There’s just something about Korean BBQ that I love so much.
It could be the cosy communal dining, refillable banchan (side dishes) or the fact that you get to enjoy different cuts of meat cooked right in front of you.
The only gripe that I have (which some of you may be able to relate to) is that the bill can very easily rack up and my wallet ends up paying the price for it later (literally). So that may be why so many of us choose to go to Johor Bahru instead because everything is priced at a third of its usual prices.
Well, if you are in the mood to feast to your heart’s content, here are six affordable Korean BBQ spots in Johor Bahru with all-you-can-eat meats, unlimited sides, free-flow noodles and more from just S$10.
1. Sae Ma Eul BBQ
Nothing says affordable more than Sae Ma Eul BBQ’s Charcoal BBQ Buffet priced at just S$10.97++ (RM38.20) per adult and S$7.80++ (RM27.30) per kid for 100 minutes for a minimum of two diners. Think all-you-can-eat meats, including spicy chicken ribs, marinated pork ribs, spicy pork belly, pork belly, and pork shoulder.
Even better, they have a self-service banchan bar so you can help yourself to as much kimchi as you want. Just be mindful of the food wastage and try not to order more than what you can eat!
As I always say, no meal is complete without desserts — go for the Bingsu (S$2.29, RM8) in an assortment of flavours like green tea, mango, black sesame and more. Although it is 25 minutes away from the checkpoint, this is definitely too good of a deal to miss out on.
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📍 2, Jalan Jaya Putra 7/5, Bandar Jaya Putra, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
🕐 12pm–12am
2. Itaewon Korean BBQ Buffet
Alternatively, Itaewon Korean BBQ Buffet is another spot to consider, located just 30 minutes away from the checkpoint.
Hit them up for lunch as the Korean Charcoal BBQ is only S$10.05++ (RM35) per adult and S$8.04++ (RM28) per child for 100 minutes. Those who are planning to come in the evening (after 4pm) may choose to opt for the dinner set for S$10.92++ (RM38) per adult and S$8.90++ (RM31) per kid.
But, do take note that this is only available for a minimum of two diners so a couple’s date, perhaps?
This buffet comes with unlimited refills of marinated and spicy pork cuts alongside grilled soy sauce chicken ribs — perfect for meat lovers.
Not to mention, there is a self-service bar and each diner is entitled to a marshmallow skewer for a toasty treat.
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📍 5, Jalan Sagu 21, Taman Daya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
🕐 12pm–11pm (Daily)
3. Zen Plus Korean BBQ
If you’re someone who prefers variety, Zen Plus Korean BBQ is the place to go in Johor Bahru because they offer the Unlimited Han Sang at just S$11.20++ (RM39) per adult and S$8.04++ (RM28) per kid for 90 minutes.
Besides getting free-flow meats like pork belly, chicken ribs and more, you can supplement it with carbs like kimchi stew, Korean rice ball, tteokbokki, pizza, and all-you-can-eat ramen.
Have you ever heard of gorgonzola (cheese) pizza dipped in honey as part of a KBBQ set?
Well, I haven’t, but I can see how it would help to cut down the greasiness after feasting on all those meats. Considering its sweet and savoury profile, it would be popular amongst the kids or those with a sweet tooth.
Nonetheless, it’s definitely a hearty meal to treat yourself with.
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📍 49, Jalan Indah 15/2, Taman Bukit Indah, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
🕐 11.30am–10.30pm (Daily)
4. Palsaik Korean BBQ
Picture this: you’ve been walking and shopping for the entire day and you’re suddenly hit with the hunger pangs.
Enter Palsaik Korean BBQ which is perfect for every shopaholic as it is nestled in Mid Valley Southkey, just a 10-minutes drive away from the checkpoint. Go for the signature Palsaik Pork Belly (S$33.89, RM188) that can comfortably feed up to two to four people.
Unlike the previous spots, this palsaik set comes with pork belly in eight different marinades. Think ginseng, wine, pine, garlic, herb, curry, soybean, and hot pepper for you to embark on a gastronomic adventure.
To complete your KBBQ experience, the set also comes with a comforting bowl of jjigae (stew) of your choice including soybean paste, spicy seafood or kimchi pork.
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📍 T048 & T049, Level 3 The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, Persiaran Southkey 1, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
🕐 10am–10pm (Daily)
5. Hanam BBQ
In a rush, but still wanna enjoy some KBBQ?
Hanam BBQ is a no-frills Korean restaurant that specialises in pork cuts situated inside R&F Mall, just a 15-minutes walk away from the CIQ checkpoint.
If you’re spending less than a day in JB and are planning to explore elsewhere, consider making a pit stop here before continuing on with your day.
They have a set for two pax at just S$34.46 (RM120) serving samgyeopsal (pork belly), a stew of your choice (pork kimchi, red pepper paste or soybean paste), and a steamed egg with flying fish roe.
Just looking at the juicy and succulent pieces of pork belly bursting with flavour has my mouth watering.
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📍 R&F Mall, Lot 1-106~1-108 R&F Mall Mercu1, Jalan Tanjung Puteri, 1, R&F, Tanjung Puteri, 80300, Johor, Malaysia
🕐 12pm–3pm, 5pm–11pm (Daily)
6. Paik’s BBQ Senibong
Planning to bring along your fur babies?
Head over to Paik’s BBQ Senibong which is a pet-friendly restaurant with an outdoor seating that opens till midnight on Fridays and the weekends. What better way to enjoy your KBBQ experience than with a scenic view of the ocean from their outdoor space?
Regardless of whether you’re coming with a friend or a large group, there are a variety of KBBQ sets for every diner. The Dalgona Set (S$33.87, RM118) comfortably feeds two to three people, comprising marinated pork ribs, pork belly, seafood pancake and kimchi tofu stew.
But, if you have been saving your stomach for KBBQ, indulge in the Squid Game Set (S$77.50, RM270) for four to six pax that comes with bulgogi, pork ribs, pork belly, BBQ chicken, seafood pancake, kimchi stew, rice ball and so much more.
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📍 Malaysia, Johor, Johor Bahru, Senibong Cove No 7-1, Blok B, PTD 213067, Pembangunan, 81750
🕐 12pm–11pm (Mon to Thu), 12pm–12am (Fri to Sun)
The next time you are in need of a pick-me-up, treat yourself to a sizzling good time at one of these Korean BBQ spots in Johor Bahru!
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Sugar, spice, and everything nice 😼