Are All Banchan Free to Refill?
In many Korean restaurants, basic banchan (side dishes) can be refilled for free. However, not every side dish is unlimited. Refill policies vary from restaurant to restaurant and from dish to dish.
Simple banchan such as kimchi, kkakdugi, bean sprouts, pickled radish, lettuce, and other basic vegetable sides are often available for free refills.
Some restaurants also have a self-service area called a self bar or self-service corner, where customers can help themselves to additional side dishes.
However, more expensive or special banchan may not be free to refill.
Examples of side dishes that may require an additional charge include:
- Marinated crab
- Premium seafood
- Special meat dishes
- Large jeon
- Seasonal ingredients
- Signature side dishes
Vegetables such as lettuce may also have different refill policies. Some restaurants offer unlimited refills, while others may charge extra for additional portions.
Banchan Refill Etiquette
Banchan refill culture has etiquette.
First, ask only for what you want to eat.
Second, do not ask for every side dish again if you only want one or two.
Third, take small amounts from self-service stations.
Fourth, do not leave large amounts uneaten.
Fifth, use the serving tongs or spoons provided at self-service areas.
Sixth, be patient when the restaurant is busy.
Seventh, understand that some items may not be refillable.
The most important rule is this:
Refill is generosity, not permission to waste.
Food waste is not good manners.
Someone prepared those side dishes. Even simple bean sprouts required washing, cooking, seasoning, storing, and serving. Respecting banchan means eating what you take.
This is the balance of Korean refill culture.
Abundance with responsibility.
A useful phrase
A useful phrase is:
Banchan jom deo juseyo. (반찬 좀 더 주세요)
This means, “Please give me a little more side dishes.”
If you want more kimchi:
Kimchi jom deo juseyo. (김치 좀 더 주세요)
Please give me a little more kimchi.
If you want more kkakdugi:
Kkakdugi jom deo juseyo. (깍두기 좀 더 주세요)
Please give me a little more kkakdugi.
If you want to point to a specific dish:
Igeo jom deo juseyo. (이거 좀 더 주세요)
Please give me a little more of this.
Banchan by Restaurant Type (https://kimbaplife.com/banchan-in-korean-restaurants/)
