LA Galbi – The Korean BBQ Short Ribs Loved Worldwide
LA Galbi at Myeongdong Korean BBQ Mongvely
If you’ve ever sat in front of a sizzling grill and smelled that rich, sweet aroma of beef caramelizing, you’ve probably met LA Galbi.
This Korean BBQ classic turns short ribs into something extraordinary — juicy, tender, and perfectly glazed.
At Myeongdong Korean BBQ Mongvely, LA Galbi is one of our signature dishes — grilled fresh, marinated overnight, and served with unlimited side dishes.
Let’s explore what makes this dish special, its history, and how to enjoy it the right way.
What Is LA Galbi?
LA Galbi (엘에이 갈비) is a Korean BBQ dish made with flanken-cut beef short ribs — thin slices cut across the bone instead of along it.
Each piece shows two or three small round bone “coins,” surrounded by tender layers of marbled beef.
Because the slices are thinner than traditional galbi, the marinade penetrates quickly and cooks evenly in minutes on the grill.
The sweet soy marinade caramelizes beautifully, giving that irresistible smoky, glossy finish you’ll find at Korean BBQ spots like Mongvely!
➣ Explore Mongvely’s MENU here!
The Origins of LA Galbi
From Los Angeles to Seoul
Although galbi itself has deep roots in Korean history, LA Galbi began in Los Angeles.
In the 1970s, Korean immigrants found American butchers selling ribs in cross-cut style.
They adapted this local cut using the same Korean soy, garlic, and pear marinade — and it worked perfectly.
The result was faster cooking, easier eating, and a flavor that reminded everyone of home.
As Korean BBQ culture grew across LA’s Koreatown, this new version gained a name: LA Galbi.
Coming Home to Korea
By the 1990s, LA Galbi had traveled back to Korea.
Locals embraced it as a convenient, flavorful twist on traditional galbi.
Now, you’ll find both versions — thick-cut traditional and cross-cut LA style — at Korean BBQ restaurants across Seoul.
➣ Visit our About Page to learn how Mongvely celebrates this mix of tradition and modern taste every day.
The Flavor and Marinade
The heart of LA Galbi lies in its marinade — a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and nutty.
A traditional recipe includes:
Soy sauce for umami
Brown sugar or honey for sweetness and caramelization
Minced garlic and onion for aroma
Asian pear or apple purée to tenderize the meat naturally
Sesame oil and sesame seeds for nuttiness
Rice wine or mirin for smoothness
Black pepper and scallions for depth and freshness
The ribs soak overnight, letting the marinade work its magic. When grilled, the sugars caramelize and the beef becomes juicy, glossy, and packed with flavor.
➣ Want to learn about other marinades and sauces? Check out our How to Eat Korean BBQ & Sauce Pairing Guide.
How to Eat LA Galbi
The BBQ Experience
Korean BBQ is not just food — it’s an experience.
At Mongvely, every table has its own grill, and the fun begins when you start cooking.
The meat sizzles, the aroma fills the air, and the conversation flows.
Make It the Korean Way — “Ssam”
The most authentic way to eat LA Galbi is to make a ssam (wrap):
Take a lettuce or perilla leaf.
Add a piece of grilled galbi.
Add a touch of ssamjang (soybean-chili paste).
Top it with garlic, chili, or kimchi.
Wrap it and eat in one bite.
That one bite combines sweet, salty, smoky, and fresh — the essence of Korean BBQ culture.
➣ See more Korean BBQ tips in our Ultimate Guide to Korean BBQ in Seoul
Don’t Forget the Sides
Every K-BBQ meal comes with banchan (side dishes) — like kimchi, pickled radish, seasoned vegetables, and glass noodles.
They balance the richness of the meat and keep every bite interesting.
After you’ve grilled enough, finish your meal the Korean way with soybean paste stew or cold noodles, both included in Mongvely’s set menus.
Why LA Galbi Is Loved Around the World
Flavor Everyone Loves
LA Galbi’s sweet-salty flavor appeals to everyone — even those new to Korean food.
It’s the perfect introduction to Korean BBQ for tourists visiting Seoul.
Fun, Social Dining
Grilling together builds connection.
That’s why Korean BBQ — especially with LA Galbi — has become the go-to group meal for locals, travelers, and K-pop fans exploring Myeongdong.
Perfect for All-You-Can-Eat
LA Galbi’s thin cut makes it ideal for buffet-style dining.
You’ll find it featured in our All-You-Can-Eat BBQ Plans, where guests can grill as much as they want!
Fueled by the Korean Wave
K-dramas and K-pop idols made BBQ a global sensation.
Now, travelers come to Seoul just to experience it for themselves — and most choose Myeongdong as their first stop.
➣ Our Location Guide shows exactly how to find us, just one minute from Myeongdong Station Exit 6.
Fun Facts About LA Galbi
“LA” stands for Los Angeles, not “lateral.”
The dish was first made by Korean immigrants adapting to U.S. butchery styles.
Chef Roy Choi made it famous globally through his Kogi BBQ Tacos.
Korean supermarkets now sell ready-to-grill LA Galbi, bringing Korean BBQ into homes worldwide.
In Korea, LA Galbi is now as beloved as traditional galbi — especially in Myeongdong Korean BBQ Mongvely, where it’s part of our everyday grill experience.
Experience LA Galbi in Myeongdong
Want to taste the real thing?
Visit Myeongdong Korean BBQ Mongvely — Seoul’s favorite all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ restaurant, located just steps from Myeongdong Station.
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 2:00 a.m.
Follow us on Instagram: @kbbqmongvely
Come hungry, leave happy — and maybe a little smoky.
That’s the Mongvely way.
