How to Eat Korean BBQ: Sauce Pairing Guide at Mongvely
When people think about Korean BBQ, their minds immediately go to sizzling pork belly (samgyeopsal), juicy beef brisket, and hearty cuts of marinated meat grilling right at the table. But what truly sets Mongvely apart and keeps diners coming back again and again? The sauces and seasonings that elevate every bite!
At Mongvely, located in the heart of Myeongdong, we believe that sauces are not just side condiments—they are the soul of the meal. Our all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ is known for premium beef, pork, and intestines, but just as importantly, for the variety of unique dipping sauces and flavor combinations we provide to our guests. If you’ve ever wondered “How do Koreans eat BBQ the right way?” or “Which sauce goes best with samgyeopsal?”, this guide will take you step by step through Mongvely’s secret pairings.
Why Sauces Matter in Korean BBQ
Unlike Western-style barbecues where seasoning is done mainly before cooking, Korean BBQ emphasizes balance after grilling. The meat itself is usually lightly seasoned, allowing the diner to create their own perfect flavor with sauces, salts, and condiments. This makes the experience interactive, customizable, and endlessly delicious.
At Mongvely, we’ve curated a sauce station that highlights both classic Korean favorites and house specialties that you won’t find everywhere else. Our sauces are carefully designed to bring out the natural juiciness of the meat, cut through the richness, or add an exciting kick.
The Mongvely Sauces
Here are list of sauces you’ll find when dining at Mongvely:
1.Curry Powder
A bold, aromatic seasoning that adds warmth and depth. Sprinkle lightly over grilled beef or intestines.
Best Pairing: Beef brisket and intestines
Why It Works: The curry flavor cuts through richness and adds a savory kick.
2. Cheese Powder
A fun, unexpected twist for Korean BBQ. Dust it on pork belly or ribs.
Best Pairing: Pork belly (samgyeopsal)
Why It Works: The creamy, salty notes enhance the fatty juiciness of pork.
3 & 4. Garlic & Ssamjang
These two classics are staples in any Korean BBQ meal.
Garlic adds sharpness, while ssamjang (Thick soybean paste with chili) delivers earthy, spicy-sweet flavor.
Best Pairing: Wrap pork or beef in lettuce with ssamjang and garlic for the perfect ssam.
5. Spicy Teriyaki Sauce
A Mongvely specialty, this sauce blends sweetness with heat.
Best Pairing: Any preferred cut of meat!
Why It Works: The caramelized grill marks bring out the sauce’s spicy-sweet character.
6. Cumin Powder
With its smoky aroma, cumin powder adds a special flair!
Best Pairing: Grilled intestines (gopchang)
Why It Works: The earthy spice balances the fattiness of intestines beautifully.
7. Sesame Oil + Salt + Pepper
This is the heart of Korean BBQ dipping culture. Simple yet powerful.
Best Pairing: Pork belly and pork shoulder
Why It Works: The oil enhances flavor, while salt and pepper provide balance.
8. Pickled Radish
Refreshing and crunchy, pickled radish isn’t a dip but an essential palate cleanser.
Best Pairing: Between heavier cuts like pork belly or ribs
Why It Works: Its acidity resets your taste buds.
9. Onion Sauce (paired with fresh onions + pepper + wasabi)
A soy-based sauce with sliced onions for zest and freshness.
Best Pairing: Lean beef cuts
Why It Works: The tangy onions prevent leaner meats from tasting dry.
10. White Kimchi
Unlike spicy red kimchi, white kimchi is mild, tangy, and slightly sweet.
Best Pairing: Fatty meat cuts
Why It Works: Balances fattiness with freshness.
11. Traditional Red Kimchi
The ultimate Korean side dish, spicy fermented cabbage.
Best Pairing: Any grilled meat, especially pork belly
Why It Works: Its spice and acidity balance fat.
12. Myeonginamul (Seasoned Greens)
Traditional Korean vegetables seasoned with sesame and soy.
Best Pairing: Wrap with grilled beef or pork
Why It Works: Adds earthy, herbal notes to each bite.
13. Garlic + Sesame Oil in a Baking Cup
Grilled garlic swimming in sesame oil becomes sweet and nutty.
Best Pairing: Any meat you want to flavor subtly
Why It Works: Garlic mellows as it cooks, adding depth without overpowering.
14. Homemade Marinade
Our secret in-house blend for tenderizing and flavoring meat.
Best Pairing: Beef Ribs (galbi)
Why It Works: Adds savory-sweet umami that pairs with charred meat.
15. Wasabi
A bold, spicy condiment usually seen with sushi, but it shines at BBQ too.
Best Pairing: Beef brisket or steak cuts
Why It Works: The sharp heat balances fattiness.
16. Steak Seasoning
A savory, pepper-forward rub perfect for hearty cuts.
Best Pairing: Thick beef slices
Why It Works: Enhances the natural beefy flavor.
17. Pepper + Green Tea Salt
One of Mongvely’s most unique offerings, blending earthy pepper with refreshing green tea.
Best Pairing: Intestines and brisket
Why It Works: Lightens fatty meats with a clean finish.
Tips for the Perfect Combination
Mix and Match: Don’t limit yourself to one sauce—alternate between sesame oil, spicy sauces, and powders to keep your palate excited.
Build the Perfect Wrap (ssam): Lettuce, grilled meat, ssamjang, garlic, and your favorite sauce = one heavenly bite.
Balance Heavy with Light: After rich cuts, refresh with pickled radish, white kimchi, or myeonginamul.
Try Something New: Curry, cumin, and cheese powder aren’t traditional—but they may become your new favorites.
Final Bite
Korean BBQ is more than grilling meat—it’s about how you build each bite. At Mongvely, our sauces, powders, and side dishes let you explore countless combinations, from classic sesame oil to adventurous curry powder.
Next time you’re in Myeongdong, stop by Mongvely and discover why our sauces are just as unforgettable as our BBQ!
Visit Us Now!
Mongvely Main Branch
Address: Myeongdong 8na-gil 9 3rd Floor
Opening Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Mongvely 2nd Branch
Address: Myeongdong 3-gil 44 2nd Floor
Opening Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Follow us on Instagram: @kbbqmongvely
