School me on Korean BBQ
 

A special day is approaching and we recently had a Bewon Korean BBQ open nearby. I have long had interest in Korean food but have not actually eaten any. I am leaning toward some fried dumplings as a starter followed by boneless prime spare ribs, although marinated spare ribs are also offered.
Please explain the difference between those 2 items and suggest anything else you think might round out my first foray into upscale Korean vittles.

I am sure there are others that can post more detailed information but, damn I love Korean BBQ.

Whatever you do, don't forget the ban chan, and the soju. Go really easy on the soju.

The menu says the meal includes "side dishes" but does not enumerate what they could be. What might I see?

No soju here, I have a bottle of Aberlour 12 year waiting in the wings, also a first for me.

Basically little bowls of vegetables in various states. You'll get a dish of sprouts, a big bowl of sticky rice, kimchi.....stuff like that.

Side dishes is banchan.

Google helped with what banchan is. Thanks for the clarification on what it consists of.
How about the difference between prime BBQ and marinated? Google makes no distinction between....

Skip the fried dumplings. Go with the Bulgogi beef. Bulgogi, rice, and banchan is all you need.

:iagree::iagree::iagree:


Plus, it's fun to cook your own meat at the table. It helps you pace yourself.

Banchan are little side dishes. Tons of different kinds.

My favorite meats are the pork belly, bulgogi (I usually ask for spicy, if they have it) and Galbi. Sometimes I’ll do chicken, especially if my mom is there.

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