Solo dining in Korean BBQ/shabu-shabu?
 

Hi,

A rather awkward situation in my upcoming business travel in Japan/Korea/S'pore. I am a vegetarian while a colleague I'll be travelling with is a die-hard carnivore who's extremely fond of Korean BBQ and shabu-shabu.

Since we won't be dining with clients and he's not my boss, and I'm trying to find restaurant suggestions where he can go by himself to enjoy BBQ and/or shabu-shabu.

My recollection is most places cater to minimum 2 orders. Does anyone have rec for restaurants where solo order can be accomodated?

Yakiniku (bbq) have either sets based on the number of people, or a la carte menu where you order by the plate. The great thing about yakiniku places is that they have plenty of offerings for vegetarians, so no need to send your colleague off to dine alone. He can order all the meat he wants by the plate (each plate about 6 pieces of bite sized meat or chicken) and you can order yakiyasai (vegetables), rice, various pickles, salad (be sure you ask about bacon), tofu...lots of choices. My daughter eats little meat, but loves yakiniku for all of the other stuff they choose.

Thanks for the tips.
The only problem is, I know they have vegetables to grill, but I don't want something cooked on the same equipment. Or do they have separate grill/plates for veggies?

Most places have a single grill area in the center of the table that they put a rack on for grilling. Most people grill and eat as it is cooked, but you could grill the veggies first and collect them on a plate, then give the grill to your colleague. Also, at any time, you can request a clean grill rack and more charcoal if needed, so you could even have a second turn at grilling by just having the rack changed. Rice, tofu, salads, pickles...those are not grilled of course.

Also, ask for sure, but often, ishiyaki binbimba does not have meat or fish in it, and it is my favorite dish in yakiniku restaurants...rice in a hot clay bowl topped with Korean veggie pickles, egg and kimchee/spicy paste. Mix it together with the spice and press it up against the sides of the bowl and let it sit...the rice on the bowl gets crispy and delicious. Do ask if there is meat, as sometimes it has ground beef or pork, depends on the restaurant. Chijimi may also be good for you...ask if there is meat or seafood...often they are only batter and green onions.