Korean BBQ is booming again: The first Taiwan branch of Samgyeopsal in Eight Colors opens in Taipei’s East District in July

▲ The highlight of Samgyeopsal in Eight Colors is that you can try pork belly in eight different flavors all at once. (Photo / Reporter Tsai Wen-jun)

Reported by Huang Shih-yuan / Taipei

Another Korean BBQ spot is making its way to Taipei. This time, it’s “Samgyeopsal in Eight Colors,” which was once voted one of Korea’s must-try dishes by Hong Kong’s travel magazine New Monday. The Taiwanese flagship store is located in the East District and is currently under renovation. Chen Weikai, consultant for Samgyeopsal in Eight Colors, stated that the Taiwan flagship will bring the authentic taste of Korea to Taiwan, with plans to open in mid-July.

Those who have traveled to Korea may have already tried Samgyeopsal in Eight Colors. The standout feature of this Korean BBQ restaurant is the chance to sample pork belly in eight unique flavors: garlic, red wine, pine needles, herbs, curry, soybean paste, chili sauce, and ginseng. Chen Weikai mentioned that when opening in Taiwan, the goal is to maintain the authentic Korean flavors. If certain ingredients, seasonings, or sauces can’t be found locally, they’ll be flown in from Korea.

Chen Weikai added that in Korea, Samgyeopsal in Eight Colors is considered an affordable eatery, with an average cost per person of about NT$500–600. It mainly offers pork belly, but keeping localization in mind, options such as beef or lamb might be added in the future. Aside from Korea, the brand also has branches overseas in China, Japan, Australia, and the United States. In Taiwan, the plan is to expand to 30 locations within eight years.

Address: No. 3, Lane 10, Alley 223, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Da’an District

%Gleam... the new Korean flavor in the heart of Taipei (Photo / Reporter Huang Shih-yuan)