Is banchan free?

Banchan — side dishes served at all Korean restaurants — are included in the cost of the meal and include “free refills.”

Why do Koreans eat at a low table?

In the past, most Korean households had people sit on the floor to eat their meals. This custom was prevalent under the pretext that sitting on the floor leads to a calm and peaceful state of mind and encourages a sense of belonging.

Why do Koreans eat so many vegetables?

He cited 2013 OECD data, which show Koreans have the highest daily vegetable consumption in the world, and 70 percent of items on Koreans’ plates for a meal are vegetables, stressing that Koreans consume that many vegetables because they find those dishes delicious because of soybean fermented sauces.

Do Koreans sit on the floor while eating?

Traditionally when dining, South Koreans use cushions to sit on the floor and eat from a low table. The floor is generally heated by the ondol, an underfloor heating system. This custom is still common at many restaurants in South Korea.

Why do Koreans have so many side dishes?

Why do Koreans have so many side dishes? The idea of banchan dates back to times of Korean royal court cuisine, where a meal was said to be twelve dishes and accompanied with rice and soup. Today, banchan can consist of anywhere from two to twelve dishes; although cheaper restaurants serve less.

Why do Korean restaurants serve so much banchan?

At restaurants, of course, the excess banchan is tossed. And while the portions are usually small, Lee says Korean restaurants in America may serve a larger quantity “because it looks more impressive.” There are endless variations of banchan fare, but Lee says kimchi and a seasonal vegetable are likely to make it to the table.

What is Panchan in Korea?

In Korea, panchan is actually meant to be “shared” with all the people in your party. Even the bowl of soup? Yes, even the bowl of soup. So it might be startling and off-putting at first, when see spoons gun one small bowl. Just remember, it’s part of the culture.