Stick a Fork in Boring Meals—ROK Prime Skewers Expectations with Sizzlin’ Korean BBQ, Homemade Sides, and a Kwan-fidence You Can Taste.

February 15th, 2025

Located in the heart of Boynton Beach, ROK Prime Korean BBQ offers an authentic and unforgettable dining experience. At the helm of this culinary gem is Chef Michael Kwan, a passionate chef with a rich background in the restaurant industry. In just four months since its opening, ROK Prime has already begun to make waves with its dedication to quality, fresh ingredients, and classic Korean BBQ techniques.

In an exclusive interview, Chef Kwan shared the inspiration behind his venture and what sets ROK Prime apart from other Korean BBQ spots.

A Personal Touch to a Traditional Art

Michael Kwan’s journey in the culinary world spans years of working in prestigious hotels and owning several restaurants. However, Korean BBQ holds a special place in his heart. “Korean BBQ is one of my favorite meals,” Kwan revealed, explaining that his deep appreciation for this cuisine inspired him to open ROK Prime.

But Chef Kwan didn’t just want to serve another generic Korean BBQ meal. He wanted to create a restaurant focused on one exceptional dish: a perfectly executed Korean BBQ experience. “I wanted to do one really good meal,” Kwan explained. “When everybody comes, they can pick their own protein, but at the end, we give them the same really good meal, and we make sure that we execute it to perfection.”

The Ingredients Matter

ROK Prime’s commitment to quality is evident in its choice of ingredients. Chef Kwan personally sources the finest meats and vegetables from local suppliers. “Our proteins, we get it through all the local and they prepare all of our meats,” he said. “We do get five-grade and wagyu-grade products. So we do pick the best of the top of what we can get.”

This dedication to top-tier ingredients ensures that every meal at ROK Prime is nothing short of extraordinary. Even the restaurant’s side dishes are thoughtfully curated, with seasonal ingredients and fresh flavors that change regularly.

Bringing Tradition with a Modern Twist

One of the standout features of ROK Prime Korean BBQ is its dedication to authenticity. While many restaurants may incorporate fusion elements into their dishes, Chef Kwan sticks to the roots of traditional Korean cooking. “I’m really about classical food,” he said. “We do different ways of classic groups, but it’s still the traditional take on it.”

However, the restaurant does bring a modern touch by using high-quality cuts of meat that are not typically found in traditional Korean BBQ spots. By incorporating ribeye, New York strip, and filet cuts, Chef Kwan elevates the BBQ experience without sacrificing authenticity.

Pairing Korean BBQ with the Perfect Drink

What’s a meal without the right drink pairing? At ROK Prime, the beverage menu features exclusively Korean-imported alcohol, carefully selected to complement each meal. Whether you’re enjoying a sizzling platter of meat or one of the restaurant’s signature sides, there’s a drink to match.

A Place for Everyone

For those new to Korean BBQ, ROK Prime offers a welcoming atmosphere and a perfect introduction to this traditional dining style. “If they’ve never experienced Korean BBQ, I think we’re the perfect place for you to start,” Chef Kwan said. “We’ll be happy to serve and to give everything for everybody.”

Chef Kwan also makes sure to offer specials that keep things exciting. Happy hour runs from 3-5 p.m. and 8:30-10 p.m., Monday through Thursday, providing patrons with an opportunity to enjoy their favorite dishes at a great price.

ROK Prime Korean BBQ – Ferrero Rocher Moosecake

Why ROK Prime?

Chef Michael Kwan’s passion for Korean BBQ, commitment to fresh ingredients, and focus on traditional flavors make ROK Prime Korean BBQ a standout in the Boynton Beach dining scene. For anyone looking to experience the authentic taste of Korean BBQ, ROK Prime is the place to be.

As Chef Kwan aptly puts it, “You can never get a steak and put it on a grill and have it taste the same as if you got it straight from our grill and put it from the plate straight to your mouth.” If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to visit, now’s the time to step up to the plate at ROK Prime and taste the difference.