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Korean BBQ in Seattle Southside

Where to Get it and How to Eat It

Korean BBQ has become wildly popular, and it’s not hard to see why: on top of being delicious – combining sweet, savory and spicy flavors – it’s one of the most social, engaging dining experiences you can find. There are some amazing places to get Korean BBQ in Seattle Southside, whether you’re looking for an all-you-can-eat menu or a more curated experience.

“Korean BBQ is so fun because you’re participating,” says Sylvia Hu, owner of Sumi Korean Grill in Tukwila. “You can see the food cook and hear the sizzling sound, making you even hungrier.”

Pictured: Gen Korean BBQ House in Tukwila, Washington
How to Order Korean BBQ
Side Dishes
Korean BBQ Meats
How to Grill Korean BBQ
Where to Get Korean BBQ

How to Order and Eat Korean BBQ

If you’re new to KBBQ, you’d be forgiven for feeling a little lost at first. A grill serves as the centerpiece, a pair of scissors rests on the table, and soon after you’re seated, a server brings out an assortment of tiny, colorful side dishes that are smaller than typical American sides yet meant to be shared. Then comes the main event: mounds of thinly sliced raw meat that you can cook up right in front of you.

Though the culinary tradition of Korean BBQ dates back hundreds of years, many KBBQ restaurants in the U.S. have a modern vibe with unique menu items. Gen Korean BBQ House, for instance, which opened a Tukwila location in 2024, has a nightclub-like vibe and even some Latin-inspired dishes. Nearby Sumi Korean Grill combines elements of both a high-end American steakhouse and Japanese cuisine.

There are also different pricing structures. At all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ restaurants, such as Gen Korean, you pay a fixed amount per person and keep ordering more until you can’t take another bite. Other restaurants, such as Sumi Korean Grill, have predefined menus.

Still, some things are near-universal: the dishes are designed to be shared and come out in courses, making it feel like there’s always something new to “ooh” and “ahh” over. Unsurprisingly, a group dinner can easily become an hours-long affair.

Banchan

The banchan (small side dishes) are served first, but they’re meant to be enjoyed throughout the meal. Every restaurant has a different selection, but the basic idea is that the different flavors and textures complement the main dishes.

“The pickled stuff is sour, so it’s kind of refreshing to offset the rich meat,” says Hu. “The potato is sweet, the fish cake and bean sprouts are savory, and kimchi is sour and a little spicy.”

Pictured: Banchan (side dishes) at Gen Korean BBQ House in Tukwila

Popular Korean BBQ Meats

Beef and pork take center stage, but chicken and seafood may also be on the menu. Some meats are marinated before you get them, and some are raw and unseasoned. That’s important to note because they’ll require different preparation. Some popular meat dishes include:

Bulgogi: Directly translated to “fire meat” and typically cooked over a grill, bulgogi is thinly sliced, marinated meat (usually beef, but sometimes pork and chicken), that’s marinated in a savory-sweet sauce that typically combines soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings.

Galbi: Beef or pork short ribs that are marinated in a sweet and savory soy sauce-based sauce, grilled and sliced from the bone. Known for its rich flavor and tender texture, it’s one of the most popular KBBQ dishes.

Samgyeopsal: Pork belly slices that are typically unseasoned, allowing diners to grill it and dip it in sauces like ssamjang (a thick, savory dipping sauce made of fermented soybeans and chili).

Pictured: Assorted meats at Sumi Korean Grill in Tukwila
Credit: Sabra Zaraa

How to Grill Korean BBQ

Once you’ve ordered, a server will light the grill and begin bringing out the meat. Some restaurants cook it for you, while others invite you to do it yourself. If the latter, be sure to wait until it’s hot before cooking.

“The temperature is really important,” says Hu. “Wait about two to three minutes until the grill pan is hot because you want it to be high enough so the temperature can lock the juice inside of the steak.”

Every restaurant is unique, so be sure to ask your server if you’re not sure how to prep the grill. At Sumi, guests are encouraged to butter the grill themselves.

“Some people put meat directly onto the grill, but it’s going to burn,” says Hu.

She recommends eating the non-marinated meat first so you get the original flavor of the meat. Marinated is a stronger taste, either sweet soy sauce based or sweet and spicy based. It also has sugar in it that can stick to the grill. Use tongs to turn the meat (save your chopsticks for eating). The scissors can be used to cut strips into bite-sized pieces. And don’t forget to ask for a new, clean grill if it’s looking crusty. At some restaurants, it’s customary to create your own ssam (wrap) by taking a piece of lettuce and filling it with ingredients such as grilled meat and rice. However, many U.S. restaurants have moved away from this custom and serve side salads instead.

Where to Get Korean BBQ in Seattle Southside

Sumi Korean Grill

Sumi Korean Grill in Tukwila is a dream come true: specifically, owner Sylvia Hu’s lifelong dream of running a restaurant. As a child in Gyeonggi Province, she would play at hosting her friends for meals. After moving to the U.S. and studying hospitality, she decided to open her own place. Sumi was born in 2021.

Hu is obsessed with sourcing high-quality meat and cares more about quality than sticking to conventional cuts. For instance, some diners are surprised to see a Zabuton, an American Wagyu steak that’s not common on Korean BBQ menus. The restaurant is designed for diners' comfort, using a “down draft” style grill so you won’t smell any smoke. Though it has an intimate feel, it welcomes groups and parties and can comfortably seat 12 people at a table.

Pictured: Fried tofu skillet at Sumi Korean Grill in Tukwila
Credit: Sabra Zaraa

Gen Korean BBQ House

Gen Korean BBQ House, a national chain founded in Los Angeles in 2011 by David Kim and Jae Chang, who are both Korean immigrants, has played a large role in popularizing KBBQ across the country. The Tukwila location, opened in 2024 in Westfield Southcenter Mall’s new Northside Restaurant Row, draws people from near and far.

Diners come for the all-you-can-eat (AYCE) menu, which includes more than 40 items at a fixed rate of $35.95 for dinner, and stay for the fun vibe. With colorful, neon cocktails, some of which even have flashing lights inside, you can't help but get in the mood to party. While the menu features plenty of traditional meats such as Bulgogi and Galbi, there are Latin-inspired dishes as well, such as Al Pastor and Carne Asada (it’s not surprising that Kim formerly served as CEO of Baja Fresh and La Salsa). You can also order apps a la carte, such as Cheese Tonkatsu (deep-fried cheese pork cutlet). With such a huge variety, there’s something for everyone at the table.

Pictured: The Capri Soju at Gen Korean BBQ House is a fan favorite

More Korean BBQ Restaurants in the Seattle Area

KW Korean Barbeque in Burien is a casual, welcoming spot that serves all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ. The banchan is self-serve at a buffet bar, setting it apart from other restaurants. Opened in early 2024, it has quickly become a favorite among locals, who especially rave about the brisket.

Palace Korean BBQ & Grill is a casual all-you-can-eat KBBQ eatery in the food court at Westfield Southcenter Mall. People love it for a quick, affordable meal before or after shopping. The Beef Bulgogi plate, which comes with rice and your choice of Korean sides, is a favorite.

No matter where you get Korean BBQ, a huge part of what makes it fun is sharing the dishes and taking your time. Order a bottle of soju (a popular Korean spirit) if you’re inclined, and toast to a delicious dining experience.

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