BAB N SUUL London: A Korean BBQ Gem in the Heart of London’s Chinatown with Free Side Dishes

There are restaurants that feed you, and then there are restaurants that welcome you. BAB N SUUL, located in the buzzing heart of Chinatown London, falls very much into the latter category.

Korean barbecue (or KBBQ) culture is all about connection, cooking together, sharing plates, laughing over sizzling pork belly, and wrapping the perfect bite in crisp lettuce with sauces to match your mood. On my recent visit, I was not only impressed by the quality of the food but also by the authenticity of the experience, especially since this is the only place that serve out complimentary side dishes that make the meal feel authentically Korean from the very first bite (since other KBBQ places in London don’t offer this).

Background about BAB N SUUL London

London is no stranger to Korean cuisine, but finding a restaurant that mirrors the full KBBQ experience as you might find in Seoul is surprisingly difficult. Many places in the city offer Korean BBQ in name only, often charging for side dishes (known as banchan) or don’t serve certain traditional cuts of meat.

BAB N SUUL stands out for serving free banchan with its KBBQ orders. For anyone familiar with Korean dining culture, this is more than just a nice perk, it’s a sign of authenticity and hospitality. The table is laid with lettuce leaves, sesame oil, salt, chilli slices, garlic, gochujang (spicy paste), shredded onions, pickled shallots, and, of course, kimchi. These aren’t extras, this is how KBBQ is meant to be enjoyed.

Another rare offering: pork jowl. Despite being a beloved cut in Korea, it is surprisingly difficult to find in London, and BAB N SUUL is the only restaurant I’ve come across that serves it.

Open late seven days a week (until 1 am Sunday to Thursday and 2 am over the weekend), it has also cemented itself as a go-to spot for late-night diners who want more than a takeaway. There’s an undeniably social energy in the dining room, tables alive with sizzling grills, laughter bouncing off the walls, and the comforting aroma of grilled meats wafting through the air.

What is the Experience like at BAB N SUUL London?

Walking into BAB N SUUL, the atmosphere is immediately warm and inviting. The staff are efficient and friendly, guiding you through the ordering process if it’s your first time, and returning to assist with the grill when needed.

Unlike some Korean BBQ places where you’re left entirely to your own devices, the team here balances independence and service. You grill your meats at the table, an essential part of the Korean barbecue experience but staff check in periodically to adjust heat levels or help flip meats.

Booking is advisable, especially for larger groups, but if you’re dining with just one or two people, you’ll often be able to walk in and grab a table. Its central location also makes it an easy meet-up spot before a night out or after one.

What is the Food like at BAB N SUUL London?

We opted not to order a set platter and instead handpicked individual meats we already knew we loved. This approach is ideal if you’re familiar with KBBQ cuts or want to try specific items.

Korean Fried Chicken – Soy Garlic (£14)

The standout dish of the meal and one I would return for time and time again was the soy garlic fried chicken. Perfectly crispy on the outside and unbelievably juicy on the inside, each piece glistened under a glossy garlic glaze that delivered savoury depth with gentle sweetness. I normally avoid sweeter fried chicken sauces, but this was flawlessly balanced. It converted me. From now on, soy garlic is officially my default KFC flavour.

Japchae Beef (£16)

Japchae is often a supporting dish on a Korean menu, but here it held its own. The sweet potato glass noodles were bouncy and well-seasoned, stir-fried with thin slices of beef and vegetables. This dish provided a comforting, slightly sweet contrast to the rich grilled meats.

Pork Jowl (£18)

A superstar cut that’s tragically underrated. Pork jowl has a unique texture somewhere between pork belly and pork shoulder with natural marbling that renders beautifully on the grill. Each bite was juicy and slightly chewy in the best way, packing flavour into every mouthful. If you’ve never tried pork jowl before, this is the place to do it.

Pork Belly (£15)

An essential in any Korean BBQ feast. The pork belly here was thick-cut, fresh, and deliciously fatty, ideal for grilling until caramelised at the edges, then dipping into sesame oil and wrapping in lettuce with kimchi. It’s simplicity executed perfectly.

Salchi Sal (£33) – Beef Chunk Flap Tail

This premium beef cut, known for its tenderness and marbling, was one of the highlights on the grill. It cooked quickly and retained a buttery texture. For those who enjoy steak-like beef with minimal seasoning to let the quality shine, Salchi Sal is a must.

Chadol Baegi (£21) – Sliced Beef Brisket

Thinly sliced and quick to grill, this is one of the most satisfying cuts for wrapping in lettuce with all the condiments. The texture is tender and light, making it a great choice to contrast richer meats like pork belly.

What is the Price like at BAB N SUUL London?

With an average spend of £25–£35 per person, BAB N SUUL is very reasonably priced for central London and especially for Korean barbecue, which often runs higher due to the interactive nature of the meal and the quality of ingredients.

What adds significant value here is the inclusion of side dishes and condiments. Most Korean restaurants in London charge extra for each side, and these costs add up quickly. At BAB N SUUL, the generous spread of banchan is included, making the experience not only more authentic but more cost-effective.

Compared to other KBBQ spots in London that might charge £3–£5 per side, BAB N SUUL easily saves you £10–£15 per table before you even start ordering meat.

Final Thoughts

Dining at BAB N SUUL delivers everything you’d expect from Korean barbecue premium meats, authentic banchan, and a warm, lively atmosphere. What truly sets it apart is its dedication to traditional Korean dining, from serving rare cuts like pork jowl to serving complimentary side dishes with every barbecue order.

If you’re craving an experience that feels genuinely Korean rather than adapted for Western tastes, BAB N SUUL is a must-visit. With its convenient location, reasonable prices, and late-night hours, it’s one of London’s standout spots for enjoyable dining.

Whether you’re a KBBQ enthusiast or trying it for the first time, BAB N SUUL hits the spot on flavour, value, and fun. You’ll leave satisfied, pleasantly smoky from the grill (in the best way), and already planning your return.

Highlights & Tips

• Must try dishes: Soy garlic fried chicken, pork jowl, pork belly and Salchi Sal (Beef Chunk Flap Tail)
• Located in central Chinatown at 1 Gerrard Pl, London W1D 5PA
• Easy to reach via public transport and surrounded by bars and dessert spots
• Ideal for lunch, dinner, or late-night dining
• Great value considering free banchan and generous meat portions
• If you can, go with a group to try more cuts and share dishes

BAB N SUUL, Korean BBQ Restaurant

• Location: Chinatown London, 1 Gerrard Pl, London W1D 5PA
• Opening Hours: Sun – Thu (12 pm–1 am); Fri – Sat (12 pm–2am)
• Price: average £25 – £35pp

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