Trying Korean BBQ for the First Time at Honey Pig in Howard County

For dinner one weekend, a friend and I decided to step outside our usual Baltimore favorites and try something new. I’d heard a lot of buzz about Honey Pig in Howard County — a Korean BBQ spot that’s always packed — and since neither of us had ever tried Korean BBQ before, we figured it was time.

When we arrived around 8 p.m. on a Saturday night, the place was absolutely buzzing. Even with a 20-minute wait, the energy made it worth it — and when we left around 10:30, there was still a line out the door.

Once we were seated, the table was immediately filled with side dishes — sauces, jalapeños, kimchi, lettuce, bean paste, and a few things I couldn’t quite identify but was excited to try. I’ll admit, I was a little overwhelmed at first, but that’s part of the fun when you’re diving into a new cuisine.

We started with the Bulgogi, thinly sliced marinated beef that’s cooked right in front of you on the built-in grill. The sizzling and smoky aroma had me hooked before I even took a bite.

The beef was tender and juicy — I mixed mine with rice and a bit of sauce for extra flavor — and while I thought it could have used a touch more seasoning, it was still delicious.

Next, we shared the Chicken with Fried Rice. It wasn’t like any fried rice I’d had before — lighter, with more herbal notes — and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise.

But my favorite dish of the night? The Kimchi Pancake. Crispy on the edges, fluffy in the middle, and just the right amount of spice from the kimchi. It was the standout of the meal and something I’d absolutely order again.

If you’re curious about Korean BBQ, Honey Pig is a great place to start. The food is fresh, the experience is interactive, and it’s a fun change of pace from your usual dinner routine.