Where to Find the Best Korean BBQ in Winnipeg: Top 6 Restaurants
If you’re anything like me, you probably have a special place in your heart (and your stomach) for the mouthwatering flavors of Korean BBQ.
The sizzle of marinated meat on a hot grill, the tantalizing aroma of spices and sauces, and the communal dining experience that makes every meal feel like a celebration — there’s something truly magical about it all.
Living right here in Winnipeg, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring the city’s culinary scene and discovering some hidden gems when it comes to Korean BBQ.
If you’re a seasoned K-BBQ enthusiast or just looking to dip your toes into this delectable world of grilled goodness, I’ve got you covered.
In this guide, I’ll be sharing my personal top six picks for the best Korean BBQ restaurants in Winnipeg. So, if you’re ready to embark on a culinary journey filled with flavors that will transport you to Seoul and back, read on!
Little Korea
Address: 519 Ellice Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3B 1Z1, Canada
Website: http://www.littlekoreawinnipeg.com/
Contact number: 204 783 5188
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday: 11 am – 9 pm; Sunday: 1:30 pm – 9 pm
Must-order menu items: Galbi (Korean BBQ beef), Bulgogi (Korean marinated beef), Samgyeopsal (Korean BBQ pork belly), Japchae (Korean glass noodles with vegetables and meat), Bibimbap (Korean mixed rice bowl with vegetables, meat, and a fried egg)
Price range: $$ average
Little Korea opened its doors in the late 1990s, becoming a beloved fixture in Winnipeg’s vibrant food scene.
With a commitment to preserving the authenticity of Korean cuisine, the restaurant has gained a reputation for its warm hospitality and mouthwatering dishes.
When you step into Little Korea, one thing is for sure: you won’t want to miss its signature dishes. The must-order menu items at this restaurant are a testament to the rich tapestry of Korean flavors.
First up, the galbi, a succulent Korean BBQ beef dish, is a true standout. Marinated to perfection, the beef ribs are grilled at your table, offering an immersive experience that tantalizes your senses with each sizzle.
Bulgogi, another crowd-pleaser, features thinly sliced, marinated beef that’s both sweet and savory. It’s cooked to perfection on the grill, resulting in tender and flavorful bites.
If pork is more to your liking, don’t pass up the Samgyeopsal. This Korean BBQ pork belly is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
It’s thinly sliced and grilled to crispy perfection, making it a delightful treat.
For a taste of Korea’s comfort food, order japchae. This dish features Korean glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables and your choice of meat.
The combination of chewy noodles and vibrant veggies is a delightful medley of textures and flavors.
Last but not least, indulge in a bowl of bibimbap. This classic Korean mixed rice dish combines rice, vegetables, your choice of meat, and a perfectly fried egg.
The harmony of colors and flavors in this dish is a culinary masterpiece that’s as visually pleasing as it is delicious.
Queen’s Korean Chicken & BBQ
Address: 1045 St James St, Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B1, Canada
Website: http://www.queenskoreanchicken.ca/
Contact number: 431 556 0852
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday: 12 pm – 9 pm; Sunday: 1 pm – 8 pm
Must-order menu items: Korean BBQ combo, Korean Fried Chicken
Price range: $$ average
When you visit Queen’s Korean Chicken & BBQ, there are two menu items that are absolutely essential to try: the Korean BBQ Combo and the Korean Fried Chicken.
The Korean BBQ Combo is a delightful journey into the heart of Korean barbecue culture.
You’ll be seated at a table with a built-in grill where you can grill a selection of marinated meats, such as bulgogi (thinly sliced beef), galbi (marinated beef ribs), and samgyeopsal (pork belly).
The sizzling sound, the tantalizing aroma, and the interactive cooking experience make it a must-try for anyone looking to savor the true essence of Korean cuisine.
Don’t forget to wrap your grilled meats in crisp lettuce leaves with a dollop of ssamjang (a savory dipping sauce) for a burst of flavor.
On the other hand, the Korean Fried Chicken at Queen’s is a mouthwatering marvel. The chicken is expertly double-fried to achieve an irresistible crispy exterior while maintaining tender and juicy meat inside.
You can choose from a variety of flavorful sauces, such as spicy gochujang, sweet soy garlic, or even a combination of both. If you prefer boneless or bone-in, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Busan Korea BBQ
Address: 1521 Pembina Hwy #2, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2E4, Canada
Website: http://www.busankoreabbq.com/
Contact number: 204 284 6618
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 5:30 pm – 10 pm; Saturday and Sunday: 4 pm – 10 pm
Must-order menu items: Galbi (Korean BBQ short ribs), Samgyeopsal (Korean BBQ pork belly), Bulgogi (marinated beef), Japchae (stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables and meat)
Price range: $$ average
Established over a decade ago, Busan Korea BBQ was founded by a passionate couple, Jae-Hoon and Ji-Young, who wanted to share their love for authentic Korean barbecue with the people of Winnipeg.
Their dream became a reality when they opened the doors to their restaurant, and it has been a beloved establishment ever since.
With roots hailing from Busan, South Korea, they brought a unique blend of traditional recipes and modern flair to the Winnipeg food scene, captivating the taste buds of locals and visitors alike.
When you step into Busan Korea BBQ, the enticing aroma of sizzling meat on the grill fills the air, setting the stage for an unforgettable culinary experience.
While the menu offers an array of delicious options, there are a few standout dishes that you simply can’t miss.
The tender, flavorful Galbi meat is grilled at your table, allowing you to savor each bite as it cooks to caramelized perfection.
It’s a dish that truly exemplifies the art of Korean barbecue.
Next up is the Samgyeopsal, thin slices of Korean BBQ pork belly that are not only delicious but also incredibly fun to grill yourself.
