Asian-Korean restaurant chain Seoul Garden has marked its 35th anniversary with a celebration at its first Malaysian outlet, in Gurney Plaza, Penang.
The brand’s grill and steamboat buffet included marinated meats such as coffee chicken and beef bulgogi.
Seoul Garden Group COO Siow Yong Wu says the brand has come a long way since its establishment in Singapore in 1983 as an a-la-carte eatery catering to Korean expatriates. He says they switched to a buffet concept before entering the Malaysian market in 2005 with the Gurney Plaza outlet.
Penang franchisee Joseph Lee says Seoul Garden outlets were among the most popular dining venues because of their vast buffet, offering about 120 items.
With 35 outlets across peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, the brand has also obtained halal certification.
Group CEO Andrew Lee says all food items come from halal suppliers. “We have also re-engineered our proprietary grilling system to give customers a more comfortable, smoke-free dining environment.”
Siow says the group intends to expand heavily, both within Malaysia and in neighbouring countries. Currently, the brand has a presence in Indonesia (Medan), Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei and Myanmar.