Have you heard of gogi-gui, otherwise known as Korean barbecue? A veritable culinary art form in the Land of the Morning Calm, Korean BBQ can also be enjoyed in the capital's Korean restaurants , much to the delight of Parisian gourmets. So what is Korean barbecue, and how is it different from the barbecue we know in France?
Put away your firelighters, merguez sausages and summer skewers: Korean barbecue is nothing like Western or Texan barbecue. In Korea, meat is marinated before being grilled directly at the table, on a built-in grill or portable stove. Mainly beef such as galbi (marinated beef ribs) and bulgogi (thinly sliced and marinated beef), pork such as samgyeopsal (sliced pork belly) and chicken are cooked.
Side dishes are also essential. These include small dishes called banchan, the most famous of which are kimchi (spicy, fermented cabbage) and pickled or pickled vegetables such as lotus root, mung bean thumbs and daikon. To round things off, grilled meat can be enjoyed wrapped in salad leaves, accompanied by ssamjang, a spicy soy paste-based condiment.
There's nothing like a Korean barbecue for bonding. Apart from the fact that all the guests eat the same dish, the preparation itself is very convivial. While some Korean restaurants offer to cut the meats and ingredients themselves, it's also possible to do it all yourself, with a good pair of scissors.
The downside of cooking right at the table is food odors, which can be a nuisance for some, but many establishments now have odor-extraction systems that guarantee you'll walk out of there without a whiff of grease.
A close cousin of Korean barbecue, Japanese barbecue - known as yakiniku - uses the same principle of cooking at the table, with an emphasis on high-quality meats, notably the famous wagyu beef. The cuts of meat are often unmarinated to preserve their natural flavor, simply dipped in sauces such as ponzu.
While there are similarities between Korean and Japanese barbecue (there are even variations such as robata-yaki and hibachi, where food is grilled over charcoal), the accompaniments to Japanese BBQ are more minimalist, often boiling down to rice and miso soup.
So, fancy a delicious Korean or Japanese barbecue in Paris? Here are some great places to go!
JinMI: An Authentic Traditional Korean Bistro in the Heart of the 12th Arrondissement
Sponsored - Discover Jinmi, a hidden gem of Korean cuisine nestled in the heart of Paris's 12th arrondissement.
Jinmi invites you on an authentic culinary journey, offering traditional dishes crafted with care and passion. Indulge in Korean favorites like bibimbap, kimchi, and bulgogi in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Whether you're a seasoned fan of Asian cuisine or just curious to explore new flavors, Jinmi promises to delight your palate and provide a memorable dining experience. [Read more]
BIGBANG Marais: the unusual Korean restaurant with cheesy dishes!
Sponsored - With the return of the cold weather, it's the perfect time to warm up with a comforting meal, and luckily, the Korean restaurant Bigbang IV, in the heart of the Les Halles district at 20 rue des Lombards, has added two new items to its menu that are sure to melt your heart. You can also enjoy Korean barbecues with finely marinated meat, for a gourmet immersion in Korea in a luxurious setting. [Read more]
Restaurant JJIN, the Korean BBQ that lights up Montparnasse in Paris
Sponsored - At JJIN, in the heart of the Montparnasse district, Korean barbecue becomes a sensory celebration. From juicy meats to signature cocktails and refined dishes, every bite reveals the fiery soul of Korean gastronomy. [Read more]
Sam Sun, authentic Korean cuisine by chef Byungkuk OH
Sam Chic's little sister, Sam Sun focuses on authentic Korean cuisine, thanks to the talent behind the stoves of renowned Korean chef Byungkuk OH. [Read more]
On Restaurant, Linda Lee's contemporary Korean barbecue on rue Saint-Roch
Already behind On the Bab and MariMari, Linda Lee opens On Restaurant on rue Saint-Roch, a Korean barbecue in a contemporary setting. [Read more]
Sam Chic, traditional Korean restaurant for barbecue and fondue lovers
Recognized by the Korean Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Sam Chic is a traditional Korean restaurant for lovers of barbecue, fondue and authentic dishes. [Read more]
Barbecue King, the Korean restaurant in the 15th arrondissement
Barbecue King is the name of a Korean restaurant in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, where families and friends can enjoy bentos, bibimbaps and grilled meats to share. [Read more]
Yamato Grill, the Japanese barbecue that honors Wagyu beef at Les Halles
Yamato Grill is the name of the Japanese restaurant that opened its doors in the Halles district of Paris, a stone's throw from the Bourse du Commerce - Fondation Pinault. A Japanese barbecue that honors Wagyu beef with delicious Japanese dishes. [Read more]
Hwaro Grill, the authentic Korean barbecue in the 15th arrondissement, awakens our taste buds
Like a craving for grilled meats with good Korean flavors? We take you to discover Hwaro Grill, this new Korean restaurant which has just opened its doors in the 15ᵉ arrondissement of Paris. An authentic Korean barbecue, run by Koreans and warmly decorated, we run. [Read more]
Jjin Paris, Montparnasse's great Korean barbecue and cocktail bar with great grills
Jjin Paris - Korean Barbecue & Cocktail is the name of a new Korean barbecue restaurant in the Montparnasse district of Paris. With its exceptional grilled meats, typical dishes and dripping cheese, we take you on a voyage of discovery. [Read more]
Find the location of all these places by clicking on the map at the bottom of the article.
Korean restaurants in Paris, our best addresses
Dreaming of a bibimbap or a Korean barbecue to warm your soul? There's no denying it, Korean restaurants are on a roll, and here's a list of good places to try for all lovers of kimchi, grilled meats and other typical dishes, whether classic or original. [Read more]
Looking for a good Japanese restaurant in Paris? From sushi and ramen to bento and tempura, we've got some great places to enjoy Japanese dishes. [Read more]
Korean restaurants in Paris, our best addresses
Japanese restaurants in Paris, our top picks
