SSAM Korean BBQ - Ringwood — Restaurant in Melbourne

We had never been to a KBBQ before. I have included my thoughts on Kbbq for other novices. Note that those observations are general, quite obvious in hindsight and not based on this restaurant at all. ;-)

We went for a birthday dinner. We absolutely loved our evening in SSAM Ringwood and I recommend it. Upon entering, we were made to feel right at home and greeted warmly. Our waitresses and maître d were very helpful; they took their time to explain how it all worked to us.

SSAM Ringwood is a bit on the small side but it efficiently manages a balance of seating and buffet area. When I made the online booking, I requested a bit more space for our people with mobility issues. The staff were very helpful with this. There is a small lip of the doorframe to get into the restaurant.

The raw food was all very fresh and on the whole, easy to cook. SSAM offers cooked dishes too- greens etc, fried rice and deep fried offerings such as Kung pao (yummo). I found the kim chi was a bit mellow in terms of garlic but still delicious. You can make up your own dipping sauces! I loved that. *Do note that there is a wastage fee if your party has just grabbed heaps of stuff but not eaten it. I think that’s a great idea myself.

There is a well stocked/ replenished water station for your hydration. All other drinks such as soft drink and alcoholic beverages are recorded for the tallied cost at the end of your session. SSAM’s boss came around the restaurant and offered shots to every table, so naturally we made our 85yo guest drink for us, ha.

SSAM Ringwood is strict on the 2 hour session thing. If half of your party is stuck in traffic, I urge you to start cooking instead of waiting until they turn up! The place gets packed out quickly but it’s slow to empty and it becomes a bit of a bottleneck for the out going 5:30-7:30 customers vs. the incoming 7:30-9:30 crowd.

Parking can be found behind SSAM but it’s a dimly lit area in winter. We got there at 5pm and scored plum positions in the small northern facing carpark. Helpful for us because we have slightly longer 4wds and reversed in. The parking out the front is better suited to sedans and suvs, but you could still park a 4wd in there. It just gets a bit hectic with the 7:30 customers lining up outside. The spots behind SSAM are also average sized.

In summary, we had a great night and will be back soon. Big thanks to all of the staff!

My general observations about a Korean bbq are thus: 1. DO NOT LET THE IDIOTS AND NON COOKS TAKE CONTROL OF THE HOTPLATE. Cooking slices of corn on the cob on the tagine shaped hot plate is bloody hard work. Goodness knows why people in our party thought this was a good idea. They also didn’t do it right. 2. Using too much butter fills up the fat overflow cup and the staff will need to turn your hot plate off, remove it, replacing the overflow fat cup and a clean hot plate. The issue is, the hot plate doesn’t heat up for a while. This is a noteworthy issue, especially if you’re being pressed for time. Again, don’t let the power tripping, non chef in your party assume cooking duty....

Edited: Came back after about a year on a Monday, when we came at lunch time we could go in straight away. I noticed the price has gone up from $15 to $20 but still cheap for a buffet! And while most food choices are the same, I think there are some changes, like no more crab. The pork ribs are cut smaller now, which is great because long time ago it was humongous size. And the pork ribs were really good, so was the clam, and japchae. There was fried wagyu minced ball to replace the crab, but it was just ok. There was a pork hock dish but I didn’t try it, I think it was empty most of the time. Unfortunately the fried chicken were bland, had I known I wouldn’t have picked any. So I can see consistency is a bit patchy, so unfortunately you probably have to take a bit of everything to just taste. The coconut pudding that was amazing now has changed and it tasted like rice pudding, wouldn’t recommend it and just go straight to ice cream.

Not sure if this place is so busy because it’s new or because it’s really good, but the queue is crazy. Doesnt matter weekday or weekend, you better book. I could go in on weekday but it took some time and we had to share our table with someone else. It isnt very clear but the Korean food buffet (non bbq) is only for Monday to Friday. I tried it because it’s so cheap for a buffet, it’s worth a try. I would say food variety-wise isnt that many, maybe about 10 dishes? What was annoying is that they took a while to replenish the trays, so I didnt get to try some of the dishes at all because they cant keep up with the rate of people taking them. Overall foods are generally sweet (the clams, the galbi, the sweet chili fried chicken, the pork ribs). But for the price, it’s definitely worth it. I wish there were more veggie dishes (there was only one zucchini dish, then there were raw vegs for bibimbap). My favourite dishes were the galbi and japchae. There were noodles too for soup, but I think they put way too much noodles in the little bowls. Tried their seafood soup but pretty bland to me. They also have desserts of cut up fruits and the coconut pudding (sooo nice. The portion is too small that you have to eat three at least). And ice cream! Love their ice cream choices and the cones. It’s a shame they dont do the Korean buffet on weekend but I will...

SSam Korean BBQ is undoubtedly one of the best Korean Barbecue restaurants I have ever come across! Located conveniently in the heart of the city, this gem offers an exceptional dining experience with its top-notch food and warm hospitality.

From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. The restaurant boasts a modern yet cozy ambiance, perfectly merging traditional Korean elements with a contemporary touch. The tables are equipped with built-in grills, allowing you to grill your meat to perfection right at your table.

Now let's get to the highlight of our visit—the food! The menu at SSam Korean BBQ is extensive and offers a wide variety of options for all palates. Whether you are a meat lover or prefer vegetarian dishes, they have got you covered. The quality of the ingredients used is evident in every bite—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented.

Their marinated meats, such as bulgogi and galbi, are a real treat! Tender and marinated to perfection, they are simply mouthwatering. Moreover, the accompanying side dishes, including kimchi, pickled vegetables, and rice, perfectly complement the main course, enhancing the overall experience.

The service at SSam Korean BBQ is commendable—a well-informed and attentive staff always ready to assist, making sure we were comfortable and satisfied throughout our meal. They patiently explained the different cuts of meat and even assisted us with grilling when needed. The staff's enthusiasm and passion for their cuisine added an extra layer of enjoyment to our dining experience.

In terms of value for money, SSam Korean BBQ delivers beyond expectations. The portion sizes are generous, and the prices are reasonable considering the high quality of food they offer. This place is perfect for a get-together with friends, family dinners, or even a romantic evening out.

To conclude, SSam Korean BBQ is an absolute gem for all Korean food enthusiasts. The impeccable service, delightful ambiance, and, most importantly, the delectable food make it a must-visit destination. I highly recommend treating yourself to an incredible Korean barbecue feast at SSam Korean BBQ—you won't be...