Banchan Korean BBQ: A Taste of Seoul in the Heart of Sandton

Where Jozi meets Korea with smoke, spice, and a whole lot of soul

Tucked away just two kilometres from Sandton City, Banchan Korean BBQ is the kind of hidden gem you almost don’t want to tell people about until you try it. Then you can’t stop talking. From its cosy Parkmore location to the heady aroma of sizzling meats and tangy kimchi, Banchan feels less like a restaurant and more like a home kitchen in downtown Seoul.

This family-owned eatery, led by Mama Choi, is steeped in authenticity. It’s not trying to be trendy or fusion-friendly. It’s unapologetically Korean, with house-made tofu, punchy marinades, and table grills fired up for bulgogi and samgyeopsal. Locals have caught on, and the tables fill up quickly with regulars and newcomers alike, all chasing one thing: real Korean food, done right.

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More than just a meal, it’s an experience

Walk in and you’ll hear the warm clatter of Korean chatter. Diners calling out “Jeo-gi-yo” for service, or “Unni” and “Imo,” affectionate terms for older sister or aunty. The atmosphere? Casual, lively, deeply familial. At every table, small side dishes known as banchan are shared and replenished, encouraging communal eating in the most literal sense.

Each table is equipped with built-in BBQ grills, so you’re not just eating your meal, you’re cooking it, seasoning it, and watching it sear. Whether it’s marinated short ribs (sogalbi), beef sirloin (bulgogi), or thick slabs of pork belly (samgyeopsal), the magic happens in front of you, and everyone gets involved.

What’s cooking?

The menu at Banchan is expansive but focused. Everything is made in-house, from their signature kimchi to their marinades and sauces.

Some standouts from the menu include

• Stonepot Bibimbap: a hot stone bowl layered with rice, vegetables, and egg

• Kimchi Bokkeumbap: fried rice with kimchi and pork

• Sundubu Jjigae: a bubbling stew of soft tofu, clams, and pork mince

• Tteokbokki: spicy rice cakes in a sweet-hot gochujang sauce

• Japchae: glass noodles stir-fried with spinach and mushrooms

• Fried Korean Chicken: available in boneless or wings, with sauces like soya garlic, sweet chilli, and fire-red

• Seafood Pancake (Haemul Pajeon): crispy, fluffy, savoury and packed with squid and prawns

• Gimbap: Korean-style sushi rolls with everything from tofu to bulgogi fillings

They even serve authentic Korean drinks like Yuja Ade and Bonbon grape juice, alongside herbal teas and milkshakes for those looking to cool the spice.

Image 1: Facebook/Banchan – Korean Restaurant

The Mama Choi factor

Banchan isn’t just named after Korea’s beloved small-plate tradition. It’s also built on it. “Good food starts with motherly love,” says Mama Choi, who oversees the kitchen with a steady hand and generations of culinary wisdom. Every dumpling, every slab of tofu, and every slurp of broth has her fingerprint.

And it shows. Dishes come out balanced, soulful, and deeply satisfying, not overworked or overly commercial. If you’ve never had a “mom-cooked” Korean meal, this is the closest you’ll get without flying 13 hours east.

What locals are saying

On Instagram and Facebook, fans of Banchan rave about everything from the crispy fried chicken to the steamy jjigae. TikTok clips show sizzling samgyeopsal cut with scissors at the table, and friends clinking soju glasses over bubbling hot pots. Reviews echo one theme: authenticity and warmth.

“Banchan feels like dinner at a Korean friend’s house,” one guest posted. “Except you’re in Sandton, and the food is better than most places in Seoul.”

Planning your visit

You’ll find Banchan in a red-brick building at 108 Victoria Avenue, Parkmore, just a short hop from Sandton’s business buzz. The vibe is informal, but booking is wise; the restaurant fills up fast, especially on weekends. Hours run from 11:30am to 9:30pm (Mon–Wed) and 11:30am to 10:00pm (Thu–Sat). They’re closed on Sundays.

Whether you’re a Korean food first-timer or a long-time fan craving legit bulgogi and bibimbap, Banchan delivers an experience that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious.

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Source: Banchan Korean Eatery

Featured Image: Facebook/Banchan – Korean Restaurant