It’s been a minute since I last ate at ChoSun Hwaro, and I genuinely almost forgot how good their Korean BBQ was. The first time I came here I brought my parents while they were in town, we went the full combo route, and it turned into one of those meals everybody keeps bringing up afterward. This visit was just me and my mom, we went à la carte instead, and it was every bit as good.
Everything about the experience feels dialed in, from the quality of the meats to the comfort-food sides that make a KBBQ meal feel complete. The kalbi’s the thing I’d send anyone here for, and their gyeran jjim is the best I’ve had in the DMV. If you’re building a shortlist of the best Korean BBQ in Maryland, this Ellicott City spot is absolutely in the conversation. I’d put it in my top three in the entire state.
If you’re on the Baltimore side of the map, Jong Kak in Station North is the one to know, charcoal KBBQ that’s been around for decades and just came back better than ever.
What Makes ChoSun Hwaro a Standout Korean BBQ Spot in HoCo
ChoSun Hwaro sits on the Route 40 stretch that’s become Maryland’s Koreatown, and it’s the one people on that strip point you to for barbecue. Washingtonian called it the strip’s preeminent Korean barbecue emporium, and owner Sean Kim keeps a walk-in fridge of A5 Wagyu and USDA Prime Angus behind the two-level dining room.
The part that actually changes your night: the servers grill everything for you at the table, so nobody in your group is stuck playing chef while the rest of you eat. There’s no all-you-can-eat here either, it’s combos or à la carte, and the quality is exactly why that works.
What to Order at ChoSun Hwaro
Between the two visits I’ve worked through a good chunk of the menu, and here’s what I’d prioritize whether it’s your first time or it’s just been a while.
Kalbi (Marinated Short Ribs)
You gotta get the kalbi, which is their marinated short ribs. The flavor’s rich, slightly sweet, and deeply savory in that classic Korean BBQ way, and it’s especially satisfying fresh off the grill. This is the one that reminds you why kalbi’s always a crowd-pleaser. Galbi’s my fave protein here, full stop.
Gyeran Jjim (Egg Souffle)
They have the BEST gyeran jjim in the DMV, and I don’t say that lightly. It’s so fluffy and delish, and I love that they sprinkle a little cheese on top. It comes with the combos, so you don’t even have to order it separately, and it’s the first thing my family reaches for every single time.
Doenjang Jjigae (Fermented Soybean Paste Soup)
You also need the doenjang jjigae, a fermented soybean paste soup that’s warm, hearty and full of umami. It’s the perfect balance to all the grilled meat! It’s the thing I want a spoonful of between rounds of barbecue.
Dongchimi (Korean Water Kimchi)
Do NOT skip the dongchimi, aka Korean water kimchi. It’s light, crisp and refreshing, and it cuts through the richness of BBQ perfectly. If you like brighter, cleaner flavors alongside grilled meat, order it before anything else hits the table.
Bibim Naengmyeon (Spicy Mixed Cold Noodles)
I’ve loved their bibim naengmyeon since my first visit, and it’s still one of my favorite things to add when you want something cold, spicy and super refreshing. The noodles are properly chewy and the heat is real, so you gotta like spicy, consider yourself warned! It’s a great way to round out the meal if you’ve ordered a lot of heavier cuts.
If you’re coming with a group, the combos are the move. The small runs $109 and feeds 2 to 3, and it comes with empress galbi, emperor’s galbi, brisket point, gyeran jjim and doenjang jjigae. There’s also a bossam and bibim naengmyeon set worth knowing about, a big platter of succulent pork belly with pickled radish and napa leaves. My mom liked that best out of everything we got.
What Is Gyeran Jjim, Exactly?
Gyeran jjim is a Korean steamed egg dish, and at a barbecue table it usually arrives in a hot stone bowl, puffed up over the rim like a soufflé. It’s savory rather than sweet, it’s meant to be shared, and it’s one of those sides that quietly makes the whole meal feel complete. If you’ve only ever had scrambled eggs, this is a totally different texture, closer to a soft, silky pudding, and it’s worth ordering even if it isn’t already coming with your combo.
The Vibe and Experience
It’s a proper sit-down dinner spot, two levels, and it fills up most nights, so it has that good busy hum to it. Because the servers handle the grill, you’re free to actually talk to the people you came with, which is why this has become my move for family dinners. It works for a group blowout with a big combo in the middle of the table, and it works just as well for two people going à la carte.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍 9445 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042
- Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 11pm
- Parking: small private lot on site
- Reservations: accepted and worth making, it’s busy most nights and walk-ins can wait at peak times
- How it works: no all-you-can-eat, it’s combos or à la carte. Combos run $109 for 2 to 3, $139 for 3 to 4, and $169 for 4 to 5
- The grilling: your server cooks the meat at the table for you
- Menu beyond barbecue: ttukbaegi bulgogi, galbitang, soondubu jjigae, budae jjigae and haemul pajeon, so non-grill eaters have real options
- More info: chosunhwaro.com
Would I Go Back to ChoSun Hwaro?
Without hesitating, and yes, I already have…soooo many times, lol! This is my favorite Korean barbecue spot in Maryland and a genuine top three in the state for me, which is saying something given how much competition there is on that Route 40 strip. You truly can’t go wrong with any of the meats here. Go with a group if you can swing it, get a combo, and let the gyeran jjim convert somebody at your table.
I also have to shout out the hospitality. A huge thanks to Sean and his team for taking such great care of us. They were incredibly generous and ended up treating us to dinner because I’ve spotlighted them in the past, which was too kind of them. Have you guys been to this spot yet, Nomsters? Let me know your go-to order in the comments, and save this one for the next time somebody asks where to get KBBQ in Howard County.