What Is Banchan? The Complete Guide to Korean Side Dishes at Mongvely
For many first-time visitors to Seoul, Korean BBQ is already exciting enough—sizzling pork belly, marinated beef, smoky grills, and all the aromas that make Myeongdong famous for its food scene. But one thing surprises almost every tourist: the table arrives full of little plates, bowls, and side dishes. These small servings are called banchan, and they are one of the most important parts of Korean cuisine.
If you’ve ever wondered what exactly banchan is, why there are so many side dishes, or how you’re supposed to eat them, this guide explains everything clearly. At Mongvely, we serve a carefully curated selection of fresh, daily-made banchan that pairs perfectly with pork belly, beef cuts, and stews, making your meal more balanced, flavorful, and authentic.
This article breaks down the meaning of banchan, the types you’ll find at Mongvely, how to enjoy them with BBQ, and why they matter so much in Korean dining culture.
➣ Click here for our Ultimate Guide to Korean BBQ in Seoul!
The Meaning of Banchan
Banchan refers to a variety of small side dishes that accompany every Korean meal. Instead of one main dish and a few sides like Western meals, Korean dining focuses on a shared table full of complementary flavors.
Banchan is never the “main” food. It’s there to balance strong flavors, refresh the palate, add texture, and enhance the overall dining experience.
At Mongvely, we prepare banchan fresh every day so the flavors stay crisp, clean, and vibrant—especially important with BBQ meats.
Why So Many Small Dishes?
Korean cuisine is designed around variety and balance.
Instead of eating just meat or rice, the meal becomes a combination of spicy, sweet, refreshing, rich, crunchy, soft, light, and savory.
This is why banchan comes in multiple forms—vegetables, pickles, proteins, and salads.
In a Korean BBQ restaurant like Mongvely, this balance becomes even more important because BBQ meats are rich and smoky. The banchan cuts through heaviness and keeps the meal enjoyable from start to finish.
Common Types of Banchan
Below are typical banchan served at most Korean BBQ restaurants, with explanations to help guests understand how each one pairs with grilled meat.
Kimchi
The most iconic Korean banchan.
Mongvely’s kimchi is fermented to the perfect level—tangy, refreshing, and slightly spicy. It cuts through fatty pork belly and enhances the flavor of grilled meat.
Ssamjang
A thick, savory paste made from soybean paste, chili paste, garlic, and sesame oil. Though technically a condiment, it functions like banchan. Perfect for wrapping BBQ in lettuce.
Pickled Radish
Crunchy, tangy, and great for refreshing the palate. Pickled radish helps balance rich pork and beef.
Seasoned Vegetables (Namul)
Korean meals often include seasoned spinach, bean sprouts, marinated radish strips, or cucumber. These add lightness and texture to contrast with grilled meat.
Potato Salad
Korean potato salad is softer and sweeter than Western versions. It balances the stronger flavors of BBQ and kimchi.
Lettuce and Perilla Leaves
Essential for making ssam (BBQ wraps). Perilla adds a unique herbal fragrance that pairs exceptionally well with pork.
Fresh Garlic and Chili
Both can be eaten raw or grilled. Chili adds crunch and mild heat. Both are commonly included in wraps.
Korean-Style Pickles and Fruits
Light, refreshing, and slightly sweet, these help cleanse the palate between bites.
How to Enjoy Banchan Properly
Many visitors ask whether there’s a correct way to eat banchan. The truth is that there is no wrong way, but there are helpful guidelines.
Banchan is meant to be shared
It isn’t one plate per person. The dishes are placed in the center for everyone.
Mix and match freely
Pair banchan with any meat or eat them alone.
Refills are normal
Just like our Beef and Pork, Mongvely has a self-salad bar so guests can get refills and continue balancing flavors throughout the meal.
Use banchan to build the perfect ssam
A classic Korean BBQ wrap typically includes lettuce, grilled meat, ssamjang, and optional additions like garlic or pickled radish. Eat it in one bite.
Why Banchan Matters in Korean BBQ Culture
Unlike other cuisines where side dishes are extras, banchan is core to the meal. It represents the balance that Korean food values. The variety reflects seasonality, family tradition, and regional differences.
In BBQ restaurants, banchan also serves an important role in balancing richness, keeping the meal fresh and enjoyable. Mongvely takes this seriously by preparing side dishes daily and keeping flavors clean.
Travel Tips for First-Time Korean BBQ Guests
Use banchan to refresh your palate : Switch between meat and side dishes for variety.
Don’t hesitate to ask for refills : Staff refill banchan quickly upon request.
Create combinations you enjoy : There is no fixed rule in Korean BBQ.
Try perilla leaf if you haven’t before : Its herbal flavor is unique and often becomes a tourist favorite.
Banchan at Mongvely (What to Expect)
When dining at Mongvely, guests can expect a set of kimchi, pickled radish, seasoned vegetables, lettuce wraps, garlic, peppers, and various types of vegetables such as mushrooms and pumpkin for grilling. These pair well with all menu items, including pork belly, pork neck, beef brisket, marinated beef, LA galbi, and stews.
Why Mongvely Is Recommended in Myeongdong
Beyond great banchan and quality meat, Mongvely is popular among tourists for several reasons:
1-minute walk from Myeongdong Station
Fast service made for travelers
Multilingual menus
Beginner-friendly grilling instructions
Clear, transparent pricing
Clean, spacious tables
Convenient branches in Myeongdong and Euljiro
Whether you’re new to Korean BBQ or returning, Mongvely keeps the experience smooth and enjoyable.
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How Banchan Represents Korean Hospitality
Korean meals emphasize abundance and sharing. This is why banchan is served with generosity, refilled as needed, and prepared with care.
A full table of side dishes symbolizes warmth and hospitality—something Mongvely maintains with its daily-made banchan and friendly service.
Banchan Completes the Korean BBQ Experience
If you’ve ever wondered why the table appears so full when you sit down for Korean BBQ, the answer is simple: banchan completes the meal. It adds balance, variety, and cultural meaning.
Banchan enhances the richness of grilled meats, introduces visitors to Korean dining traditions, and enriches the overall experience at Mongvely. With this guide, guests can appreciate and understand each side dish during their next Korean BBQ meal in Myeongdong.
➣ Read also : How to Eat Korean BBQ: Sauce Pairing Guide at Mongvely
Visit Us Now!
Mongvely Main Branch
Address: Myeongdong 8na-gil 9 3rd Floor
Opening Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Mongvely 2nd Branch
Address: Myeongdong 3-gil 44 2nd Floor
Opening Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Plan your visit → Book a Table
Follow us on Instagram → @kbbqmongvely