The pork belly is generously seasoned and grilled until it’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making it a favorite among regulars.
For those looking for a taste of marinated beef, Bulgogi is a must-try. Thinly sliced beef is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, and then grilled.
The result is a delightful harmony of flavors that’s sure to leave you craving more.
And to complement your meaty feast, don’t forget to order a plate of japchae. This stir-fried glass noodle dish is teeming with colorful vegetables and your choice of meat.
It’s a delightful balance of textures and flavors that adds depth to your meal.
Korean Garden Restaurant
Address: 1399 McPhillips St, Winnipeg, MB R2V 3C4, Canada
Contact number: 204 415 1010
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday: 11 am – 9 pm
Must-order menu items: Galbi (Korean BBQ ribs), Bulgogi (Korean BBQ beef), Bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables and meat), Japchae (stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables and meat)
Price range: $$ average
Founded in 2005, Korean Garden Restaurant has a storied history in the city’s dining scene. Originally a small family-owned establishment, it has grown into a beloved fixture within the local Korean community and beyond.
The restaurant’s commitment to preserving the essence of Korean cuisine and culture is evident in every aspect of its offerings.
When you dine at Korean Garden Restaurant, there are a few dishes that you absolutely must try to fully savor the essence of Korean BBQ cuisine. First on the list is galbi, or Korean BBQ ribs.
These succulent, marinated ribs are known for their tender meat that practically falls off the bone. Cooked on the tabletop grill, they offer a tantalizing mix of sweet and savory flavors.
Another must-order dish is bulgogi, the Korean BBQ beef.
Thinly sliced and marinated in a delectable blend of soy sauce, sugar, and various seasonings, the beef is grilled, resulting in tender, slightly caramelized slices that are simply irresistible.
For those seeking a well-rounded Korean dining experience, don’t miss out on Bibimbap. This classic dish combines a colorful array of vegetables, savory meat, and a fried egg on a bed of steamed rice.
The magic happens when you mix it all together with spicy gochujang sauce. The combination of flavors and textures is a true delight for the palate.
Kimbaek Restaurant
Address: 193 Isabel St, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1G8, Canada
Contact number: 204 942 1833
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 11:30 am – 9 pm; Sunday: 11:30 am – 8 pm
Must-order menu items: Samgyeopsal (pork belly), Bulgogi (marinated beef), Galbi (marinated beef short ribs), Japchae (stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables), Kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew)
Price range: $$ average
Established in 2015, its name, “Kimbaek,” pays homage to the Korean culinary traditions that have been skillfully preserved and celebrated within its walls.
The story of Kimbaek Restaurant begins with its passionate owner, Mrs. Kim.
Originally hailing from Seoul, South Korea, she brought her love for authentic Korean flavors to Winnipeg, inspired by her memories of family gatherings centered around food.
Drawing on generations-old family recipes and a desire to share her cultural heritage, she embarked on a mission to introduce the city to the rich tapestry of Korean cuisine.
Mrs. Kim’s dedication to preserving tradition while innovating in the kitchen has created a dining experience that feels both comforting and exciting.
One standout item that beckons to be savored at Kimbaek Restaurant is the Samgyeopsal, a succulent and flavorful dish featuring thinly sliced pork belly.
This delectable offering is cooked right at your table on a grill, allowing you to customize the level of crispiness and flavor to your liking.
The sizzle and aroma that fills the air as the meat cooks are an integral part of the dining experience, making it an engaging and interactive meal.
For those seeking a comforting and hearty dish, the Kimchi Jjigae, a traditional kimchi stew, is an absolute must-try.
This bubbling cauldron of goodness combines the bold and tangy flavors of fermented kimchi with tender chunks of pork and tofu.
The result is a soul-warming concoction that has the perfect balance of spicy and sour notes, offering a delightful complexity of flavors with every spoonful.
Kimbaek Restaurant not only tantalizes your taste buds but also immerses you in the warmth of Korean hospitality. The friendly staff is eager to guide you through the menu and ensure that your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional.
Gangbuk Korean BBQ
Address: 1755 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2G6, Canada
Website: https://instalacarte.com/m/Gangbuk-Korean-BBQ
Contact number: 204 261 9241
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:30 am – 9 pm
Must-order menu items: Gangbuk Korean BBQ, Samgyeopsal (pork belly), Bulgogi (marinated beef), Galbi (short ribs)
Price range: $$ average
The must-order menu item that keeps customers coming back for more is the Gangbuk Korean BBQ and Samgyeopsal (pork belly).
When it comes to Korean barbecue, few dishes can rival the exquisite flavors and interactive cooking experience offered by this delectable duo.
The Gangbuk Korean BBQ is a sizzling platter of marinated meats, often featuring a combination of beef, chicken, and pork, served with an array of banchan (side dishes).
The meats are thinly sliced and marinated in a secret blend of sauces and seasonings, which infuse them with a symphony of flavors.
The highlight here is the DIY grilling experience, where diners get to cook their meat at the table. As the savory aromas waft through the air, it’s impossible not to be captivated by the sizzle and anticipation of a perfectly cooked bite.
However, if you’re looking for something that’s considered a true Korean barbecue classic, you must try the Samgyeopsal, which is thinly sliced pork belly.
The beauty of Samgyeopsal lies in its simplicity. It’s all about the quality of the meat and the art of grilling it to perfection.
At Gangbuk, the Samgyeopsal is served with fresh lettuce leaves and an array of condiments, allowing you to create your own delicious wraps.
The combination of the slightly crispy, fatty pork belly and the refreshing crunch of the lettuce, along with the various dipping sauces, is a taste sensation that will leave you craving for more.