Ssam Korean Barbeque

Korean BBQ is a sizzling social experience that’s all about grilling marinated meats, flavorful sides, and a bit of interactive cooking fun right at your table. If you’re looking to explore this exciting cuisine in Berlin, SSAM Friedrichshain is a strong contender. While this was our first visit to the Friedrichshain location, we’ve been fans of SSAM ever since a Korean friend introduced us to their other branch in Kreuzberg.

Here’s the exciting world of Korean BBQ in a nutshell: Each table is equipped with its own built-in grill, and you order a selection of marinated meats (typically beef, pork, and chicken) that arrive uncooked. Using tongs, you get to grill the meat to your desired doneness, transforming it from raw to sizzling perfection right there at your table. Scissors are provided to snip the cooked meat into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

But the magic of Korean BBQ extends far beyond just the meat. Banchan, a symphony of small side dishes, plays a crucial role in the experience. At SSAM Friedrichshain, we were delighted by the variety and flavors on offer. Kimchi, the spicy fermented cabbage, is a must-have, but there were also refreshing options like marinated radish and cucumber, along with the ever-present and delicious marinated tofu. These little dishes not only add flavor and texture to your meal, but they also help cleanse your palate between bites of meat, creating a truly well-rounded dining experience.

The star of the show at SSAM, however, is undeniably the meat. We opted for a selection of beef and pork options, and everything was beautifully marinated and cooked to tender perfection on the grill. The friendly staff were happy to answer any questions we had about the menu or provide tips on cooking techniques.

Speaking of staff, while everyone we interacted with directly was friendly and helpful, we did encounter a minor snag. Our table was located near the entrance, and it was sometimes tricky to grab the attention of a server when we needed something – like a change of grill plate, which became necessary after a vigorous round of grilling! While it took a few tries to flag someone down, once they were there, service was prompt and friendly.

A minor point to note: the decorative elements above the grills could use a good cleaning. They appeared a bit dusty and greasy, which wasn’t the most aesthetically pleasing sight.

Overall, our experience at SSAM Friedrichshain was positive. The delicious meats, extensive Banchan selection, and friendly service (with a minor caveat) make it a great place to enjoy a fun and interactive Korean BBQ meal. We docked a star for the cleanliness issue and the occasional difficulty getting service, but overall, we’d give SSAM 4 stars and recommend it to anyone looking for a taste of authentic Korean BBQ in Berlin.

Address: Warschauer Str. 81A, 10243 Berlin

Google Map link

*Disclaimer: Everyone’s taste and experience could be different, this is just based on the visit we had and our personal opinion. 🙂