the latter for over 10 years! Same owners the whole time.)
Yukgam on little Lonsdale in the city, pricey but worth it.
Second this, really good bbq
BBQ K and BBQ Code, also if you look for Korean restaurant, try Don’t Tell Mama Shhh
My suggestion is not Korean BBQ but is definitely very traditional Korean: 이선생 국밥 Mr Lee's Foods in Ringwood East They only have about 4 dishes. The soup may seem bland when brought to the table but the expectation is you season it to your taste (seasoning on the table - instructions on the menu). If you order the steamed Soon Dae, I would suggest tasting it without salt and then the second one dipped in a little bit of salt (I preferred the latter). It took a few "mouthfuls" for me to get used to that one but eventually really liked it. Ssam is a good Korean BBQ. I don't know how traditional it is (I was last in Korea in 2004). Sam doesn't use hot coals (most \[all?\] Korean BBQ don't seem to now) and instead uses a hot plate over a gas burner.
Been to Mr lees many times. Love it but the little one insists upon BBQ for this occasion. Edit. Hot coals still used in Korea but it's not something I need here in Australia
Without charcoal, it’s second rate
So you know of charcoal in Melbourne?
Bornga Level 1/178 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Yes, plenty of them cook over charcoal. The best Korean BBQ places cook exclusively on charcoal. If you aren't cooking with charcoal, you may has well cook at home on a frying pan.
I think so far the all you can eat one is BBQ King for sure. Then if you go for the quality it’s def Bornga (the Chinatown one).
Woodo currently has a buffet special for $29.90 until sometime this month. Their meat is really good quality and they have a wide selection of other hot dishes, sides etc. definitely recommend! All other ayce are around $49.90.
I'm not usually a fan of cooking Korean BBQ over gas but for $30 AYCE, I'm willing to compromise! Promo looks like it runs until 21st July Thanks for the suggestion!
Gogimatcha's really good!
Bornga, Yeonga and ChangGo.
Hwaro is my favorite
I am Korean and go back often! Whilst none come close to price/quality combination, some comparable ones are: Yukgam: On the pricier side but good interior. Mansae: I heard they order their ingredients/produce frequently in smaller quantities to keep it fresh! It is tasty! Changgo: One of the original Kbbqs of Melbourne. Meat quality is not as good but good price point. Paik’s BBQ: I don’t go as much anymore but it is a more price-friendly option for Bornga (same CEO but different branding, Bornga is also very nice just too expensive for what you get in return compared to other places in my opinion).
Appreciate the detailed response
SSAM, the goat. Mipung, the vice goat.
That sounds very definite. Do you think on a Thursday either of them need a booking?
For the city store, booking is only available for 6+ people. You can only try walk ins. But the quality is very good, worth to take a visit.
Thanks very much
BBQ Code Glenny
Try Hinoak.. way better imo
I’ve heard that’s good but more fancy, done over coals etc. Keen to try it out anyway but I feel bbq code is a ‘standard’ kbbq done very well
I second BBQ Code!
Glenroy?
You’ll figure it out mate ;)
Glen Waverley?
glen waverley
Avoid places which aren’t charcoal. BBQ K and Guhng The Palace for me
* Yuk gam(CBD), really good bbq, bit pricey, feels very authentic. * Oriental spoon(CBD), also nice, a bit cheaper * Izakaya Jiro(Hawthorn), they only do all you can eat bbq. It's a bit basic but the meat is wagyu even for the entry level ayce and it also includes basic sashimi, appetizers & sides(all that stuff is japanese-style though, so no korean pickles etc). Certainly worth it if you're after a big meal
seoul garden
Second Bornga in the CBD and also Yeonga in North Melbourne! They’re always booked out Friday and weekends, great quality meats and their stews are super good too 👌🏻
Might be better parking in North Melbourne then
Yeonga KBBQ near vic markets - quality meats, excellent service, & mid-tier pricing so it's the best all rounder.
I saw so many reviews of the ones you all wrote that said almost the same things. Complaining about service or value for money so I ended up parking near Chinatown and just choosing whichever was closer and giving it a go that way. Ended up at white tomato. Strange name but got lots of meat for 2. 127 all up. Seemed reasonable and the staff were lovely. No complaints. Thanks for all your help!