Why Koreans Eat So Many Side Dishes

Korean names

• 반찬banchanSide dishes served alongside rice
• 밥bapCooked rice, the center of the meal
• 국gukSoup, often served with rice

The cultural side

In a typical Korean meal, rice is the anchor and everything else is there to go with it. Side dishes are shared from the middle of the table, so everyone can pick up a little of this and a little of that.

The variety is part of the point. Something salty, something crunchy, something spicy, something mild: each bite of rice can taste a little different from the last.

How it shows up at the table

1. Take a spoonful of rice, then add one small side. Next bite, pick a different one.
2. Mix and match. A bit of kimchi with a bit of egg, or something mild between two bold flavors.
3. Finish what you like and ask for more of your favorites.