What's in it
Pork belly, lettuce, garlic, ssamjang, kimchi.
More about Samgyeopsal
Samgyeopsal means "three layers" — the stripes of meat and fat in pork belly. It is grilled until crisp, cut with scissors, and often cooked with kimchi, garlic and mushrooms on the same grill. Koreans even have an unofficial "samgyeopsal day" on 3 March (3·3).
Good to know
Often sold by the portion (인분), with a two-portion minimum.
New to Korean BBQ?
See how to eat Korean BBQ: the cuts in English, who grills, how to wrap ssam, prices and what to order to finish.
Special diets and allergies
- Vegetarian: no — pork is part of the dish.
- Pork: contains pork.
- Allergens: Soy, Sesame.
Recipes vary between restaurants. If an ingredient matters to you, ask before you order — or show a diet card.
Quick answers
What is Samgyeopsal?
Thick slices of pork belly grilled at your table, wrapped in lettuce with garlic, ssamjang and kimchi.
Is Samgyeopsal spicy?
No — it is not spicy.
Is Samgyeopsal vegetarian?
No — pork is part of the dish.
Does Samgyeopsal contain pork?
Yes — it contains pork.
What is Samgyeopsal called in Korean?
삼겹살, pronounced “samgyeopsal”.