Sae Ma Eul BBQ: Johor's Korean Charcoal Grilling Sensation

Nestled in the heart of JB, Sae Ma Eul BBQ has carved out a reputation as one of the most authentic and affordable Korean barbecue experiences you'll find here. With multiple outlets across the city, including locations in Austin Crest, Taman Pelangi and Taman Sutera Utama, this well-established Korean restaurant chain has successfully brought the sizzling street BBQ culture of Seoul to Malaysian shores.

An Authentic Korean Dining Experience

What sets Sae Ma Eul apart from other Korean restaurants is its commitment to traditional charcoal grilling. Each table comes equipped with its own charcoal grill and exhaust system, allowing diners to cook their meat exactly how they prefer it. The restaurant's decor maintains that authentic Korean street BBQ atmosphere with stainless steel tables and minimalist Korean-themed decorations, complete with K-pop posters adorning the walls and Korean television programmes playing in the background.

Buffet Offerings and Unbeatable Value

The star attraction at Sae Ma Eul BBQ is undoubtedly their charcoal BBQ buffet, priced at an incredibly reasonable RM39.10 (~S$11.80)) per adult and RM27.30 (~S$8.25) per child. This bargain allows diners a generous 100-minute dining experience – plenty of time to work through the extensive meat selection and sides.

The buffet includes an impressive variety of meats: marinated spicy chicken ribs, marinated pork ribs with special sauce, succulent pork belly, spicy pork belly, and pork shoulder. Each cut offers its own distinct flavour profile, from the glistening marbled fat of the pork belly to the bold, spicy marinades that pack a proper punch of Korean flavours. The meat quality is consistently praised by diners, with cuts that look promising and deliver on taste.

Banchan and Accompaniments

No Korean BBQ experience would be complete without the traditional banchan (side dishes), and Sae Ma Eul doesn't disappoint. The self-service bar is loaded with classic Korean accompaniments including kimchi, pickled cucumbers, and fresh lettuce for making ssam (wrapped meat parcels). What makes it even better is the unlimited refill policy on all side dishes, allowing diners to enjoy as much as they fancy.

Beyond the meats, the restaurant offers additional Korean favourites to round out the meal. The Gyeran Jjim (steamed egg) at RM12 (~S$3.63) comes loaded with spring onions and carrots, topped generously with sesame seeds. For those wanting some carbs alongside their protein, there's Ddeok Bokki (rice cakes) for RM25 (~S$7.55) or Bibim NaengMyeon (spicy cold noodles) for RM18 (~S$5.45), both served in decent portions perfect for sharing.

The pancakes are another highlight – choose between the thin and crispy Kimchi Pancake for RM24 (~S$7.25) or the more substantial Seafood Pancake for RM26 (~S$7.85), both ideal for larger groups looking to share.

Drinks Menu

To complete the authentic Korean dining experience, Sae Ma Eul stocks proper Korean beverages including Milkis, Demisoda and Soju in flavours such as chamisul, grape, and peach. Whether you're celebrating with friends or simply wanting to embrace the full Korean BBQ tradition, these additions help create that genuine Seoul street food atmosphere.

Operating Details

One of Sae Ma Eul's most appealing features is its opening hours. The restaurant operates daily from noon until midnight, making it an excellent choice for late-night dining after a day of shopping in JB. It operates several outlets across Johor Bahru, with the main locations in Austin Crest, Taman Pelangi and Taman Sutera Utama.

It's worth noting that the menu is heavily pork-focused, making it unsuitable for Muslim diners, but perfect for those who appreciate the full range of Korean pork preparations.

Final Verdict

For anyone seeking an authentic Korean BBQ experience without the premium pricing typically associated with such cuisine, Sae Ma Eul BBQ delivers exceptional value. The combination of quality meats, unlimited banchan, authentic charcoal grilling, and great prices makes it a standout choice in Johor's competitive dining scene. Whether you're a local looking for a regular Korean fix or a visitor from Singapore seeking affordable authentic cuisine, Sae Ma Eul BBQ provides an experience that's both satisfying and genuinely Korean.

Address: 2, Jalan Jaya Putra 7/5, Bandar Jaya Putra, 81100 Johor Bahru | 36, Jln Sri Pelangi 4, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru | 24G, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/4, Taman Sutera Utama, Skudai, 81300 Johor Bahru, 81300 Skudai
Opening Hours: 12pm-12am daily