Why Koreans Eat So Many Side Dishes? Banchan: The Korean Secret to Eating Well
If you’ve ever sat down at a Korean table, you’ll notice something immediately.
It’s not just one dish.
It’s many.
Small plates. Different colours. Different textures. All placed at the centre, meant to be shared.
This is banchan (반찬), the heart of Korean dining.
🥢 What Does Banchan Mean?
Banchan simply means side dishes, but in Korea, they are far more than that.
They are:
• A balance of flavours
• A reflection of seasonality
• A way of eating that brings people together
A typical Korean meal isn’t built around one main dish. It’s built around variety, harmony, and sharing.
🌿 Why Banchan Is So Important in Korean Culture?
Banchan represents something deeper:
👉 Food as care
👉 Food as balance
👉 Food as everyday ritual
From royal banquets to home kitchens, Korean meals have always been about abundance without excess representing small portions, thoughtfully prepared.
🥬 The Role of Kimchi in Banchan
At the centre of almost every Korean table is one essential:
Kimchi.
It’s not just a side dish.
It’s the foundation.
Rich in flavour, naturally fermented, and deeply rooted in Korean history, kimchi brings:
• Depth
• Acidity
• Balance
It ties everything together.
At Miss Kim, we honour this tradition.
Our kimchi is:
• Slow-fermented for 4 weeks at low temperature in Korea
• Made with 100% Korean ingredients
• Free from additives and shortcuts
Because real banchan starts with real kimchi.
🧠 Why This Way of Eating Feels So Good
Without trying to be “healthy”, Korean meals naturally offer:
• A variety of vegetables (fibre-rich)
• Fermented foods (gut-friendly)
• Balanced portions
It’s not about restriction.
It’s about harmony.
✨ How to Enjoy Banchan at Home
You don’t need a full Korean table to start.
Try this:
• A bowl of rice
• A protein (tofu, eggs, or meat)
• 2–3 small sides
• And good kimchi
It’s simple but balanced and satisfying.
Did you also know our Lotus root Bugak is a type of Banchan as well as a snack?
🛒 Bring Banchan Home
You don’t need to travel to Korea to experience this.
Start with the essential.
👉 Shop Miss Kim Kimchi: authentic Korean kimchi in the UK