Learn about popular banchan, which are Korean side dishes renowned for their diverse and flavorful varieties. These small, exciting dishes are typically served alongside the main meal, grilled bbq meats, tofu dishes, as sides to noodles, and contribute to the overall dining experience that can happen morning, noon, or late night. Here is the list of popular banchan Korean side dishes to make your next Asian style meal loaded with flavor and style.
Updated on November 23, 2025
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Whenever I have eaten at Korean restaurants…and believe me, Korea Town in Los Angeles is one of the best in the world for incredible Korean food experiences, I love the banchan! You can’t have real Korean food without having had banchan. It IS the quintessential element of Korean cuisine.
Just sticking my chopsticks in all the sides and having them to complement the bbq, Korean spicy pork, thin sliced meats, or more main dishes we are having…it’s so much fun! There is so much sense in why they are an important part of eating Korean food.
The banchan and good company, amongst the array of beautiful Korean side dishes, make me feel blessed because when you get to eat like that, you can feel the love in the food culture.
It’s not just tasty food, it’s so much honor in the elements of every dish and how it complements the food and draws the person into the culture in a very different way.
What is Banchan?
In Korean cuisine, banchan refers to an assortment of small, flavorful dishes served alongside the main course.
These dishes range from pickled vegetables and radish, seasoned bean sprouts, to savory pancakes and marinated meats, meant to complement the overall dining experience.
The emphasis on variety, flavor, and balance in banchan mirrors the core principles of Korean cuisine.
When to Enjoy Banchan
In Korean cuisine, banchan is commonly enjoyed alongside the main course of a meal.
If you go out for Korean bbq or to a dinner, you can often find a larger amount of banchan selections.
For a smaller or casual meal, you may just find a few or even only one side. Nonetheless, there is banchan usually offered in most meals and all mealtimes.
Purpose of Banchan
The emphasis on variety, flavor, spice, and balance in banchan shows the core flavors and essence of Korean cuisine.
By offering a combination of spicy, sour, savory, and sweet flavors, banchan adds depth to the meal, enriching the enjoyment of the food and atmosphere. It’s so much more than kimchi!
List of 20 Banchan Korean Side Dishes
Classic Fermented & Pickled Banchan
Kimchi (김치)
A well-known banchan, kimchi is a traditional side dish made of fermented vegetables, typically napa cabbage or Korean radishes. Kimchi includes garlic, ginger, and spicy red chili pepper. The result is a pungent, tangy, and spicy dish that adds a punch of flavor and healthy probiotics to any meal.
Kkakdugi (깍두기)
Another variation of kimchi, kkakdugi consists of cubed radish fermented with a mix of spices.
Mu Saengchae (무생채)
This salad features julienned radish seasoned with vinegar, sugar, and red chili flakes. Crisp and lightly spicy.
Buchu Kimchi (부추 김치)
Made with garlic chives, giving it a unique and pungent flavor that complements the main dishes.
Seaweed, Greens & Vegetable Banchan
Gim (김)
These paper-thin sheets of roasted seaweed with light salt. They offer a satisfying crunch while imparting a distinct umami flavor. Enjoy gim as a standalone snack or used to wrap rice and other banchan.
Oi Muchim (오이무침)
This refreshing side dish features thinly sliced cucumbers, seasoned with vinegar, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The result is a crisp and tangy complement to rich main dishes.
Kongnamul (콩나물)
Boiled soybean sprouts garnished with sesame oil, garlic, and green onions. Kongnamul offers a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor in contrast to the other banchan (it has a big sprout end). It’s one of my favorites! This banchan is never soggy and has a great bite.
Sigeumchi Namul (시금치나물)
Blanched spinach seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic, sigeumchi namul offers a delicate texture and a harmony of nutty and savory flavors. This is a nutritious and refreshing addition to the banchan assortment. It’s so flavorful, especially because of the way the spinach is put in an ice bath after wilting, then hand squeezed to remove water.
Kkaennip Jjim (깻잎찜)
This banchan showcases perilla leaves steamed and seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. The fragrant and herbaceous nature of perilla leaves offers a unique and refreshing flavor to complement the array of Korean side dishes.
Noodles, Potatoes & Tofu Dishes
Japchae (잡채)
Japchae is a savory and slightly sweet dish made of glass noodles stir-fried with an assortment of vegetables. The veggies typically including carrots, spinach, and mushrooms. Meat is often included, but vegan japchae is equally delicious.
Gamja Jorim (감자조림)
Potatoes braised in a subtly sweet soy-based sauce, gamja jorim features tender potatoes infused with a savory and slightly caramelized flavor.
Dubu Jorim (두부조림)
Braised tofu marinated in a savory-sweet soy-based sauce. This is a popular vegetarian option in Korean cuisine.
Pancakes & Lightly Fried Dishes
Hobak Jeon (호박전)
Slices of zucchini coated in a light egg batter and pan-fried until golden and crisp. Korean zucchini pancakes are addictive and you will love this preparation. Delish!
Korean Pancakes (전)
Also known as “jeon,” these savory pancakes come in various forms, including kimchi jeon (pancake with kimchi), pajeon (green onion pancake), and haemul jeon (seafood pancake). Made with a batter of flour, egg, and other ingredients like vegetables or seafood, then pan-fried to a crispy perfection.
Rice, Fish Cake & Tofu-Skin Dishes
Bokkeum Bap (볶음밥)
Fried rice stir-fried with an array of ingredients such as vegetables, meats, and often kimchi. Kimchi fried rice is one of the best!
Eomuk Bokkeum (어묵볶음)
Eomuk, known as odeng, is a processed fish cake. Eomuk bokkeum features these fish cakes stir-fried with a sweet and savory sauce, resulting in a comforting side dish.
Yubu Chobap (유부 초밥)
A delightful banchan that consists of seasoned rice and vegetables wrapped in tofu skin.
Additional Delicious Banchan
Gaji Namul (가지나물)
Steamed or sautéed eggplant seasoned with garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Soft, savory, and incredibly flavorful.
Myeolchi Bokkeum (멸치볶음)
Stir-fried anchovies coated in a sweet-savory glaze. Crunchy, salty, slightly sweet, and a classic staple in Korean lunchboxes.
Doraji Muchim (도라지무침)
A tangy, slightly bitter, and refreshing dish made with bellflower root tossed in gochugaru, garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil.
Korean cuisine is all about flavor, variety, and balance, and these are just a few banchan to start your exploration. Which is one of your favorite banchan?
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