Sizzling Deals: The 5 Best Affordable Korean Buffet BBQs in Johor Under RM40 (or SGD15!)
If you’re anything like me, the idea of unlimited sizzling meats, tangy kimchi, and a table full of banchan gets your stomach growling and your wallet sweating. Lucky for us, Johor Bahru (JB) is a goldmine for Korean BBQ buffs on a budget.
I’ve scoured the scene to bring you the best affordable Korean Buffet BBQ in Johor, all clocking in under RM40 (or about SGD15)—perfect for a feast that won’t break the bank. These spots serve up Korean goodness for lunch, dinner, or supper, and I’m spilling all the juicy details. Grab your stretchy pants, and let’s dig in!
My BBQ Quest: Why Johor’s Korean Scene Rocks
There’s something magical about grilling your own meat, dipping it in sauce, and pairing it with a dozen little side dishes. Johor’s got this vibe down pat—think smoky grills, wallet-friendly prices, and vibes that make you feel like you’re in Seoul without the plane ticket.
I set out to find the top five spots where you can eat your fill for under RM40 (or SGD15), and boy, did I strike gold. Here’s my honest rundown of the best affordable Korean Buffet BBQ in Johor.
I always love going for Buffet in Johor as it was the same price of a plate of rice in a cafe.
The Top 5 Affordable Korean Buffet BBQs in Johor
1. Gogigo Korean BBQ & Steamboat Buffet
- What’s Cooking: Korean BBQ and steamboat combo—grill meats like pork belly and marinated chicken, then simmer some seafood in spicy broth. Sides? Fries, japchae, and pancakes galore.
- Meals: Dinner and supper (open late!).
- Price: RM31 (~SGD12) per adult.
- Vibe: Casual and bustling—perfect for big appetites. The buttery meat aftertaste is heavenly.
2. Zen Plus Korean BBQ
- What’s Cooking: Unlimited meats (pork belly, spicy chicken), DIY ramen bar, stews, and Korean rice balls. A self-serve banchan station seals the deal.
- Meals: Lunch and dinner.
- Price: RM35 (~SGD13.50) for the Signature Buffet; RM40 (~SGD15) for Premium with extra cuts.
- Vibe: No-frills but packed with flavor. The free-flow ramen is a game-changer.
- What I Like: It serve authentic Korean dishes. The boss is friendly. They help you to BBQ and is air-conditioned.
3. Sae Ma Eul BBQ
- What’s Cooking: Charcoal-grilled goodness—pork belly, spicy chicken ribs, marinated pork. Add bingsu (shaved ice dessert) for RM8 (~SGD3).
- Meals: Lunch, dinner, and supper.
- Price: RM38 (~SGD14.50) for 100 minutes; kids under 90cm eat free!
- Vibe: Student hangout with a smoky, authentic edge. Watch out for the food wastage fee (RM10/100g).
- What I Like: They have nice meat although the limited selection. Drinks and side dishes are refillable. I like the marinated pork the most.
4. Itaewon BBQ Buffet
- What’s Cooking: Korean charcoal BBQ with pork cuts, spicy pork belly, and soy sauce chicken ribs. Free marshmallow skewers for a sweet finish.
- Meals: Lunch and dinner.
- Price: RM35 (~SGD13.50) lunch; RM38 (~SGD14.50) dinner.
- Vibe: Fresh and fun—opened in 2024, it’s got a lively buzz in Taman Daya.
- What I Like: It has almost similar to Sae Ma Eul BBQ. However, the different on the side dishes. They gave marshmallow as the start for once/pax. Sae Ma Eul is more popular as it has many branches around Malaysia.
Check out more details here.
5. Myeong Dong Korean BBQ Buffet
- What’s Cooking: Dual stoves for grilling (pork, chicken) and simmering soups (kimchi or clear). Banchan refills are endless.
- Meals: Dinner (closed Tuesdays).
- Price: RM36 (~SGD14)—super affordable for the spread.
- Vibe: Cozy, Korean-owned spot in Mount Austin. Simple but satisfying.
🌟 Practical Tips for Your Korean BBQ Adventure
Ready to hit these spots? Here’s how to make the most of your feast:
- Time It Right: Go for lunch buffets (where available) to save a few bucks—prices often jump a bit for dinner. Arrive early to beat the crowds!
- Pace Yourself: Start with lighter meats and sides—don’t fill up on fries when there’s unlimited pork belly calling your name.
- Bring Cash: Some spots are cash-only or charge extra for card payments. Have RM40-50 handy per person just in case.
- Check Hours: Late-night supper vibes are real here, but places like Myeong Dong close on Tuesdays—plan ahead!
📚 What Others Are Saying
I poked around online reviews to see what fellow foodies think, and here’s the scoop:
- Gogigo: “RM31 for BBQ and steamboat? Insane value. The japchae is a must!” Some say it gets smoky—ventilation’s not top-notch.
- Zen Plus: “DIY ramen bar stole the show. Meat’s fresh, but service can lag during peak hours.” Rated 4.2/5 on Google.
- Sae Ma Eul: “Charcoal grill gives it that authentic taste. Love the bingsu!” Crowds and wait times are a common gripe.
- Itaewon: “New fave! Marshmallows are a fun touch. RM35 lunch deal is unbeatable.” Parking’s tricky, though.
- Myeong Dong: “Korean-owned, so it feels legit. Soups are hearty.” Small space—book ahead if you’re a group.
My take? These spots deliver bang for your buck, but don’t expect fancy digs—focus is on the food, not frills.
The Food Lowdown: Korean BBQ Bliss
All five serve up Korean cuisine with a buffet twist—think unlimited grilled meats (pork belly, chicken, sometimes beef), banchan (kimchi, seaweed, anchovies), and soups or stews. Gogigo and Zen Plus throw in steamboat and ramen options, while Sae Ma Eul and Itaewon stick to charcoal BBQ roots. Meals range from lunch (Zen, Sae Ma Eul, Itaewon) to dinner (all five) and supper (Gogigo, Sae Ma Eul). Prices hover between RM31-38 (~SGD12-14.50), with Zen’s Premium at RM40 (~SGD15) still squeaking under the limit. It’s all-you-can-eat heaven for meat lovers!
🎯 Conclusion: Grill ‘Til You Spill
Johor’s Korean BBQ buffet scene is a foodie’s dream—affordable, delicious, and packed with variety. Whether you’re slurping ramen at Zen Plus, grilling charcoal-kissed pork at Sae Ma Eul, or chasing marshmallows with Itaewon’s spicy ribs, you’re in for a treat under RM40 (SGD15). These spots prove you don’t need deep pockets for a deep food coma. My fave? Tough call, but Gogigo’s BBQ-steamboat duo had me at hello.
So, which of these are you hitting up first—or got a secret JB BBQ gem I missed? Drop it in the comments—I’m always up for round two!
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only. Prices and availability may vary. Please check with the place directly for the most up-to-date information.
