At its most basic purpose, food is sustenance. But of course, it provides much more than just nourishment. Food is a way to pass down our culture, to bring people together, and to start conversation.

That’s exactly what Korean BBQ is all about. It is not a solo adventure. It’s meant to be a collective experience. And later this year, St. Pete will have a new place to experience the joys of this Korean tradition.

KPOT Korean BBQ and Hot Pot is coming soon to the Tyrone Square Mall. The restaurant will take over the former Jos. A. Bank space next to Grand Hacienda.

For the unfamiliar, Korean BBQ (or KBBQ for short) refers to the popular method in Korean cuisine of grilling meat that you prepare yourself at your table. After grilling the meats and vegetables to perfection, you can throw it over a pile of rice, wrap it in lettuce leaves, or just eat it straight from the grill.

Hot pot, on the other hand, is essentially Asian fondue. It’s an Asian cooking method that involves a simmering pot of soup stock at the table that’s packed with a variety of meats and vegetables.

KPOT has brought this old culinary tradition into the 21st century. Their website describes the concept as an “all-you-can-eat dining experience that merges traditional Asian hot pot with Korean BBQ flavors – but modernized with a full bar and a nightlife-like atmosphere.”

Since opening the first location in 2018, the franchise has expanded to six locations across the United States with at least 45 more restaurants coming soon.

When ordering Korean BBQ, you typically have a dizzying number of options. You’ll start by selecting which meat you want, which will arrive at the table uncooked. KPOT offers around 20 varieties of meat, categorized by beef, brisket, chicken, pork, and seafood.

Common meats, such as beef bulgogi and pork belly are offered, as well as less popular meats like pork cheek and spicy baby octopus.

Now it’s time to select your vegetables. KPOT’s menu features around 11 vegetables to compliment your KBBQ. Options include onion, eggplant, potato, mushroom, sliced pumpkin, pineapple, and more.

Lastly, swing by the KPOT Sauce Bar to select a few sauces to dip your meat and vegetables into. There are over 20 sauces to choose from.

If your group would rather enjoy hot pot instead of KBBQ, the selections are slightly different. First, choose a soup base, such as Thai Tom Yum, Szechuan Spicy, Japanese Miso, or Mushroom Soup.

In addition to the wide selection of meat, you can also order a handful of sides for the hot pot. The menu includes items like mini sausages, gyoza, lobster balls, beef meatballs, and spam.

Next, select the vegetables. And finally, toss in some Udon, Ramen, or vermicelli noodles to complete the soup.

Korean BBQ and hot pot have been growing in popularity in the United States over the past few years. And for good reason! It’s a fun, social culinary experience. So come for an intimate dinner for two or celebrate with 20 of your closest friends. KBBQ is mostly about gathering for lively conversation over a feast of good food.

KPOT will open later this year at 6901 22nd Avenue North in the Tyrone Square Mall. Be sure to check out their website (and menu) for more information.