Galbi is marinated beef short ribs grilled over charcoal. The best versions use top-graded hanwoo cattle, butchered in-house and cut thick to the bone.
Where to eat it: 2 restaurants across 1 city.
Galbi (short ribs) has been part of Korean food culture since at least the Goryeo dynasty, when beef became associated with ceremonial and celebration food. The marinade of soy sauce, Asian pear, garlic, ginger, sesame oil and sugar is a Joseon-era development recorded in court cooking texts. Suwon in Gyeonggi Province is historically associated with the most generous galbi cut: the claim is that Suwon galbi is cut longer and thicker than anywhere else in Korea. The post-war premium galbi tradition was codified by restaurants like Byeokje Galbi, which began sourcing top 1% graded hanwoo cattle and doing in-house butchery in the 1980s.
Common allergens: Soy in marinade, Sesame in marinade
Tip from the editors. The grated Asian pear is not optional: it tenderises and sweetens. If unavailable, kiwi works as an enzyme substitute but use half the quantity.
This is the TableJourney editorial recipe, modelled on the canonical bistro / counter version. The first place to try the dish in its city of origin is below.
In the Michelin Guide and on 50Best Discovery, Byeokje Galbi has served premium charcoal-grilled hanwoo short ribs since 1986, handling its own butchery.
Signature: Charcoal galbi, Hanwoo ribeye
Order: Galbi (short ribs) over charcoal: the restaurant sources top 1% graded hanwoo, butchered in-house and cut to the bone.
Tip: Book the private room for groups; the galbi course includes side dishes and a naengmyeon to close.
Maple Tree House in Itaewon serves premium hanwoo (Korean beef) and Jeju black pork belly over charcoal in a polished room frequented by international guests.
Signature: Hanu sirloin, Jeju black pork belly
Order: Aged hanwoo sirloin, cooked tableside over charcoal and served with perilla wraps.
Tip: Arrive at opening on weekends to skip the queue; the staff will cook for you if you prefer.
More cities are in research. Want galbi (grilled short ribs) covered somewhere specific? Tell us where you want to eat.