When you’re new to Korean BBQ, the idea of grilling your own food, being bombarded with unfamiliar sides, and deciding on what you should even order can be overwhelming. But once you figure it all out and take your first bite, you’ll want to keep coming back for more. To get you started on your dining experience, New Shilawon Korean Restaurant of Honolulu, HI, shares a guideline for the do’s and don’ts of Korean BBQ.

Korean BBQ Do’s & Don’ts

Do Pile Up on Banchan

Banchan, or side dishes, are a complementary part of your dinner. They’re served before the main course, but they’re meant to be eaten throughout the meal. Many of the dishes will likely be unfamiliar, as they do differ between restaurants. Feel free to try one of each, and ask for refills—those are free as well.

Do Try the Sauces

With so many sauces to choose from, you’re bound to find your favorites. Request them along with your food order. Among the popular choices are ssamjang, a brown fermented bean and chili sauce, and sesame oil. These dipping sauces pair excellently with savory, freshly grilled beef and pork.

Do Swap Out Grills

Servers generally switch out your used grill for a fresh one, especially if you’re switching from beef to pork or vice versa. These two types of meat use different specialty grills. Ask for a new one if they haven’t already, even if you’re sticking with the same meat. You don’t want leftover food on your used grill to char and stick to your fresh meat.

Don’t Order Too Much

Even for the most seasoned Korean BBQ goer, it can be difficult to gauge how much meat to order, especially for larger groups. If it isn’t clear on the menu how big each portion is, ask your server. Keep in mind that one order is definitely big enough for multiple people, so if you’re with one or two friends or family members, that should cover all of you. You can always order more if you’re still hungry.

Don’t Overpack the Grill

While it may be tempting to stuff as much meat on the grill as possible, try to hold back. The grills are small, so you shouldn’t be piling on all of the meat you order at once. There’s only enough room for a few pieces. The good news is, your food is a lot less likely to go cold if you’re only cooking a small portion at a time.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

In many Korean restaurants, your server will cook the meat for you automatically, and in others, they’ll ask for your preference. Some will set the meat down and leave. If the server leaves it to you and you don’t feel comfortable grilling your own meat, flag them down and politely ask them to do it for you. There’s no shame in getting a professional to cook your food. After all, you’d rather have it grilled to perfection than burn a perfectly good piece of meat.

When you’re ready to dine on delicious, authentic Korean food, come to New Shilawon Korean Restaurant. Their friendly staff is here to make sure you have the best first experience, so if you have questions, your server will be happy to help. From seasoned ribeye to mouthwatering pork belly, this Korean BBQ joint is sure to satisfy your cravings. Be sure to like their Facebook page for updates and check out their reviews on Yelp. Call (808) 944-8700 for more information.