by paolorigotti

Elevating Korean BBQ in Panglao: A First Look at Tan

Panglao is known for beach resorts and international dining, but Korean BBQ in Bohol has usually meant one thing: unlimited samgyupsal buffets.
Tan offers something different.

Located at Buona Vita Plaza in Panglao, Tan focuses on premium meat, local sourcing, and careful preparation. This is not a buffet-style Korean BBQ. It is a chef-driven experience that highlights Bohol ingredients through Korean techniques.

For travelers looking for a more refined and thoughtful Korean BBQ meal, Tan is worth paying attention to.

Key Information (Before You Visit)

Location

  • Buona Vita Plaza, Panglao, Bohol
  • Easy access from Alona Beach area

Current Operating Status

  • Soft opening
  • Dinner service only (for now)
  • Lunch service planned in the future

Dining Style

  • Not unlimited samgyupsal
  • Premium, curated Korean BBQ
  • Meat is prepared by the kitchen, not self-service

Important Notes

  • Menu is still evolving
  • Experience may change slightly during soft opening

The Tan Philosophy: Every Table Begins in Bohol

One of the first things you notice at Tan is their clear philosophy:
everything starts with Bohol.

They use locally raised Bohol pork, grown in the island’s natural environment. The focus is on health, freshness, and traceability. Instead of importing frozen meat, Tan highlights what Bohol can already offer, elevated through Korean BBQ techniques.

This approach connects Korean cuisine with local agriculture, rather than replacing it.

A Chef-Prepared Korean BBQ Experience

Most Korean BBQ restaurants rely on self-grilling at the table. Tan takes a different approach.

  • Meat is personally butchered by the team
  • It is pre-grilled over pure coconut charcoal
  • Unwanted odors are removed before serving
  • The goal is clean flavor and proper texture

By the time the meat reaches your table, it is already carefully prepared. This allows diners to focus on taste, balance, and pacing instead of managing the grill themselves.

This setup is especially comfortable for travelers who prefer a relaxed dining experience.

Banchan with Local Identity

Tan’s side dishes (banchan) are not standard Korean BBQ sides. Many are inspired by Filipino ingredients and local food knowledge.

Notable elements include:

  • Bohol Pork
    Known for tenderness and freshness due to local farming conditions.
  • Malunggay Salt
    Uses malunggay, often called the “miracle tree,” valued for nutrients and antioxidants.
  • Pickled Banana Blossom (Banana Heart)
    A traditional Filipino ingredient rich in fiber and iron, helpful for digestion.
  • Bohol Fermented Seafood
    A local anchovy-based sauce, salt-aged in Bohol, offering deep umami flavors.
  • Papaya Pickle
    Contains natural papain enzymes that help digestion, especially useful in a tropical climate.

These banchan are designed to balance richness, support digestion, and highlight local flavors.

Experience-Based Notes (Honest Expectations)

Good for:

  • Food-focused travelers
  • Korean BBQ fans looking for something premium
  • Diners who enjoy chef-guided meals
  • Visitors interested in local sourcing and sustainability

Not ideal for:

  • Travelers looking for cheap unlimited samgyupsal
  • Large groups expecting fast buffet-style dining
  • Guests in a rush

Overall atmosphere:

  • Calm and refined
  • More restaurant-like than casual BBQ
  • Suitable for relaxed dinners

Practical Q&A

Is this an unlimited samgyupsal restaurant?
No. Tan focuses on quality and curated portions, not unlimited dining.

Do I need to grill the meat myself?
No. Meat is pre-grilled by the kitchen using coconut charcoal.

Is it suitable for first-time Korean BBQ diners?
Yes. The guided preparation makes it easier and more comfortable.

Is lunch available?
Not yet. Currently dinner only during soft opening.

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