Gunbae’s New Groove: An Insider’s Look at the 2025 Menu Refresh

There’s a moment on every Virgin Voyage when you hear it: a roar of laughter and a chorus of cheers echoing from Deck 15. That, my friends, is the sound of Gunbae. This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s the social heartbeat of the ship, a place where strangers become friends over sizzling meats and a notoriously fun drinking game. It’s the only Korean BBQ at sea, and it’s a quintessential Virgin Voyages experience.

As dedicated Virgin specialists, we’ve always considered Gunbae a must-do for its incredible energy. So, when Virgin announced a fleet-wide menu refresh for Summer 2025, we knew we had to dive in and give you the insider scoop. They’ve shaken up the classics, introduced some bold new flavors, and added a “treat yourself” option that is pure, unapologetic luxury.

So, what’s new on the grill? Let’s uncover the secrets of the refreshed Gunbae menu.

The New Bites: A Flavor-Forward Start

The meal at Gunbae still kicks off with a delicious array of banchan (small side dishes), but the “Small Bites” section of the menu has seen some exciting changes designed to wake up your palate.

What’s New:

• Oi Muchim (Cucumber & Avocado Salad): A refreshing and crunchy new addition, this salad with pepper threads offers a cool, crisp counterpoint to the richer dishes to come.
• Shrimp Kimbap Rolls: Forget standard sushi. These are crispy nori rice bites layered with shrimp and an umami-rich black garlic. They are incredibly addictive.
• Kimchi Jeon (Kimchi Pancake): While this fan favorite remains, it’s been updated with a new presentation, focusing purely on the savory pancake and its soy dipping sauce.

What’s Gone:

The light and refreshing Miyeok Muchim (seaweed salad) and the Hot Bar seafood skewer are no longer on the menu, making way for these bolder new starters.

The Main Event: A Revolution in the Grill and Stew Pot

This is where the most significant changes have occurred. Virgin has revamped the core of the menu, swapping some familiar favorites for heartier, more traditional Korean fare.

New Rice, Noodles & Stews

This section has been completely reimagined, moving away from classic noodle and rice dishes toward rich, comforting stews.

What’s New:

• Tteokbokki: A beloved Korean street food, these spicy rice cakes are served with zucchini and shiitake mushrooms, offering a chewy, savory, and spicy kick.
• Soondubu: A classic silken tofu stew that’s packed with flavor and a generous helping of clams, mussels, and shrimp. It’s a warm, soulful dish perfect for a night at sea.
• Kalbi Jjim: This is a showstopper. Traditionally a celebratory dish, it features incredibly tender soy-braised short ribs that fall off the bone, served with chestnuts, daikon, and delicate egg ribbons.

What’s Gone:

This is a big one for repeat Sailors. The ever-popular Bibimbap (mixed rice bowl) and Japchae (glass noodle stir fry) have been retired from the menu, along with the classic Kimchi Jjigae stew. This signals a move toward deeper, more complex flavors and away from more common entry-level Korean dishes.

New on the BBQ Grill

The heart of the Gunbae experience—the smokeless grill at your table—also has some new stars.

What’s New:

• Ojing-eo, Nakgi & Galibi: This new seafood trio brings squid, octopus, and scallops to the grill, offering a fantastic taste of the sea.
• “TREAT YOURSELF” Bo Ssam ($75): This is pure indulgence. A whole roasted pork butt is brought to your table, served with oysters and caviar. It’s a shareable, celebratory centerpiece designed for a group looking to create a truly unforgettable dining memory.

What’s Changed:

The beloved marinated Kalbi short ribs are no longer available as a standalone grill option. You can now only get them as part of the Chef’s Combo platter. Additionally, the premium Wagyu Beef Platter upcharge has been replaced by the new Bo Ssam experience.

The Sweet Finish & Sips: Dessert and Drink Updates

Even the end of the meal and the drink list have seen a refresh.

• Dessert: The mango and matcha soft serve options are gone. In their place are two new flavors: Shikhye (a traditional sweet rice drink flavor) and Black Sesame. Also new is the Hotteok, a warm, cinnamon-spiced Korean pancake that is the perfect comfort food dessert.
• Drinks: There’s a new cocktail, the Instant Smile (Jinro 24, vodka, dry vermouth, and pepper-stuffed olives), and the beer and wine lists have been expanded with more premium options.

The Verdict: Our Expert Take on the New Gunbae

So, is the new menu an upgrade? For us, the answer is a resounding yes, with a small caveat.

Why We Love It:

The new menu is bolder and more authentically Korean. Dishes like Kalbi Jjim and Soondubu are staples in Korean households and restaurants, and their inclusion shows a commitment to offering a deeper culinary experience. The Bo Ssam is an absolutely brilliant addition, creating a “wow” moment that aligns perfectly with Virgin’s “Rebellious Luxe” philosophy. It turns dinner into a true celebration.

The Caveat:

We know some Sailors will miss the Bibimbap and Japchae. They were familiar, delicious, and great entry points to Korean cuisine. Their removal might be a slight disappointment for less adventurous eaters or those who had a favorite they looked forward to.

Ultimately, this menu refresh is a fantastic evolution. It elevates the dining experience, pushes culinary boundaries, and doubles down on what makes Gunbae so special: shared experiences. The heart and soul of Gunbae—the drinking games, the social seating, the incredible energy—are all still there, and they’re stronger than ever. It remains our number one recommendation for your first night on board to meet new people and kick off your voyage in the most fun way possible.