Beginner’s Guide to Korean BBQ

First time trying Korean BBQ? You’re in for more than just dinner. Korean BBQ is an interactive dining experience where you choose your favorite meats, seafood and veggies and cook them right on the grill at your table.

At KPOT, you are able to take things one step further by pairing our Korean BBQ with Hot Pot for an all-you-can-eat experience build around trying, sharing and discovering new favorite dishes. Here is everything you need to know ahead of your first visit.

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Grilling table at KPOT with meats and vegetables

What is Korean BBQ?

Korean BBQ is an experiential dining experience that brings groups together around the table. Rather than selecting a fully prepared entrée from a menu, Korean BBQ allows you to choose your own protein, seafood and vegetables and cook them right at their table.

The KPOT difference? We combine both Korean BBQ and Hot Pot, allowing you to grill your favorites while building a personalized Hot Pot right alongside them.

New to both? Check out our How To KKBQ and Hot Pot Guide to learn more.

How Does All You Can Eat Korean BBQ Work?

If this is your first time at Korean BBQ, you may be wondering how it all works. At KPOT, the experience is all-you-can-eat, giving you the chance to explore all of our different options – proteins, vegetables, sauces and flavors.

Explore the KPOT Menu

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What to Expect During Your First KPOT Visit

Walking into Korean BBQ for the first time can feel a little different from walking into a traditional restaurant, but that is part of the fun. Here is what your first visit to KPOT might look like:

Find your kpot

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What Should You Order at Korean BBQ for the First Time?

With so many options, deciding what to order at Korean BBQ can be one of the hardest parts. The good news? At KPOT, you don’t have to choose just one. Start with a few approachable favorites, then branch out as you go!

Beef Bulgogi

If you’re looking for a beginner friendly introduction to Korean BBQ, Beef Bulgogi is a great place to start. Its flavorful, approachable and one of KPOT’s recommended picks for first timers.

Prime Brisket

Prime Brisket is another classic choice for your first round. Add it to the grill, cook it thoroughly and pair it with different sauces and sides to find your favorite combination.

Pork Belly

Ready to add something richer to the grill? Try Pork Belly. It’s another KPOT recommended starting point and gives you a different flavor and texture to enjoy alongside your other selections.

The Sauce Bar

The protein may get top billing, but our sauce can complete change the bite. Experiment with different sauces and combinations instead of committing to just one from the start.

The best first Korean BBQ order is ultimately the one that lets you explore all of the different flavor variations. Pick a few things for the table, share and keep trying something new!

See the KPOT Menu

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How to Cook Korean BBQ at the Table

You don’t need to be a grill master to enjoy Korean BBQ. Cooking your food at the table is part of the experience and a few simple tips can help you get started with confidence.

Want more cooking tips? We’ve got a whole guide for that.

Learn How to Cook KBBQ

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Tips for Your First Korean BBQ Experience

Your first Korean BBQ visit should be about exploring, not overthinking. Keep these tips in mind when you head to KPOT.

Ready to visit? Find your local KPOT.

Find your kpot

Korean BBQ vs Hot Pot: What’s the Difference?

Table at KPOT with Hot Pot and meats ready for grilling

With Korean BBQ, meats, seafood and vegetables are cooked directly on the grill at your table. You control what goes on the grill, how you combine your selections and what sauces and sides complete each bite.

With Hot Pot, ingredients are cooked in simmering broth instead. Choose your broth, add meats, seafood, vegetables, noodles and other ingredients to create a bowl that is completely your own.

At KPOT, these two interactive dining experiences come together under one roof, giving you even more ways to customize your meal.

Not sure which experience is for you? At KPOT, we don’t make you choose.

Learn more with our KPOT How-To Guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Korean BBQ is an interactive dining experience where guests choose meats, seafood and vegetables and cook them on a tabletop grill. At KPOT, our guests can also enjoy Hot Pot for even more ways to customize your meal.

Is KPOT all-you-can-eat?

Yes. KPOT offers an all-you-can-eat dining experience. Menu selections, pricing and dining options may vary by location so check your local KPOT for details.

What should I order at Korean BBQ for the first time?

Beef Bulgogi, Prime Brisket and Pork Belly are three great starting points recommended by KPOT for Korean BBQ beginners. Since the experience is all-you-can-eat, start with a few options and keep exploring as you go.

Do you cook your own meat at Korean BBQ?

Yes. Cooking your selections on the tabletop is part of the Korean BBQ experience. If you’re unsure about cooking time or how to use the grill, a KPOT team member can help.

Can I have Korean BBQ and Hot Pot at the same time at KPOT?

KPOT brings Korean BBQ and Hot Pot together, allowing guests to enjoy both interactive dining styles. Available dining options vary by location.

How do I know when Korean BBQ meat is done?

Cooking time depends on the protein, cut and thickness. Always cook raw meats and seafood thoroughly and keep raw and cooked foods separate. If you are unsure, ask a KPOT team member for assistance.

Is Korean BBQ good for groups?

Absolutely. The interactive, shareable nature of Korean BBQ makes it a fun option for groups. Ordering different selections for the table also gives everyone the chance to try more of our menu.

Do I need a reservation for KPOT?

Reservation and waitlist vary by location. Find your nearest KPOT to view current location information before you visit!

Beginner’s Guide to Korean BBQ

What is Korean BBQ?

How Does All You Can Eat Korean BBQ Work?

1. Choose your dining experience

2. Pick Your Favorites

3. Cook at Your Table

4. Make It Your Own

5. Keep Exploring

What to Expect During Your First KPOT Visit

Check-In

Get Settled at Your Table

Get the Rundown

Place Your First Order

KPOT Sauce and Side Bar

Fire Up the Grill

What Should You Order at Korean BBQ for the First Time?

Beef Bulgogi

Prime Brisket

Pork Belly

The Sauce Bar

How to Cook Korean BBQ at the Table

Let the Grill Get Hot

Don’t Overcrowd the Grill

Keep Raw and Cooked Foods Separate

Pair Your Proteins with Sauces and Sides

When in Doubt, Ask

Tips for Your First Korean BBQ Experience

1. Come hungry but pace yourself.

2. Try a little of everything.

3. Start with the classics.

4. Experiment at the sauce bar.

5. Coordinate with your table.

6. Ask questions.