A staple in southeast Memphis for nearly 20 years, Asiana Garden is the go-to place for Korean barbecue. I highly recommend sitting at a “barbecue table,” where you can watch your meat cook right in front of you. The barbecue tables feature a small sunken grill, and it’s akin to having a personal hibachi. You can choose from a variety of meats, but spicy pork is my favorite. The waiter or waitress will monitor the meat and let you know when it is ready to eat. They cut it up with meat scissors and set it on a romaine leaf when it is done. For the tastiest experience, wrap the pork (or other meat) in a lettuce leaf with a dabbling of one of the seven side dishes (banchan), which include things like kimchi, spicy pickles, daikon, and shredded cuttlefish. There’s also rice and a miso dipping sauce to complete the meal. The barbecue offers a unique dining experience thanks to the cook-at-your-table option and provides plenty of sustenance even if you don’t feel like expanding your palate too much with the accompanying banchan. However, should you venture to taste everything, I bet you’ll be surprised by how much you like the new flavors and textures. — Stacey Greenberg
Asiana Garden, 5992 Mt. Moriah (795-6147)
