Banchan

The term banchan encompasses a wide variety of Korean dishes that are traditionally served on small plates. Although the name banchan translates to side dishes, in traditional Korean cuisine, they are considered as the essential part of every meal. The list of banchan dishes is extensive, but the most common options include different kimchi varieties, pickled and fresh vegetables, stir-fry dishes, pancakes, or various combinations with noodles, as well as braised meat or seafood dishes. All the plates are usually placed in the middle of the table and are meant to be shared, while other additions to the traditional table setup include individual bowls of rice, grilled meat, and a communal stew (jjigae). Interestingly, banchan dishes are always served in odd numbers, since even number is considered bad luck.