I’m Kim Korean BBQ: Location, Menu, Prices & Halal

There’s something special about finding a Korean BBQ spot that doesn’t burn a hole in your wallet, especially in Singapore where dining out can add up. I’m Kim Korean BBQ leans into that promise with a student-friendly buffet near Dhoby Ghaut that’s been pulling in crowds for its affordable grilling spread.

Location: School of the Arts, Dhoby Ghaut MRT ·
Lunch Buffet starting from: $11.90++ (student) ·
Dinner Buffet starting from: $18.90++ (student) ·
Buffet varieties: 50+ items for grilling and Korean feast ·
Halal certification: Not explicitly confirmed (inquire directly)

With pricing starting as low as $11.90++ and a location tucked inside the School of the Arts, there are a few things worth knowing before you go — especially around halal certification, menu variety, and what reviewers actually say.

The table below sums up the essential details for anyone planning a visit to this budget-friendly Korean BBQ spot.

Where is I’m Kim Korean BBQ located?

I’m Kim Korean BBQ sits inside the School of the Arts (SOTA) at 1 Zubir Said Drive, Singapore — right next to Dhoby Ghaut MRT. The address as listed by the Kingdom Food Group booking platform is #01-04/05/06/07, putting it on the ground level of the SOTA building.

I’m Kim Korean BBQ Singapore location

Dhoby Ghaut is one of Singapore’s busiest transport hubs, connecting three MRT lines (North-South, North-East, and Circle). Bencoolen MRT is also within walking distance. The restaurant’s placement inside an arts school means it’s surrounded by students — fitting for a buffet that targets student budgets. A Yelp listing confirms the same SOTA address and shows the business as currently open.

I’m Kim Korean BBQ Dhoby Ghaut

If you’re coming from Dhoby Ghaut station, exit towards the School of the Arts via the underground link. The restaurant is a short walk from the main entrance. For drivers, parking is available at SOTA’s car park or nearby commercial lots along Selegie Road.

The implication: This location prioritises foot traffic from students and office workers in the Bras Basah-Bugis district. The combination of public transit access and a school-adjacent address explains the weekday student promos.

Is I’m Kim Korean BBQ halal?

This is the most common question from Muslim diners, and the answer isn’t straightforward. A review of official sources — including the Kingdom Food Group booking page — shows no mention of halal certification. The restaurant’s Facebook page also does not advertise halal status. Some customer reviews on Yelp note uncertainty.

“Can anyone confirm if this place is halal? I’d love to go but need to be sure.”

— Facebook user comment on I’m Kim Korean BBQ page

Halal certification status

No halal logo or certification number appears on any of the restaurant’s public listings. The booking page lists pork and alcohol questions? Not explicitly. Given the nature of Korean BBQ — which often uses gochujang (fermented chili paste) and may share grills — a lack of certification means Muslim diners should treat it as not halal-certified until confirmed.

Customer inquiries about halal

Online forums and Facebook comments show multiple customers asking, but no official answer has been posted. The safest move: call +65 6238 7218 before visiting.

The trade-off: I’m Kim offers affordable Korean BBQ, but the halal ambiguity makes it a gamble for observant diners. Without a formal certification, the restaurant misses a large potential audience.

What is on the menu at I’m Kim Korean BBQ?

The buffet spreads across 50+ items — both grilling meats and Korean side dishes. According to the Kingdom Food Group page, the concept is “all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ with a feast spread.” A 2015 review by Miss Tam Chiak, a Singapore food blog, described an earlier version of the buffet with similar variety.

Buffet offerings: grilling and Korean feast

The grill section typically includes marinated beef, pork belly, chicken, and seafood. The “feast” section covers kimchi, japchae, fried chicken, tteokbokki, and soups. Delivery menus on foodpanda Singapore offer a glimpse: Zesty Blackpepper Chicken at $9.90, Spicy Volcano Chicken at $9.90, and sets like Max Indulge A ($49.90 for 2-3 pax) and Korean Feast ($59.90 for 4-5 pax).

