Sae Ma Eul BBQ Pelangi — Restaurant in Johor

Tried Sae Ma Eul BBQ at Pelangi for the first time and got there around 6pm, just before the crowd rolled in. By 7pm, the place was packed, so going early is a good idea if you prefer a quieter setting.

For RM45 (including GST), you get a free-flow Korean BBQ buffet that includes pork and chicken cuts, plus unlimited lettuce, garlic, and side dishes. If you want beef or seafood, that requires a top-up. Since we were already quite full from a previous meal, we stuck with the basic buffet.

Some of the pork cuts were nicely marinated, while the others and the chicken were rather plain. Still, the charcoal grill really helped to bring out some flavour, and that smoky edge made the experience better.

We also tried their Bungsu for RM8, and it was just alright. It tasted very artificial, lacking that rich, milky flavour you’d typically expect—but as a cool, sweet end to a heavy, oily BBQ meal, it still served its purpose.

The biggest downside here is the environment—no air-con, poor ventilation, and a lot of smoke, so you’ll definitely leave smelling like grilled meat. That said, for the price point, it’s hard to complain. Definitely worth trying again, especially if you come hungry and don’t mind a bit of...

Few disappointed points :-

The establishment claims to close at 12 AM, but I arrived at 10:30 PM and was made to feel unwelcome, with staff showing clear signs that they were closing soon. Another group of customers arrived at 11 PM and was immediately rejected.

I ordered à la carte, and while they offered to grill the food for me, the result was disappointing. The food ended up overcooked, turning into charcoal. The lamb and chicken, which were supposed to be grilled separately, were thrown together on the same plate and all flavoured mixed.

We were forced to eat quickly as there was only one plate available for grilled food. The food was grilled three times in total. After the first grill, they wanted to take the plate back for the second grilling, which was equally poor.

The meat was extremely thin and coated with an overly sweet marinade. I wouldn't call this a Korean BBQ experience—it felt more like a standard BBQ, and frankly, one of the worst bbq I've had.

Sorry to say, this is the worst Korean dining experience I've ever had, both in terms of food and service.

2 adults and 2 kids aged 8 and 10 , spent RM 150 but not full at all as most of the charcoal meat not meant...

Sae Ma Eul is a solid choice for an authentic Korean BBQ experience, especially if you’re a fan of free-flow meat. They offer both marinated and non-marinated options, giving you the freedom to enjoy a variety of flavors. The marinated cuts were well-seasoned, while the plain cuts let the smoky grill work its magic. The banchan (side dishes) were also fresh and complemented the meats perfectly.

The staff were attentive and friendly, checking in regularly to top up our meat and change the grill when needed. Their service made the meal even more enjoyable, ensuring everything ran smoothly despite the steady crowd.

The only downside? There were quite a few flies buzzing around—but honestly, it wasn’t a huge deal. The overall experience, with the quality of the food and the warm hospitality, made it well worth it. If you’re looking for an affordable all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ spot with great service, Sae Ma Eul is...