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The 4 Best Korean BBQ Restaurants In Ottawa [2023]

Step into a world of Korean culinary delight as we unveil the four best Korean BBQ restaurants in Ottawa. From savoring sizzling BBQ to relishing traditional bibimbap, join us on a journey where authentic flavors and cozy ambience intertwine. Get ready to experience the heart of Seoul, right here in the heart of Ottawa!

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What Are The Types Of Korean BBQ?

Korean BBQ, also known as “Gogi-gui,” is a popular dining experience where diners grill their own meat at the table. There are several types of Korean BBQ, each offering unique flavors and styles of preparation. Here are some of the most well-known types:

  • Bulgogi (불고기): Translating to “fire meat,” bulgogi is thinly sliced marinated beef (sometimes pork) that is typically sweet and savory. It’s marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and other seasonings before being grilled. It’s a classic and widely enjoyed Korean BBQ option.
  • Galbi (갈비): Galbi refers to marinated and grilled beef short ribs. The meat is marinated in a combination of soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and other ingredients, creating a rich and flavorful dish.
  • Samgyeopsal (삼겹살): This type of Korean BBQ features thick slices of pork belly. The meat is often enjoyed without marination, allowing the natural flavors to shine. It’s typically grilled and then eaten wrapped in lettuce leaves along with various condiments.
  • Dakgalbi (닭갈비): Dakgalbi consists of spicy marinated chicken, often mixed with vegetables such as cabbage, onions, and sweet potatoes. It’s known for its slightly spicy and savory taste.
  • Sausages and Hot Dogs: Some Korean BBQ places offer sausages and hot dogs that are grilled on the table alongside other meats. These are usually seasoned with Korean flavors and spices.
  • Yangnyeom Chicken (양념치킨): Yangnyeom chicken is marinated, fried, or grilled chicken that’s coated in a spicy or sweet and savory sauce. While it’s not a traditional BBQ in the strictest sense, it’s often included in Korean BBQ restaurant menus due to its popularity.

These are just a few examples of the many types of Korean BBQ available. Each type brings its own unique flavors and cooking techniques to the table, making Korean BBQ a diverse and exciting culinary experience.

The Best Korean BBQ Restaurants In Ottawa
Now, let’s take a tour of the top Korean BBQ hotspots in Ottawa! Get ready to explore and indulge in the best flavors the city has to offer.

1) Korean House Restaurant

Korean House Restaurant is a top-rated restaurant that specializes in preparing delicious Korean cuisine. The restaurant’s main chef has crafted an exquisite menu of fabulous Korean dishes that combine traditional culinary techniques with a strong Korean influence. All the ingredients used in the food are sourced locally and delivered on a daily basis to ensure freshness. 

In addition, the restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating which makes it perfect for any occasion. They are famous for their Korean house hotpot like seafood, one with spicy seafood stew with fish, shrimps, squid, mussels, and assorted vegetables. If you are craving delicious Korean food, this is definitely the place to go. 

Business Information:

Website: koreanhouse.ca
Phone: +16132370808
Address: 785 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6R3, Canada

Customer Review:
“Wonderful interactive Korean BBQ house. What they lack in the decor is made up for in service and quality. Ventilation needs improvement as when they have all tables occupied, it can get a touch smoky. Highly recommended for family, date night, colleague outing or friends get-together. NOTEI they do provide high chairs!”

2) Table SODAM

Table SODAM is a fantastic Korean restaurant that offers excellent food and service. The gamjatang, bulgogi bibimbap and toppoki are all delicious, but the banchan included with the main dishes is especially outstanding. Their servers come in to check up on the guests many times, which shows the dedication to providing top-notch customer service. 

You can also buy their kimchi spicy one or cucumber one, which is the traditional Korean side dish of fermented vegetables. Be aware that the sitting is limited and they work on the first come first serve basis. Overall, Table SODAM is definitely one of Ottawa’s best places for Korean cuisine.

