Food Blog | Sae Ma Eul Korean BBQ | Emerald Boulevard
I’m happy to share some reviews from a while back that I haven’t gotten to doing and today I’m sharing Sae Ma Eul - probably my pick for the most authentic Korean BBQ experience you will find in JB. (Currently no FB update about what they’re doing for MCO 3.0, but I’m sure there will be an update soon)
Disclaimer: I know the chain from living in Kuala Lumpur - I went to their Mont Kiara branch quite a bit when I was living in KL, so I’m naturally a fan of Sae Ma Eul already. This review reflects my thoughts of both branches in general.
Additional disclaimer that I haven’t actually been back here for a while, but I assume that the menu and quality is roughly the same as described here.
Is it Halal?
As with a lot of Korean BBQ places, a lot of pork belly, pork rice on the menu, so I would highly recommend avoiding this place if you’re coming with Muslim company. But as always, eat at your own discretion if you’re concerned about this.
Where it Is
It is located along Sunway Boulevard (essentially where Burger Bandit is) and is usually quite busy on the weekends nowadays. It is located on the same row as other Korean options: Keliya and MyoungDong. I would say that this would be where you would go for bigger groups - nice ambience (especially if you sit in the outdoor seats) and authentic Korean food. MyougDong would be what I would suggest if you’re looking for a more budget friendly option.
Address: 71, Sunway Emerald Boulevard, 88, Persiaran Medini 3, Bandar Medini Iskandar, 79250 Nusajaya, Johor
Operating Hours:
Daily: 4:30pm - 12 midnight
What it Costs
Me and my girlfriend ate for RM93 (but that’s probably because I eat a lot haha). We ordered a 2 person set (Set A - RM69) and added on a Choirutan Jumeok (RM24) - or basically their rice balls, which they’re known for in KL.
Here are their set offerings:
Set A (What’s shown in this post) - Sliced Pork Belly, Pork Shoulder, Grilled Baby Octopus (RM69)
Set B: Marinated Pork Rib, Grilled Chicken, Grilled Corn Cheese (RM75)
Set C: Lamb (Boneless), Sliced Pork Belly, Grilled Chicken (Rm93)
Their side dishes consist of your usual BanChan combination with fishcakes, vegetables and stir fried anchovies and can actually fill you up quite a bit because of their Korean salad offering. Strictly speaking, 2 people eating here should just eat the Set A, we ordered the rice balls just because I personally like the rice balls.
How it Tastes
In general, the staff here are more than willing to help you with anything that you’re having trouble with. Here, you have that direct fire in between with a metal rack on top, so I guess it does get a bit hotter and stuffy if you sit indoors, so I do recommend you sit outside just so you have that gentle breeze.
In general, I would say that everything here is very textbook. Nothing at all to complain about the side dishes, they’re happy to fill up whatever you have finished.
I personally like the appeal of rolling up those rice balls yourself and then putting them on the rack just so it has that crispy exterior. It is a bit spicy as well, so I personally am a pretty big fan of the rice balls (although I will agree that RM24 might be a bit steep for rice balls.
The pork belly and pork shoulder are as you would expect. Juicy, delicious and I guess just wonderful to eat. I’m also a big fan of the octopus - quite simply because the texture is quite exquisite: very crunchy exterior because of the grilling and juicy interior because, well, it’s an octopus.
Star Rating
8/10. Good and helpful service and a very textbook Korean food experience. Strictly speaking, apart from the stuffiness you will find if you seat indoor, I’m a big fan of this place! I would say that simply because Sisters BBQ is more comfortable, Sae Ma Eul and Sisters BBQ are quite level, but I would say you get an authentic Korean dining experience from both!