From the subtle sizzle of binchotan to the robust flare of granite-fired grills, Ho Chi Minh City is lighting up with smoky excellence. Korean and Japanese BBQ restaurants are reimagining fire and flavour, offering diners more than just premium meats—they’re delivering curated culinary experiences, full of soul, spectacle, and sizzling satisfaction. Whether you're drawn to the elegance of Wagyu, the comfort of Korean pork belly, or the theatre of tabletop grilling, this roundup guides you to seven standout destinations where the embers glow bright and every bite tells a story.
Gamdong Korean Steakhouse: Flames of Tradition
Tucked in District 2’s quiet corners, Gamdong Korean Steakhouse celebrates the spirit of Korean barbecue with heart, heat, and heritage. Here, Wagyu beef glistens on the grill, pork belly crackles with promise, and soulful dishes deliver comfort with every bite. At Gamdong Korean Steakhouse, Korean dining is more than a meal – it’s a ritual of togetherness. Known for its premium Wagyu beef and buttery boneless short ribs, each cut is grilled tableside to sizzling perfection by skilled servers. The pork belly is marinated to balance smoky richness with aromatic spice, while traditional sides like kimchi and perilla oil noodles elevate the experience. The setting is intimate yet stylish, with Korean design touches that feel both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you’re enjoying a rainy-day dinner or celebrating a family occasion, the mood remains welcoming and warm. From soup-stirred comfort to umami-packed grill platters, Gamdong doesn't just feed—it satisfies on a cultural level 10 Vo Truong Toan Street, An Phu Ward, District 2, HCMC, Vietnam. Tel: (+84) 28 7307 3787.
Gyu Shige - Ngưu Phồn: True Japanese Flavor
Bringing the soulful flavors of Japanese Yakiniku to the heart of Saigon with premium beef cuts, fresh seafood, and crisp vegetables from their Da Lat farm — that’s the experience offered by Gyu Shige – Ngưu Phồn. With over 160 stores across Asia, Gyu Shige is beloved for its dedication to authentic taste and quality. From the melt-in-your-mouth Chilled U.S. Beef to sizzling grilled horumon and customizable marinades, every dish is a tribute to Japanese culinary craftsmanship. Set in a refined, Zen-inspired interior with private rooms for couples, families, or business meetings, the restaurant also features a stylish sake bar for a complete dining experience. Whether for celebrations or everyday indulgence, Gyu Shige – Ngưu Phồn is a must-visit for true barbecue lovers 48-50 Dong Du Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC, Vietnam. Tel: (+84) 28 3915 1627.
Meat & Meet BBQ: Soulful & Sizzling
Cosy, colourful, and full of spirit, Meat & Meet BBQ infuses traditional Korean dishes with bold flavours and genuine warmth. A must-visit for barbecue lovers who crave authenticity with a modern twist. Located on the third floor of Estella Place, Meat & Meet BBQ is proof that good food and good company go hand in hand. This vibrant spot channels the energy of Seoul’s back-alley grills with a Saigonese flair. Expect sizzling beef cuts, perfectly marinated in sweet-spicy sauces, alongside fan favourites like japchae, kimchi stew, and classic bibimbap. The ambience—modern, playful, container-inspired—is both industrial and inviting, echoing the vibrancy of Korean street culture. What truly sets Meat & Meet apart is its accessibility: top-tier flavours without the pretence or price tag. Ideal for after-work feasts, weekend dinners, or casual dates, it’s a place where meat is king, and everyone’s welcome at the table 3rd Floor, Estella Place Mall, 88 Song Hanh Street, An Phu Ward, Thu Duc City, HCMC, Vietnam. Tel: (+84) 28 6650 6000.
