SURAH
KILLER KOREAN BBQ IN BUENA PARK

When it comes to Korean BBQ, L.A.’s Koreatown is as good as it gets in the country. It’s a dining destination known around the world. But if you have to eat Korean BBQ outside of the Koreatown confines, then a trip to Surah in Buena Park will be time well spent.

A little more refined and elegant than your standard Korean BBQ joint, Surah offers a contemporary setting for Korean and Japanese eats ranging from bulgogi and bibimbop to sushi and teriyaki.

The name Surah refers to meals prepared for kings during the Joseon Dynasty, which ruled Korea from 1392 to 1910. A table set with surah is called Surah-sang (sang means dining table in Korean), which was served twice a day—at ten o’clock in the morning and at five o’clock in the evening.  So basically, we’re talking about a meal fit for royalty.

Step inside Surah and the feeling is a little laid back. You still cook your own meats tableside but the vibe here is a little loftier than most Korean BBQ restaurants.

During our recent visit for dinner, we started with an assortment of fresh and fine sushi. Yes, there’s a sushi bar serving an impressive array of sushi.

 The Korean tasting menus seem the way to go but there is a minimum requirement to your party size. There are many options to choose from and while they are pricey, we’re talking about a bevy of food so you’re getting plenty of bang for your buck.

The Sashimi tasting menu goes for $178.99 but includes sashimi, marinated short rib, beef belly, thin slices of Wagyu beef brisket, chicken bul go gi, and marinated small octopus, plus soybean stew, steamed rice bowl or scorched rice soup. Like I said, we’re talking plenty of food.

We opted for the meat-heavy Combo A, which goes for $148.99 and included fresh short rib, marinated short rib, thin slices of Wagyu beef brisket, beef belly, pork belly, marinated small octopus, chicken bul go gi, bul go gi, soybean stew, and your choice of steamed rice bowl or scorched rice soup.

And of course, your meal also includes a wide assortment of Banchan (Korean side dishes) that include kimchi, pickled and seasoned veggies among other tasty treats. This is indeed a meal fit for a royalty.

While the meats really aren’t anything fans of Korean BBQ haven’t had before, it’s the quality of the proteins that is impressive. It’s all top-quality meats that makes for a dynamic dinner.

Surah is a definitely a go-to place for anyone in Orange County or looking to expand their sights behind Koreatown. I can’t say you can’t a meal as good in L.A. proper but if you want something new that will not disappoint, then go big and make the trip like a good foodie will happily do.

Surah is located at 5333 Beach Blvd in Buena Park. Open daily from 11am to 10pm. Call 714-523-0056. 

Story By: Jose Martinez

Photography Courtesy Of: Surah