Jin Joo (Pearl Meat Korean Restaurant)

Our #1 Samyupsal in Baguio. And for many reasons, it could be yours too. As meat-lovers, this place is haven for us! We have been patrons of this restaurant from years back during their meatshop days. They weren’t a Samgyupsal eat-all-you-can yet then. They just sold korean meats (fresh and freshly cut!) as well as korean side dishes. When they turned into an eat-all-you-can, we started frequenting it. We’ve been eating here for years now at least once a month except when we’re not in Baguio. I only got to review it now because I didn’t really take any photos before hahaha The owners are a Korean family and the place is a NO FRILLS Korean grilled meat stall. They got the basics covered and frankly THAT’S ALL YOU NEED in a samgyupsal restaurant. After all, it’s QUALITY OVER QUANTITY, right? It is the closest to a local Korean samyupsal restaurant you can find in South Korea The MEAT IS DELICIOUS, tender, juicy and most of all FRESH- they cut it fresh every hour to refill the freezer. The delectable side dishes are all in-house and cooked throughout the day. They have fresh PERILLA/SESAME LEAVES which cannot be seen in similar restaurants in town. They DON’T have unnecessary filler dishes that other places have for you to eat so that you won’t consume a lot of meat a typical tactic to make you full even before cooking the samgyupsal itself This resto is straightforward with their meat specialty so don’t expect “add ons” like cheese and the like. You come here for the samgyupsal meat, and their samgyupsal meat will be of the best and freshest quality. It is self-service but servers are around should you need anything. Ambience is your typical ahjumma ahjusshi restaurant in the corner of a market in Seoul. Very authentic experience.⭐

- Clar A -

The place is spotless, and the staff goes out of their way to be accommodating. They offer a buffet-style array of side dishes, providing a diverse selection for diners to choose from. The black rice and soup stand out for their excellent taste, accompanied by a complimentary bottle of apple tea. The side dishes are flavorful without being overly salty or spiced. A unique touch is the inclusion of perilla leaf, a rarity in Manila's samgyup spots but a familiar sight in K-dramas. The unlimited option is attractively priced at 499, offering three kinds of meats, including thin beef and pork.

- Pau Torrente -

The meat here tastes like premium cuts! I’m not even a fan of pork, but their moksal and pork belly are top tier. For only 599, you get quality food that’s close to legit Korean samgyupsal, and they even have perilla leaves, which I love. The beef is also top-notch!

- stpdpcofsht -

The store really looks like a meat shop but once you enter you can see the tables and grills. We liked that you will be the one to get all the food that you will consume, i.e., pork, beef, sides, and sauces. Of the 4 types of meat available, you can skip the pork bulgogi, it lacks in taste and feels rubbery when cooked. Too bad we got one order and had to consume it since they are very strict on their no leftover policy. You can really feel that it is “unlimited” since you don’t have to wait for the staff to give it to you. At the end, we were charged an additional 20 pesos because we had leftover ssamjang which I find outrageous since it’s only like a teaspoon left. Overall, we enjoyed the experience but just really have to be mindful of the leftovers up to the tiniest bit. It’s now 600 pesos for pork & beef unlimited.

- Gel Aguilar -

Jinjoo provides the best samgyupsal in whole of Baguio City. Yes, their side dishes are lesser than what other restaurants serve, but Jinjoo’s meat quality is top notch. If you want to focus on eating just samgyupsal, then this is the go-to place. (Also, they’re the only restaurant I know of which serves perilla leaves)

- Aila Lyn Colinang -

Legit Samgyupsal here in baguio!! I highly recommend the unlimited pork and beef samgyupsal. Very affordable for only ₱500. I also love their side dishes, especially their fishcake, potato marbles and kimchi stew. I love their fresh beef!!

- ae -

We are huge fans of the place. Haven't eaten there yet but have purchased, on a regular basis, various tender cuts of meat and marinated pork bulgogi for k-bbq night . They also sell yummy fresh kimchi and kimchi radish that's super addictive. Try their homemade soy bean paste. I can't say enough nice things about this place. Its priced reasonably too!

- The Mediocre Wanderer -

My favorite Korean Restaurant in Baguio. Unknown Korean restaurant a few years back but made a name for itself for having a good selection of meat and affordable prices. It's now an open secret. The meat is grilled above portable burners. I heard that this place was a butcher shop that imports meat and distributes it to the other Korean restaurants. You can also buy meat from them to take home to cook yourself. They have large mushrooms at only 100 an order. Lots of young Koreans studying in Baguio frequent the place. With your order comes free Dae Jang jigae and at times free softdrinks. The rice they use is the local mountain rice. The other thing I like is the inclusion of sesame leaves in the basket of wraps. The place is spartan with a combination of various megabloc chairs and tables but you won't care. Place gets crowded at times but you'll always somehow find a table especially since they have expanded. Prices are very reasonable. There are no frills. No nonsense. It's a place you go to to eat Korean food. Strong Wi-Fi. Accepts only Cash. They do not have a dedicated parking area but when it gets dark you can park along the street. I have been eating here from the time they opened and every time I'm here in Baguio

- Rene Lacanilao MD -