The buzz: Novotel Sukhumvit 20 has welcomed a new fancy barbecue joint that sure knows there’s more to it than just marinating meats and throwing them on a hot grill. The latest venture from the forces behind Banjoo, Charm offers classic Korean barbecue—no frills, no bragging—with high quality meats in a stylish hotel setting.       

 

The decor: The clean, crisp space is set apart from your average Korean joint by its contemporary-rustic style: dark floors, concrete walls, warm light fixtures and a scattering of compact tables, each with a grill, encouraging you to nuzzle up close to your companions over the sizzling food. The bar takes over a small, intimate space to one side of the room, featuring slick black metallic framework and white brick walls.

 

The food: An uncomplicated approach to Korean barbecue lets the high-quality meats shine through—beautiful marbled wagyu striploin from Japan and thick wagyu tenderloin from Australia (B1,450/180g) both come out succulent and juicy after a short stint on the grill. These wouldn’t be complete without the restaurant’s special housemade miso sauce and smoky Korean salt. Don’t forget to order a big slab of Korean pancake and a hot plate of japchae (Korean stir-fried noodles)—both make excellent sides.

 

The drinks: At the bar, there’s a special selection of imported Korean premium soju, offering a surprisingly smooth, mellow taste—not at all sharp. Prices start at B1,100, or B190 per shot. Beers like Korea's fave Hite (B160) are available by the bottle, as well as wine by the glass.   

 

Why we’d come back: A new Korean barbecue joint that puts quality first is hard to come across, especially since many customers are often just looking to chow down on large quantities. The meat here is tender and juicy, which is something we really appreciate. Kankanok Wichiantanon