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Backyard Korean Catering (BKC)
Master Critic Review
Backyard Korean Catering (BKC)
8.0
Backyard Korean Catering is a Westchester-based operation bringing full Korean BBQ spreads, bento boxes, and dumpling soups directly to homes and events. Run by industry veteran Soomi Fabian and rooted in family recipes, it’s a go-to for intimate gatherings that want restaurant-level KBBQ without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Backyard KBBQ spread with bulgogi, kalbi, and pork belly, Customizable Korean bento boxes, Dumpling soup kit with house side dishes
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: They turn your backyard or living room into a full Korean BBQ experience, complete with meats, banchan, and setup.
Who should go: Hosts planning backyard parties or family-style celebrations.
When to visit: Book weekends or holidays well ahead for peak party dates.
What to order: Classic bulgogi and kalbi set, pork belly, plus bento boxes.
Insider tip: Ask about customizing spice levels and adding extra banchan; they can tailor the spread for mixed-Korean and first-timer crowds.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Since BKC is catering-only, parking depends on your home/event location. Their team typically parks one catering vehicle on nearby residential streets; no special permits required for standard setups.
Dress code: Totally casual. It’s an at-home catering experience, so guests can dress however they’d like—from comfy loungewear to backyard party attire.
Noise level: Low. Because service happens in your own space, conversation is easy regardless of group size.
Weekend wait: Booking lead time is key—popular weekends can fill up 1–2 weeks in advance.
Weekday lunch: Usually more flexible; same-week bookings are often possible.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian-friendly banchan, japchae, and tofu-based dishes can be included upon request.
Vegan options: Limited but doable; they can provide vegetable-centric banchan and adjust marinades if notified in advance.
Gluten-free options: They can adapt many meats and sides with gluten-free marinades if requested beforehand.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a cozy, private cooking experience. It’s better suited for established couples or group hangouts since the setup is more communal and casual than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There’s no on-site dining—everything is pre-booked catering. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible on weekdays, but weekends require advance planning.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. Portions can be adjusted for younger eaters, spice levels toned down, and the at-home setup makes it easy for families with toddlers or teens.
Best For
Better for: Hands-on Korean BBQ without leaving the house, personalized menus, and warm, family-style hospitality that big-box caterers can’t match.
Skip if: You want a traditional dine-in restaurant experience, need ultra-formal catering, or prefer large banquet-style venues.