Business Information:

Website: table85.com
Phone: +16134211229
Address: 1200 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3Y1, Canada

Customer Review:
“Had a fantastic dinner here. We knew it could get busy so we arrived right when it opened and we're seated right away. We got the soy fried chicken and the bulgogi. Both were very yummy and we enjoyed the side dishes. We'll definitely be back!”

3) Maht Korean Restaurant

Maht Korean Restaurant is a small, family-owned Korean restaurant that serves delicious food at an affordable price. You will love the rice cakes (a perfect dish for those who are looking for something light and fluffy), teokboki (a type of seafood pancake) and fried chicken (both original and spicy). 

All three dishes are very good and something different from what is usually served at the regular restaurants. The service is great – they keep bringing customers more drinks while they are waiting for your food to arrive! Maht Korean Restaurant is really recommended if you’re looking for some tasty Korean cuisine.

Business Information:

Website:ubereats.com
Phone: +16136807268
Address: 726 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6P8, Canada

Customer Review:
“My favorite Korean restaurant in Ottawa, everything on the menu is authentic and delicious! Love their japchae bundle, it's my go-to order when having dinner with a friend. I also love that there is a vegan option for almost everything on the menu, the vegan options are equally flavorful and very filling!”

4) GoGiYa Korean Fried Chicken

GoGiYa Korean Fried Chicken is a hidden gem for those craving delicious Korean fried chicken. The boneless chicken with Honey & Garlic flavor is a delightful combination of sweet and spicy, perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors. Their service is prompt and friendly, adding to the overall experience. 

GoGiYa Korean Fried Chicken offers a variety of sauces to choose from, including garlic & soy, garlic & honey, and sweet and spicy. The different flavors will tantalize your taste buds as you enjoy the crispy chicken wings covered in heavenly sauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or an appetizer for your next dinner party, GoGiYa’s Korean fried chicken is sure to satisfy you!

Business Information:

Website: gogiyabbq.com
Phone: +16136800988
Address: 155 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5N7, Canada

Customer Review:
“The place is simply amazing. I love it! The hot and spicy fired chicken is a delicious spicy torture. Go ahead if you really like spicy food, otherwise try the sweet and spicy. Do yourself a favor and eat it while drinking beer. I haven't tried anything aside from the fried chicken, but would I... I mean the point is eating fried chicken.”
FAQs About Korean BBQ
Korean BBQ stands out for its interactive and communal dining style. Diners become the chefs as they grill their chosen meats right at the table, fostering a sense of togetherness and shared experience. This participatory approach creates a lively and engaging atmosphere, making Korean BBQ meals not just about the food, but also about the bonding and fun that come with cooking and enjoying a meal together.
What sets Korean BBQ apart is the emphasis on marination and flavor infusion. Meats are often marinated for hours or even overnight in a blend of ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and spices. This marinade not only tenderizes the meat but imparts a rich and distinctive taste that embodies the essence of Korean cuisine. The focus on a wide range of flavors, from sweet and savory to spicy, makes Korean BBQ a tantalizing journey for the taste buds.
Koreans typically use specialized grills designed for BBQ, often found as tabletop grills with built-in vents. These grills can be heated using various methods, including charcoal or gas. Charcoal grilling lends a smoky depth to the flavors, while gas grills offer precise temperature control. The choice of meat is diverse, from beef and pork to chicken, each with its own unique marinade and preparation techniques.
The cooking time for Korean BBQ varies depending on factors such as the type of meat, thickness of the slices, and personal preference for doneness. Thinly sliced meats like bulgogi or samgyeopsal (pork belly) often take only a few minutes to cook, requiring just a couple of turns on the grill. Thicker cuts, such as galbi (short ribs), might take a bit longer, around 5-7 minutes per side.
Conclusion

In Ottawa, Korean BBQ restaurants offer more than just a meal – they offer an experience. The sizzle of marinated meats on the grill, the laughter shared around the table; it’s a sensory journey that sparks connection. Ottawa’s Korean BBQ spots are where food becomes a bridge between flavors and friendships, reminding us of the joy that comes from sharing a table and a story!

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