RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK Fogo Grill Steak House brings Brazilian BBQ flair to Suwon
A sign for Fogo Grill Steak House in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Dec. 20 / Courtesy of Eddie Tam
By Eddie Tam
SUWON, Gyeonggi Province — Nestled on a second floor in Suwon's bustling Ingye-dong, Fogo Grill Steak House is an unexpected gem for anyone seeking to satiate their carnivorous cravings. The elegant ambiance is further enhanced by the tantalizing aroma of barbecued meat wafting through the air. While I have yet to meet him, the owner — a proud Brazilian — has brought the rich tradition of Brazilian BBQ to Korea.
For those unfamiliar with Brazilian BBQ, it's an experience as much as a meal. Servers parade around with skewers of succulent meat, slicing it directly onto your plate. The basic buffet is priced at 38,000 won for adults, with a special menu that includes lamb chops at 45,000 won. Both options offer excellent value, particularly if you can devour a substantial amount of meat in one sitting. The wine selection is equally impressive, with options available by the glass or bottle. House wine and sangria are priced at 7,000 won, while a variety of red and white wines range from 25,000 won to 85,000 won per bottle.
Meat at Fogo Grill Steak House in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Feb. 26 / Courtesy of Eddie Tam
During my visit, my friend and I opted for the special menu featuring lamb chops, which I highly recommend for a delightful break from the beef-heavy fare. The lamb was cooked to a perfect medium rare, juicy and flavorful. The chef is notably accommodating, willing to cook the meat to your preferred temperature. While pork sausage, ribs, and chicken are available, the star of the show is undeniably the beef.
A variety of cuts are on offer, including top sirloin, bottom sirloin, rump steak, tenderloin and garlic steak. Both my friend and I agreed that the top sirloin was the standout, with its juicy, fatty and robust flavor profile. The buffet also includes a selection of salads and sides to complement the meat. Notable highlights are the beef stroganoff, shrimp fried rice and the must-try national dish, feijoada — a hearty Brazilian stew with beans and sausage.
Items from the buffet at Fogo Grill Steak House in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Feb. 26 / Courtesy of Eddie Tam
Fogo Grill Steak House delivers a protein-packed experience that leaves no room for hunger. The variety is sufficient to please any palate, and the value for money is exceptional, with an average spend of about 50,000 won per person, including a drink. Comparable steak dinners would likely cost significantly more elsewhere. This establishment is ideal for special occasions, such as birthdays or group gatherings. Enjoy a taste of Brazil in the heart of Suwon!
Fogo Grill Steak House welcomes guests from Tuesday to Friday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 11 p.m. Follow @fogogrill_steak on Instagram for more information.
Eddie Tam is an assistant professor in Suwon and runs the Facebook foodie groups Hidden Gems Korea and Hidden Gems Suwon, Korea.