Spice up your life with a slice of authentic Korean BBQ at BORNGA – Korea's largest BBQ chain restaurant to date, with 46 outlets and the first one in Singapore at The Star Vista. Established by celebrity chef Jong Won Paik, who says the food offers 'a taste of home' for overseas Koreans, BORNGA boasts a sleek décor and a mouthwatering array of items like the famous Woo Samgyup ($22), a patented recipe of beef brisket soaked in the chef's secret marinade. The paper-thin slices cook very quickly, so be sure to keep a watchful eye on the grill. Tucked away at the corner of each table is a row of raw vegetables to wrap your beef slices or kimchi in, which adds a delightfully refreshing jolt to the otherwise meat-heavy meal.
Other must-tries include the Chadol Duenjang Jjigae ($16), a traditional beef stew made with flavourful soybean paste and best enjoyed mixed in a bowl with rice and vegetables, the Tteokgalbi ($20), a concoction of grilled ground rib meat patties with soy sauce, and the Jap Chae ($23) – a hearty bowl of stir-fried beef and veggies with glass noodles. If you're not big on beef, try the melt-in-your-mouth Samgyupsal ($18) – grilled pork belly.
In light of the massive Korean wave that has hit our shores, crowds have been flocking to Korean eateries across the country, so you'd be smart to reserve a table or arrive very early. Note: you'll be smelling like Korean BBQ after this, so avoid enclosed, air-conditioned spaces.