Signature items

Customer photos on Yelp highlight the marinated beef bulgogi and the spicy pork. The buffet’s rotating selection means what’s available can vary by day.

Student menu options

On Mondays, student pricing unlocks the full buffet. Standard pricing starts from $15.90++ per pax according to an Instagram post by @imkimkoreanbbq, but that’s for non-student rates. The early-bird lunch promo ($12.90++ for 11:30am-12:30pm slots) is open to all.

What this means: The menu is broad but not deep — quantity over premium cuts. Ideal for groups who want variety without blowing the budget. The delivery sets suggest the kitchen can handle takeaway orders, too.

How much does I’m Kim Korean BBQ cost?

Pricing is tiered by time and customer type. The official Kingdom Food Group booking page lists several promo rates. Earlier reports from Miss Tam Chiak (2015) show prices have actually come down since the restaurant opened.

Lunch buffet pricing

• Student Monday lunch: $11.90++
• Early-bird lunch (Mon-Sun, 11:30am-12:30pm): $12.90++ per pax
• Standard lunch (2015 era: $14++ weekday, $24++ weekend) — current standard not listed

Dinner buffet pricing

• Student Monday dinner: $18.90++
• Early-bird dinner (Mon-Sun, 5:30-6:30pm / weekends 5-6:30pm): $20.90++ per pax
• Standard dinner (2015 era: $22++ weekday, $27++ weekend) — likely higher now

Student discounts

Monday-only student pricing requires a valid student ID. The restaurant also enforces a minimum of 2 paying pax and a 90-minute dining duration (110 minutes for larger groups), per the booking page.

The pattern: I’m Kim uses aggressive early-bird and student pricing to fill seats during off-peak hours. The real “regular” price is ambiguous, but likely around $15.90-$22++ based on the Instagram mention and historical data. For a budget BBQ in Singapore, these are among the lowest buffet rates.

What are the reviews of I’m Kim Korean BBQ?

Customer feedback on third-party platforms paints a mixed but largely positive picture. The Yelp page (updated June 2026, 41 photos) shows the restaurant is actively listed. The Facebook page runs promotions and event posts.

“Great for students, the meat was decent for the price.”

— Yelp reviewer, 2023

Customer ratings on Yelp

No numerical rating is displayed, but user comments highlight the value-for-money angle. One reviewer from 2023 said: “Great for students, the meat was decent for the price.” Another noted: “Service was fast but the place gets crowded during dinner rush.”

“Service was fast but the place gets crowded during dinner rush.”

— Yelp reviewer comment

Facebook feedback

The Facebook page’s posts about Monday student buffet lunch and dinner promotions receive engagement from students asking about halal and reservation policies. No official responses visible.

Overall sentiment

Positive comments centre on affordability and atmosphere. Negative comments, where they exist, mention limited dessert options and the 90-minute time limit feeling tight for big groups.

The catch: I’m Kim Korean BBQ isn’t trying to be a premium experience. It’s a volume play — cheap, cheerful, and functional. Diners expecting high-grade marbling will be disappointed; students looking for a filling meal with friends will leave happy.

For those exploring Korean BBQ in Singapore, the Guiga Korean BBQ restaurant in Tanjong Pagar offers a charcoal-grilled experience that complements the student-friendly buffet at I’m Kim.

Frequently asked questions

I’m Kim Korean BBQ delivers exactly what it promises: an affordable, no-frills Korean BBQ buffet at some of the lowest prices in Singapore’s city centre. The student pricing on Mondays and early-bird slots make it a viable option for anyone who can plan their meal around off-peak hours. For Muslim diners or those seeking a confirmed halal experience, the lack of certification remains a dealbreaker until the restaurant provides clarity. For students and budget-conscious groups, the choice is clear: grab your ID, book an early slot, and grill until the 90-minute timer runs out.