Yeongtong, Suwon barley rice buffet: weekday lunch for two, Boriook

Boriook Main Branch in Suwon: a barley rice spot busy even on a weekday lunch

Boriook Main Branch (보리옥 본점) is a Korean restaurant in Suwon famous for all-you-can-eat barley rice. Lately, when I eat out, I crave a healthy meal more than meat or anything heavily seasoned. I had errands in Suwon one weekday lunchtime and stumbled on a barley rice place that really fills you up, and that was Boriook. Even at midday on a weekday, it was already quite full, so you can tell it's popular with locals.

What are the parking and atmosphere like at Boriook Main Branch?

Boriook has a large parking area, so it was easy to visit by car. The exterior looked tidy and homey, and the signature menu items are posted at the entrance, so it's easy to check what's on offer.

Inside, it was bigger than I expected, and the tables are nicely spaced, so it looks good for family gatherings or group meals too. Even on a weekday lunch, guests kept coming in, so word of mouth has clearly spread. The interior is really stylish too, I think.

Boriook menu and how to order

The Boriook menu has four barley rice sets.

• Barley rice set
• Barley rice mackerel set
• Barley rice gochujang pork set
• Barley rice soy pork set

You order from a table-order screen, and you can help yourself to side dishes and namul (seasoned vegetables) at the self bar as much as you like. They also give a free neobiani (sliced marinated beef patty) when you write a Naver review, so it might be worth joining in.

What was the barley rice set for 2 like?

Barley rice set for 2

That day we ordered the barley rice set for 2 at Boriook. After ordering, a table full of side dishes arrived, and just looking at it made me feel healthier. There were plenty of fresh namul and vegetables, plus cheonggukjang (strong fermented soybean stew) on the side, so it was more than enough for a meal.

The barley rice in particular was cooked fluffy and was perfect for mixing with namul. I added a moderate amount of gochujang (chili paste) and sesame oil and mixed it all together, and it tasted like comforting home cooking.

What's at the Boriook all-you-can-eat self bar?

One of Boriook's biggest strengths is the all-you-can-eat self bar. Besides barley rice, there are lots of namul, and I found them so tasty, with just the right seasoning. If you want more, you can go back for refills, so I could enjoy it to my heart's content. There's also japchae (glass noodle stir-fry) and fried items.

With prices what they are these days, it's not easy to find a place with this spread plus unlimited refills, so I felt Boriook is really good value. With barley rice, white rice, coffee, puffed rice snacks and more, the ending was perfect too.

Mixing different namul combinations

Boriook has many kinds of namul, so it was fun to mix them in different combinations. I'd eat one bowl, go back for more side dishes, and try another combination, and before I knew it I was nicely full.

The sesame oil and gochujang were the real deal too.

The cheonggukjang that comes as standard

Cheonggukjang comes as standard at Boriook, and it's so deeply savory, absolutely delicious. If you usually prefer healthy meals over strongly seasoned food, this is a satisfying place when you want a healthy meal.

Is Boriook Main Branch good for a family meal?

At Boriook you can eat plenty of fresh vegetables and namul, so my stomach felt comfortable and there was no heaviness afterward. The menu seems good for elders and for kids alike. I did see many families, and it looked fine for bringing parents too.

Boriook Main Branch at a glance

• A variety of namul and side dishes
• All-you-can-eat barley rice
• Good-value barley rice set
• Spacious, comfortable restaurant
• Recommended for family meals
• High satisfaction for weekday lunch

If you're looking for a healthy meal or a good-value Korean restaurant in Suwon, I recommend visiting Boriook. Thanks to the unlimited barley rice and generous side dishes, it was a filling, satisfying meal. Next time I'd like to come back with my parents.