Mont Kiara's Best: Korean Eats

What Duk Soo Ne lacks in decor, they make up for with their affordable prices, like the two-hour BBQ buffet for RM35.90 per person. There's something for both flavour junkies and meat purists. You can choose to have your meat well-marinated or simply as it is — the charcoal grill will give it a good smoky flavour. Dive straight for the thick and tasty slices of pork belly and marinated beef. In the buffet line, you'll also find an assortment of banchan (side dishes), soup and tteokbboki (rice cakes) to munch on as your meat cooks. Burppler Tiffany commends the staff for the attentive service that buffets typically lack — they'll be quick to change the hot plate once char begins to form.
Avg Price: RM40
Photo by Burppler Tiffany Ng

Fried chicken and beer, a pairing known as 'chimac' in Korea, is one of their most loved suppers and we can see why — how could one resist deep-fried chicken washed down with a glass of bubbly, cold beer? Frequented by Mont Kiara's own Korean community, Chi Mac Bistro is where you'll want to visit for this killer combo! The sharing plates consists of a portion of whole chicken that's good for two people, and we recommend the Gan Jang Chicken (RM51). Glazed in soy, these babies have a great sweet-salty balance that's best enjoyed with Asahi Draft Beer (from RM20). Kick back with the friends here for a K-style supper or snuggle up for a sinful stay-at-home one, as Chi Mac delivers to Mont Kiara and Desa Parkcity for free!
Avg Price: RM40
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Kaelyn

Once visited by Korean star Haha of Running Man fame, Sola-Pocha excels in Korean-style bar grub with drinks (Korean too, of course). Order the Gopchang Bokum or Stir-Fried Chitterlings (RM70), which are sausages made of pork intestines. These have a piquant flavour that's absolutely lovable, and even more when it's had with a bottle of warming Soju (RM25) — just ask any Koreans eating there (there will be many). The bar also doubles as a restaurant so if you're feeling famished, go all out with the BBQ Ribs with Cheese Fondue (RM70 for two pax). The intensely spicy ribs are mellowed by the cheese for a delicious balance. Pro tip: Ask for disposable gloves so the burn doesn't stay on your hands.
Avg Price: RM80
Photo by Burppler Ming Jun Chai

After a heaty, meaty meal at one of these barbecue joints in this list, here's a supper spot for a cool finish! Run by a Korean couple, Villa Ju Bakery Cafe has offerings from pastas, sandwiches to freshly baked breads, but walk in the ways of fellow Burpplers and come for the bingsus. Their Milk Green Tea Bingsu (RM32.90) is the popular pick, served with chewy rice cakes and bittersweet green tea powder (on the side). For something easier on the pocket, try the Fruit Bingsu (RM16.90) with fresh fruits atop a bed of sweet, milky ice. The bingsus here arrive in enormous bowls that feed two to three dessert stomachs, so be sure to bring friends!
Avg Price: RM20
Photo by Burppler Oscar Chin

Step into Sae Ma Eul and expect to hear 'Anyeonghaseyo!' echo through the shop in true Korean hospitality. The entire menu is summed up to BBQ Set A (RM59) and BBQ Set B (RM81) and something about that frill-free concept thrills the decision maker in us. BBQ Set B tips the scale with the much-recommended grilled chicken, pork belly and lamb but we'll admit, it was the free Hite beer that sealed the deal. When at this authentic joint, you mustn't miss the signature Spicy Rice Ball (RM23). Rolled into an avalanche of shredded seaweed, these balls of goodness will do a fine job at filling you up. Get the grill on with a few friends at this restaurant, but make sure to show up early as reservations are not allowed.
Avg Price: RM40
Photo by Burppler Chen Winnie

Aptly named Crazy Fish has got one of the city's most impressive Korean seafood selections, from fresh Abalone (RM72) to creamy sea urchin (RM75), and you'll find the crazy in the form of their Live Octopus (RM92) dish. A popular delicacy sold in fish markets throughout Seoul and Busan, the small live octopus is swiftly sliced and served with nothing but a drizzle of sesame oil. Bring company with equally adventurous appetites for this slithering treat. The seafood spot also allows patrons to get onboard the safer side with fresh Korean Sea Snails (RM46) or better yet, an extensive list of grilled fish. Avg Price: RM50
Photo by Burppler Amayzing

Located on the first floor of Soho KL, Ola!'s garden theme comes through in both the green decor and their generous provision of nine vegetable banchans (side dishes) at every table of two or more. For lunch dates with your meat lover of a boyfriend, the Ola Jungsik (RM84 for two pax) is a heaven-sent meal — think halmae bossam (kimchi-wrapped pork), smoked duck and doenjang jigae (soybean paste stew) with brown rice or noodles. Sounds underwhelming? The nine banchans served alongside will prove otherwise. Mark this venue down for when you have cash and calories to spare on luscious meats, while still keeping your veggie intake in check.
Avg Price: RM45
Photo by Burppler SY Ho

The brainchild of South Korean co-founder and an Australian chef, Doma's appeal lies in its Korean-inspired dishes that bear unconventionally bold flavours. At RM23 for the day's main, drink and dessert, the value for money lunch promotion is worth ordering, especially if the day offers the BBQ sauce-laden Korean Fried Chicken Burger. If not, get the KFC Korean Fried Chicken (RM29 for half) on its own. Putting a sweet spin on hotteok (Korean rice pancakes), the Nutella Ice Cream On Sticky Rice Pancake (RM12) hits the hot and cold spots with ice cream on warm, chewy sticky rice pancake. Take a friend out to this modern restaurant for something new at someplace quiet.
Avg Price: RM30
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Kaelyn

Mr. Dak Galbi arrived at our shores shortly after the dak galbi (stir-fried chicken) fad broke out but while others slowed down, this chain thrived beyond the trend with a cheesy edge. When you order the Dak Galbi Set (from RM64 for two pax), you get to watch your chicken stir-fried with vegetables, rice cakes, ramen, rice and cheese before your eyes at the table's flat-top stove. Here's where it gets cheesy — most come to this restaurant to binge on dak galbi with the optional Cheese Ring (RM17). The seriously indulgent cheese ring is filled with lava-like melting cheese, which serves as a sumptuous dip for your chicken before it reaches your plate. When splurging on such sinful eats, it's best to bring your squad and definitely, do it at dinnertime!
Avg Price: RM35
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Edric Lee

Despite the long queue, Palsaik still commands a crowd no doubt here to devour their 8 Color Set (RM128 for 3-4 pax). Palsaik means 'eight colours' in Korean, which you'll witness through the eight slabs of pork belly marinated in eight different flavours. There is a special place in our hearts for the spiced, delicious curry marinade — in other words, it will be wise to order an extra portion of this for RM36. Be sure to savour these pork belly slices wrapped in free-flow lettuce with a dollop of gochujang (red pepper paste)! Every set also comes equipped with a hearty seafood soup to soothe your meat-filled tummy. The menu here is made for sharing so don't hesitate to bring a friend or three!
Avg Price: RM50
Photo by Burppler Xavier Ting