🔍 What Are Korean Side Dishes?
Korean side dishes, also known as banchan (반찬), are a staple of every Korean meal. Unlike typical appetizers or starters, these are served free, unlimited, and meant to be shared across the table.
At Mukbang Shows Restaurant in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, every table is filled with a colorful spread of banchan — from spicy kimchi to creamy corn cheese.
Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or a lifelong fan, let’s dive into the delicious world of banchan, its meaning, health benefits, and why it completes the Korean BBQ experience.
🇰🇷 1. What Does Banchan Mean?
The Korean word banchan (반찬) translates to “side dish” — but that’s an understatement.
Banchan are:
- Small, flavorful dishes served with rice and main courses
- Always shared communally
- Constantly refilled at Mukbang Shows (yes, it’s unlimited!)
- Meant to balance the meal with spice, acidity, crunch, and umami
From fermented vegetables to marinated tofu, these mini dishes create a symphony of flavor around your grill.
🌶 2. Kimchi – The Spicy Star of Every Table
No banchan spread is complete without kimchi — fermented napa cabbage in spicy red chili paste (often made with gochujang).
At Mukbang Shows, we serve freshly made halal kimchi with every meal:
- ✅ Packed with probiotics
- ✅ Spicy, tangy, crunchy
- ✅ Amazing with grilled beef and chicken
- ✅ 100% pork-free and halal-friendly
💡 Pro tip: Ask for extra kimchi and grill it slightly with your meats — flavor explosion guaranteed.
🌽 3. Corn Cheese – Sweet, Creamy & Addictive
A favorite among UAE diners, corn cheese is a sweet-savory dish made with:
- Buttered corn kernels
- Melted mozzarella or cheddar
- Topped with a light dusting of sugar or mayo
It’s often served warm, bubbly, and in a sizzling plate.
At Mukbang Shows, this dish is a crowd-pleaser — and pairs surprisingly well with grilled spicy bulgogi or seafood boil.
🥬 4. Kongnamul (Soybean Sprout Salad)
This light, refreshing banchan balances the boldness of Korean BBQ. It’s made of:
- Blanched soybean sprouts
- Sesame oil, salt, and crushed garlic
- Sometimes served chilled
Kongnamul is rich in protein, fiber, and cooling relief after every spicy bite.
🥒 5. Oi Muchim (Spicy Cucumber Salad)
Oi muchim is crisp, spicy, and bursting with flavor:
- Made from thin-sliced cucumbers
- Mixed with chili flakes, garlic, sugar, and vinegar
- Often served cold
It’s especially refreshing alongside hot BBQ and rich cuts of meat — and yes, we refill it at no extra charge.
🥔 6. Gamja Jorim (Sweet Soy Potatoes)
This banchan brings a savory-sweet note to the meal. It features:
- Braised potato chunks
- Coated in soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil
- Glossy and tender, with a soft bite
Kids love this one — and adults keep coming back for more.
🍆 7. Gaji Namul (Seasoned Eggplant)
If you love soft, savory vegetables, this is your new favorite banchan:
- Steamed or sautéed eggplant
- Dressed in sesame oil and garlic
- Light, flavorful, and satisfying
Eggplant balances out the heavier flavors from BBQ beef and chicken — it’s a hidden gem in every set.
🧠 FAQs: Korean Side Dishes in the UAE
❓ Are Korean side dishes unlimited at Mukbang Shows?
Yes! We offer unlimited banchan refills with every dine-in meal. Just ask your server politely, and we’ll keep them coming.
❓ Are they halal?
Absolutely. All side dishes at Mukbang Shows are 100% halal-friendly, pork-free, and made fresh daily.
❓ Do you have vegetarian side dishes?
Yes! Many of our banchan — like kimchi, soybean sprouts, and seasoned greens — are vegetarian. Let our staff know your preferences.
❓ Do side dishes change?
Yes. While staples like kimchi are always served, some side dishes rotate daily for freshness and variety.
📍 Taste These Banchan at Mukbang Shows UAE
Come try our side dishes and all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ at:
📍 Deira, Dubai
📍 Electra & Muroor, Abu Dhabi
📍 🔜 JBR & World Trade Center – Opening Soon!
🛵 Also available for delivery via Talabat in both cities.
📱 Stay Connected
감사합니다 (Kamsahamnida)
📍Instagram: @mukbangshowae
📍Facebook: Mukbang Shows Restaurant
📍TikTok: @mukbangshowsrestaurant
🌐Website: mukbangshow.ae
