Berks County’s first Korean barbecue restaurant opens in Exeter
Most diners probably wouldn’t expect to grill their own food at a restaurant.
But self-service is exactly the charm of Korean barbecue — a culinary genre which appreciates that sizzling meat is a feast for all the senses, not just taste.
That feast is now within reach in Berks County, following the opening of Bulgogi Korean BBQ and Thai, the area’s first all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue joint.
Owners Allen and Julie Kim held a grand opening for Bulgogi on July 12.
“(Barbecue) is a tradition in Korea, and we’re bringing that tradition here,” said Allen Kim. “It’s basically a family experience, where you order meats and vegetables from the kitchen, and we bring it out for you.”
Diners at Bulgogi flavor their food with dipping sauces of their choice and let their table’s built-in grill do the rest.
“While we guide you on cooking it, for the most part, the customer cooks it themselves, to their specifications,” Kim said. “It’s kind of a communal event, where you can cook it yourself, have conversations, and have a good time.”
As diners cook, they are served side dishes like kimchi, fish cakes and soybean sprouts.
“(Side dishes) are complimentary to an all-you-can-eat order,” Kim said.
Allen Kim, co-owner of Bulgogi Korean BBQ in Exeter Township. The restaurant held a grand opening July 12. (BILL UHRICH – MEDIANEWS GROUP)
Barbecue fare is offered a-la-carte or as an all-you-can-eat option with unlimited meats.
And meats are many at Bulgogi.
Besides thinly sliced and marinated beef, or bulgogi — the restaurant’s namesake and Allen Kim’s preferred protein — diners can have galbi, or Korean short ribs, pork belly, and teriyaki, spicy or garlic chicken, as well as seafoods such as salmon, mussels, shrimp and squid.
Meats can be dipped in flavor enhancers including sesame oil with salt and pepper; ssamjang, a spicy sauce; and gochujang, a chili pepper paste and popular Korean condiment.
Thai dishes are available a-la-carte, with Bulgogi offering classics such as like pad Thai and red and green curry.
Achieving a dream
Kim said opening a Korean BBQ spot has been a dream since moving to the area from Boston two years ago.
The couple owns Spoonful Thai Bistro in West Reading, and establishing the first Korean BBQ in Berks was next on Allen Kim’s list.
“We found a place, took a chance and decided to go for it,” Kim said. “We just wanted to bring that experience here for people to enjoy and introduce them to Korean food.”
The restaurant was formerly a Moe’s Southwest Grill, but the Kims have given the site a facelift.
“We had to paint everything, added wood trimming, put up lighting, TVs, custom paint jobs on the walls,” Kim said. “We did a lot of remodeling.”
Work on the site took about four months, Kim said.
He said the ambiance is a fusion of Asian and American styling and emphasizes the community aspect of Korean BBQ.
“The main thing is the experience, you know, just being able to converse and enjoy,” Kim said. “The activity of cooking it yourself is kind of the draw.”
Kim has a long history with Korean food — he grew up on his mom’s cooking and has cooked in the same style for many years himself.
He recommended the pork belly.
“A lot of Americans are afraid to try the pork belly, but its one of the best items, I think,” Kim said. “It’s not marinated, you dip it in the sesame oil and eat it with rice and peppers, it hits the spot.”
An all-you-can eat lunch at Bulgogi costs $25.95 per person. Dinner is $10 more, at $35.95 per person and features about twice the protein options, including seafood.
Bulgogi Korean BBQ has opened at 4725 Perkiomen Ave., Exeter Township. Diners at the all-you-can eat restaurant grill their meats and vegetables at their table. (BILL UHRICH – MEDIANEWS GROUP)
Bulgogi is located at 4725 Perkiomen Ave. in Exeter. Its hours are Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from noon to 10 p.m.