Grill and chill: our 5 favourite Korean barbecue restaurants in Hong Kong

Korean barbecue restaurants are a dime a dozen in this city, but what separates the great from the everyday? Turns out, the best Korean restaurants in Hong Kong all have their own way of standing out. From dry ageing technologies to refined traditions, our favourite spots go the extra mile to create memorable, mouth-watering dishes.

Check out our roundup below, and be sure to take advantage of the exclusive Cathay membership deals that allow you to eat and earn at the same time.

JJJ Korean Steakhouse

Located in the heart of Central, JJJ Korean Steakhouse features chef-selected cuts of meat sourced from Japan, Korea and the US, along with fresh seafood and caviar from around the world. The meats are served alongside hearty favourites including bibimbap, kimchi stew and Korean noodle soup. Dishes not to be missed are the JJJ signature beef rice, and a refreshing ginseng ice cream dessert that helps cut the grease at the end of a decadent meal. If you needed another reason to dine here, from now until the end of July, present your Cathay membership QR code when paying to earn miles at a rate of HKD4 = 3. Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard^® holders earn at an accelerated rate up to HKD4 = 4. 

Cathay members also get to enjoy exclusive perks, including complimentary drinks and special priced set menus. Don’t forget to try the specially crafted house-infused Asian pear soju in a distinct jade hue.

JJJ Korean Steakhouse, Shop 03, G/F, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central, +852 2637 8978

Maekjeok

Fusing traditional Korean grilling with dry-aging technology, Wan Chai-based Maekjeok serves up staples with their own spin. Delivering innovative Korean dishes such as diamond-cut galbi short ribs and atypical ingredients such as dry-aged duck magret, this restaurant elevates Korean cuisine to another level. Standouts on the menu include wagyu yukhoe (beef tartare), 45-day dry-aged bone-in rib eye and Korean hanwoo sirloin. Also worth trying is Maekjeok’s extensive wine and liquor list, which includes premium house-made maekgeolli and soju to go with your selection of meats.

Maekjeok, 1/F, Sun Hung Kai Centre, 30 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, +852 2609 0599

Arirang Korean Restaurant

Established in 1964, Arirang Korean Restaurant was one of the first Korean eateries to grace the Hong Kong culinary scene. With a long history and plenty of authentic dishes, Arirang has basically set the standard for what should appear on the menu of every Korean restaurant in the city. From prime cuts of beef such as Australian M9 wagyu to more traditional fare like spicy beef stew and spicy stir-fried rice cakes, the dishes on offer will satisfy even the most selective of diners. Best of all, Cathay members are eligible to earn miles at a rate of HKD2 = 1 upon presentation of their membership QR code when they pick up their bill. 

Arirang Korean Restaurant, 3/F, W Square, 314-324 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, +852 2506 3298

Sorabol Korean Restaurant

With two branches, one on either side of Victoria Harbour, Sorabol is in pole position to draw in hungry patrons – and they won’t leave disappointed. Boasting a menu that encompasses everything from traditional noodles to soups, stews and grilled meats, this restaurant pairs all-time favourites with thoughtful service. With Korean hanwoo and other prime cuts of meat on the grill menu, accompanied by other side dishes like tofu stew and potato pancakes, Sorabol caters to lovers of Korean cuisine no matter their tastes. 

Sorabol Korean Restaurant (Causeway Bay), 18/F, Lee Theatre Plaza, 99 Percival Street, Causeway Bay, +852 2881 6823

Sorabol Korean Restaurant (Tsim Sha Tsui), 4/F, Miramar Tower, 1 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, +852 2375 2882

Han Ah Rum

Amid the sumptuous setting of its outpost in Causeway Bay, Han Ah Rum serves customers some of the most authentic Korean food outside of Seoul. Their menu features items such as stone pot bibimbap and knife-cut noodles, not to mention fan favourites such as hotpots, stews and dried pollock fish. You especially won’t want to miss out on the fried chicken, the traditionally cooked pork trotters or the specialty beef ribs. Be sure to arrive with a hearty appetite.

Han Ah Rum, 6/F Causeway Bay Plaza 1, 489 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, +852 2866 6927