King Stone: Stone-Grilled Sophisticatio
Where granite meets fire, King Stone delivers a refined Korean barbecue journey. From melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu to spicy stir-fried pork belly, this sleek Le Thanh Ton spot blends bold flavours with quiet elegance. King Stone Korean Grill transforms the barbecue table into an artful celebration of texture, temperature, and tradition. Its signature use of granite grilling stones retains moisture while delivering a perfectly seared crust, enhancing every bite of premium chuck roll, striploin, and boneless short rib. Marinated pork belly bursts with heat and depth, while the sides—from cold noodles to pickled vegetables—strike a refreshing contrast. The space is modern and calming, with soft lighting and private rooms that cater to both intimate dates and festive group feasts. Service is attentive, pacing the meal so guests can truly savour each round. Finish with a smooth glass of soju or a chilled Korean beer to cut through the richness. At King Stone, it's not just about dining— it’s about crafting a lasting impression with every plate passed and every cut grilled to perfection. 8A Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC, Vietnam. Tel: (+84) 961 983 960.
Gyu-Kaku: True Japanese Flavor
Bringing the soulful flavors of Japanese Yakiniku to the heart of Saigon with premium beef cuts, fresh seafood, and crisp vegetables from their Da Lat farm — that’s the experience offered by Gyu Shige – Ngưu Phồn. With over 160 stores across Asia, Gyu Shige is beloved for its dedication to authentic taste and quality. From the melt-in-your-mouth Chilled U.S. Beef to sizzling grilled horumon and customizable marinades, every dish is a tribute to Japanese culinary craftsmanship. Set in a refined, Zen-inspired interior with private rooms for couples, families, or business meetings, the restaurant also features a stylish sake bar for a complete dining experience. Whether for celebrations or everyday indulgence, Gyu Shige – Ngưu Phồn is a must-visit for true barbecue lovers Ground Floor, 15/7 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC, Vietnam. Tel: (+84) 28 3822 4837.
Kokugyu: The Charcoal Connoisseur
Transport your senses to Tokyo at Kokugyu, where marbled Wagyu sizzles over binchotan charcoal in a refined, smoke-free setting. Every bite reveals the umami depth of expertly sourced cuts, precision-grilled and served with understated Japanese elegance. Kokugyu – also known as Nhà hàng Con Bò Đen – is a quiet triumph of Japanese dining nestled in the heart of Saigon. A proud member of the Akuruhi Group, it specialises in Yakiniku, Japan’s celebrated style of charcoal grilling. The stars of the menu are its premium Wagyu selections, hand-sliced for optimal marbling and texture. Each cut is cooked over binchotan, a white charcoal prized for its clean burn and subtle flavour infusion. The result is melt-in-your-mouth meat with rich, smoky undertones. Kokugyu also serves comforting Japanese hot pots and curated small plates to complement the grilled fare. With its minimalist design and attentive yet unobtrusive service, the restaurant channels the essence of omotenashi—Japan’s art of wholehearted hospitality 124 Tran Quang Khai Street, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, HCMC, Vietnam. Tel: (+84) 28 3822 0898.
Meat Plus: Flame & Farm
In the leafy enclave of Thao Dien, Meat Plus redefines Korean barbecue with a health-forward twist. Think HACCP-certified American beef, farm-grown vegetables, and smoky Bijang charcoal—all in a serene, spacious setting. Founded with quality and health in mind, Meat Plus stands out for its philosophy as much as its flavour. The restaurant sources premium U.S. beef— like juicy Ji Ma Sal and succulent royal short ribs—and grills it over high-grade Bijang charcoal, imparting a signature smokiness without overpowering the meat’s natural taste. The use of organic vegetables grown on the brand’s own farm ensures every side dish is as fresh as the mains. Health-conscious yet indulgent, Meat Plus also features nourishing Korean cold noodles and rich grilled eel—considered a stamina-boosting delicacy. The airy interiors are elegant and uncluttered, designed for everything from casual meetups to business lunches. Whether you’re craving a meat feast or a balanced barbecue meal, this venue strikes that elusive harmony between indulgence and wellbeing. 55 & 55A Nguyen Dang Giai Street, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, HCMC, Vietnam. Tel: (+84) 342 611 212 (VN) / 369 46 0 058 (KR).