Maru Korean Restaurant on Elizabeth Street has been a long-time fixture of Brisbane City’s dining landscape, proudly flying the flag for Korean cuisine alongside other inner-city establishments like Hanwoori, Korilla BBQ Restaurant, Madtongsan II, Funny Funny and Momo Chicken and Beer. This wave of interest in Korean culinary offerings has cemented The City as a go-to area for fans of Korean-style fried chicken, bulgogi and tteokbokki, but now the Maru crew has expanded its radius of influence to the suburbs, opening a second location at Cannon Hill Central Shopping Centre on Wynnum Road. The spiffy new eatery, which is located at the front of the centre next to Satay Ria, sees the Maru team changing approach slightly. Whereas its long-running city location offers a menu that takes in the width and breadth of Korean eats, this new site specialises in charcoal barbecue. Every table within the space, which boasts a relaxed decor comprised of blonde timber given hue via neon signage, is equipped with a binchōtan – a specialised barbecue that uses glowing charcoal embers to create a high steady heat. Such a cooking technique is reported to absorb unwanted impurities, tastes and odours, leaving just the pure flavourful expression of lovingly cooked protein and vegetables.

At Maru Charcoal Korean BBQ, the act of barbecue is a communal experience best shared with a pal or two (unless you’ve got a giant-sized hunger, in which case – go you good thing). The menu leads off with a range of barbecue combo sets, with scaling options including portions of assorted wagyu hunks (including some with a marble score of nine plus) and pork. Those with a keen eye for cuts can order specific pieces such as cube rolls, tenderloins, oyster blades and tri tip as well as aged pork belly, pork jowl and ox tongue. Barbecue combo sets are accompanied by banchan, or side dishes, which complement the smoky flavours of the meat – think assorted vegetables (including big cabbage leaves to wrap your freshly cooked morsels), fresh kimchi, onion salad, soybean paste, myeongi-namul (pickled allium ochotense leaves), acorn jelly, fresh wasabi and red chilli sauce. Although barbecue is Maru’s headline offering, guests will still be able to order other Korean dishes from a slightly condensed menu, including spring onion pancakes, plates of boneless fried chicken, wagyu bibimbap, cold wheat-noodle soups, charcoal-grilled bulgogi and beef-rib soup. If feasting has helped you work up a thirst, quench it with Maru’s range of soju, Korean draught beers, wines and soft drinks.

Maru Charcoal Korean BBQ is now open to the public. Head to the Stumble Guide for operating hours and contact details.