If you are a fan of Korean food, then the word banchan must be something you're familiar with. Banchan refers to small side dishes that are usually served along with the traditional Korean meal to accompany the main dish and rice. When I sat down for my first Korean meal, I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of side dishes that were spread on the table. From kimchi, marinated quail eggs to fishcakes, they have everything to cover all textures and flavors.
The concept of having free refillable side dishes was unfamiliar yet wonderful to me. Back in my home country, we would only have free condiments on the table, but even water is something that comes with a cost. In Korea, however, generosity and hospitality are all part of the dining experience. You don’t just pay for your meal; you feel like you are welcomed home after a long day out and your grandparents are feeding you to your heart’s content.
Although it's normal to ask for extras, it is still important to only ask for as much as you can eat in order not to be wasteful. In some restaurants, there are even self-serve stations where guests can just come and refill the side dishes they love. This system not only gives diners more freedom, but also shows how much trust is placed in customers to be mindful and considerate.
What I love most about banchan is that it turns an ordinary meal into a shared experience. No two tables have exactly the same set, and even the same restaurant may serve different combinations depending on the day. It’s like opening a surprise gift every time you eat out. And whether you’re a meat lover, a vegetarian, or somewhere in between, there’s always something you can enjoy.
Banchan may be small in size, but it represents community, care, and a deep-rooted culture of sharing. It’s one of those little things in Korean life that leaves a lasting impression, and once you experience it, you’ll find yourself missing it in every meal that doesn’t come with a dozen tiny plates on the side.
Photo by Serious Eats / Vicky Wasik
If you are a fan of Korean food, then the word banchan must be something you're familiar with. Banchan refers to small side dishes that are usually served along with the traditional Korean meal to accompany the main dish and rice. When I sat down for my first Korean meal, I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of side dishes that were spread on the table. From kimchi, marinated quail eggs to fishcakes, they have everything to cover all textures and flavors.
The concept of having free refillable side dishes was unfamiliar yet wonderful to me. Back in my home country, we would only have free condiments on the table, but even water is something that comes with a cost. In Korea, however, generosity and hospitality are all part of the dining experience. You don’t just pay for your meal; you feel like you are welcomed home after a long day out and your grandparents are feeding you to your heart’s content.
Although it's normal to ask for extras, it is still important to only ask for as much as you can eat in order not to be wasteful. In some restaurants, there are even self-serve stations where guests can just come and refill the side dishes they love. This system not only gives diners more freedom, but also shows how much trust is placed in customers to be mindful and considerate.
What I love most about banchan is that it turns an ordinary meal into a shared experience. No two tables have exactly the same set, and even the same restaurant may serve different combinations depending on the day. It’s like opening a surprise gift every time you eat out. And whether you’re a meat lover, a vegetarian, or somewhere in between, there’s always something you can enjoy.
Banchan may be small in size, but it represents community, care, and a deep-rooted culture of sharing. It’s one of those little things in Korean life that leaves a lasting impression, and once you experience it, you’ll find yourself missing it in every meal that doesn’t come with a dozen tiny plates on the side.
Photo by Serious Eats / Vicky Wasik