From Classic Cuts to Unique Flavours: What to Try in BBQ À La Carte Dining Menus
If you’ve ever sat down at a Korean barbecue table, excited to cook your own meat, only to feel lost when the menu arrives, you’re not alone. Many diners love the idea of Korean BBQ but feel unsure about what to order. Should you stick to the classic cuts you’ve heard of or venture into something more adventurous? And what if you’re dining with friends who have very different tastes?
That’s where BBQ à la carte dining comes in, and at Madang, it’s done so well that you’ll want to explore every option. Instead of committing to a fixed platter, à la carte lets you customise your barbecue exactly the way you want it. You can mix your favourites with new discoveries, ensuring every bite is exactly to your taste. For those who like variety without feeling overwhelmed, the BBQ set menu à la carte at Madang offers the perfect solution.
Korean BBQ at Madang – An Experience to Savour
Madang isn’t just another Korean restaurant in Abu Dhabi; it’s a place where dining is as much about the experience as it is about the food. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by the comforting aroma of sizzling meats and the sight of diners gathered around tabletop grills, cooking and sharing food in true Korean style.
Here, Korean barbecue is more than a meal. It’s interactive, social, and personal. You choose the cuts, control the cooking, and create your perfect bite with fresh banchan (Korean side dishes) like kimchi, pickled radish, and spicy cucumber salad.
Madang’s chefs carefully select premium meats, marinate them in authentic sauces, and serve them fresh so you can grill them to perfection. The result? A flavour-packed experience that captures the heart of Korean dining culture right here in Abu Dhabi.
The BBQ À La Carte Dining Menu at Madang
The beauty of BBQ à la carte dining is that you get to be the architect of your meal. At Madang, the à la carte menu is a balance of familiar classics and exciting new cuts, from tender short ribs to marinated pork ribs with rich, savoury flavours.
Here’s a closer look at some standout options from the menu:
Classic Cuts – For the Comfort Seekers
If you prefer to stick to tried-and-true favourites, these options never disappoint:
- Short Rib Meat (160g) – Known for its tenderness and deep beef flavour, this cut is perfect for those who like a meaty bite with a juicy finish.
- Rib-Eye (260g) – A well-marbled cut with just the right amount of fat, giving it a rich flavour and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Tenderloin (180g) – Lean yet soft, the tenderloin is perfect for diners who want a refined, delicate beef experience without too much fat.
These cuts are a safe yet satisfying choice, ideal for first-time Korean BBQ diners or those who appreciate the classics.
Flavour-Forward Cuts – For the Adventurous Eaters
If you’re ready to explore beyond the basics, these options bring unique textures and bold tastes:
- LA Galbi – Marinated Korean Short Rib (220g) – A Korean BBQ staple, LA Galbi is marinated in a sweet-savory sauce that caramelises beautifully on the grill.
- Chuck Flap (180g) – A cut prized for its intense beefy flavour, slightly firmer but rewarding for those who love depth in taste.
- Flat Iron (Top Blade) (180g) – A tender cut with a rich, buttery flavour profile — a hidden gem for beef lovers.
These are the cuts that make Korean BBQ exciting, bringing you flavours you won’t find in everyday steakhouse menus.
Pork Selections – A Must-Try for Variety
For many Korean food lovers, pork is just as important as beef. Madang’s pork options are equally tempting:
- Sam-Kyup-Sal (Belly) (220g) – Thick, juicy slices of pork belly that crisp up beautifully, perfect with a dip of sesame oil and salt.
- Dae Pae Sam-Kyup-Sal (Thinly Sliced Belly) (220g) – A lighter, thinner option that cooks quickly, ideal for wrapping in lettuce with garlic and sauce.
- Yang-Yum Galbi (Marinated Pork Ribs) (220g) – Sweet, savoury, and tender — a flavour-packed choice that pairs well with fresh kimchi.
These cuts are perfect for diners who want a balanced BBQ spread with both beef and pork.
Specialty Cuts – For the True Food Explorers
If you’re the type who loves discovering something new, these cuts will intrigue your taste buds:
- Mok-Sal (Neck) (220g) – Lean yet flavourful, pork neck has a satisfying chew that absorbs marinades beautifully.
- Hang-Jung-Sal (Jowl) (160g) – A cut with a unique texture, offering a mix of tenderness and bite with a subtle sweetness.
- Saeng Galbi / Yangnyom Galbi (Korean Flavour Short Rib) (220g) – Available marinated or plain, this is a versatile favourite that delivers either pure beef taste or layered seasoning.
These specialty cuts are where you can truly appreciate the diversity of Korean BBQ.
How to Make the Most of Your BBQ À La Carte Dining Experience
Ordering à la carte gives you control, but a little planning can make the experience even better:
- Mix Textures and Flavours – Pair marinated cuts with plain ones to enjoy a variety of tastes.
- Balance Beef and Pork – Combining different proteins keeps the meal exciting from start to finish.
- Use the Side Dishes – Don’t just focus on the meat. Wrap your cuts in lettuce with kimchi, garlic, and ssamjang for authentic bites.
- Pace Yourself – The beauty of à la carte is that you can order as you go. Start small, then add more cuts as you explore.
Why BBQ À La Carte Dining Works for Everyone
The appeal of BBQ à la carte dining at Madang lies in its flexibility. Whether you’re dining solo, with a partner, or in a group, you can:
- Cater to different tastes in the same meal.
- Control portion sizes to avoid waste.
- Try new cuts without committing to a full platter.
- Make every visit unique by changing your selection each time.
It’s dining that adapts to you, not the other way around.
Your BBQ, Your Way…
If you’ve ever wished you could design your own perfect Korean BBQ experience, BBQ à la carte dining at Madang makes it possible. From the tenderness of ribeye to the boldness of marinated pork ribs, every cut tells its own flavour story.
So next time you’re craving a barbecue that’s as flexible as it is delicious, skip the one-size-fits-all options and create your own feast. At Madang, you’re not just ordering food — you’re crafting an experience, one sizzling bite at a time.
Madang Korean Restaurant is one of the top-rated Korean restaurants in Abu Dhabi. Boasting of its traditional Korean interior design and style seating giving customers unique and realistic experience of Korea and its vast number of authentic Korean Cuisine.
Quick links
Find Us
-
Main Branch (Now Open)
Ground Floor, Holiday Inn, 31st Dhafeer Street, Al Sa`Adah, Zone 1, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - +971 2 585 5441, +971 56 327 5999
-
Al Ghazal Branch:
Al Ghazal Golf Club, Near Old Abu Dhabi International Airport, Al Matar, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - +971 50 137 5888
