Skip to content
Bulgogi-Haus
← All articles

Banchan: small bowls, big culture

Kimchi, cucumber salad, glass noodles: why Korean tables are always full of little bowls – and what sharing has to do with it.

Vierteilige Foto-Collage mit koreanischen Banchan: Kimchi, Sojasprossensalat, Glasnudeln, Gurkensalat und weitere Beilagen in kleinen Schälchen.

Banchan (반찬) are the many small side dishes that belong to every meal in Korea – from fermented kimchi and spicy cucumber salad to glass noodles with vegetables. They sit in the middle of the table and are shared by everyone: eating in Korea is always a communal experience.

A well-laid Korean table balances heat, acidity, sweetness and umami. That is why our banchan change regularly – and you can help yourself as often as you like. One important thing: banchan are not a starter, they accompany the whole meal.

자주 묻는 질문

Frequently asked questions

Anything unclear? Just give us a call or send us a WhatsApp message – we are happy to help.

What is Korean BBQ?+

At a Korean BBQ you grill together, right at the table. Meat and prawns are combined with rice, sauces, kimchi and a range of banchan. Preparing, sharing and tasting together is an important part of Korean food culture.

What are banchan?+

Banchan are Korean side dishes eaten alongside the main meal – kimchi, japchae, kongnamul and many more. We serve a changing selection at our buffet.

Is the Korean BBQ all-you-can-eat?+

No. Meat and prawns are served to match the number of guests and can be re-ordered for an additional charge. Our banchan and salad buffet, on the other hand, is yours to help yourself to throughout the menu.

Why is there a set menu?+

Because quality needs preparation. The set menu gives us a well-rehearsed routine and careful preparation – for consistent quality and short waiting times, even on busy evenings.

Is there a vegetarian menu?+

Yes. Our vegetarian menu costs €32.90 and includes mandu as a starter and either palbochae with rice or yangnyum dubu with rice as a main. It comes with a plate of vegetables for the table grill and our banchan and salad buffet, which is around 80 % vegetarian. Please tell us which main you would like when you book.