Why Do Korean Restaurants Serve So Many Side Dishes?

Korean meals are typically characterized by eating rice, soup, and various side dishes together. It is a method of constructing a meal by adding small portions of foods with distinct flavors and textures, such as kimchi or seasoned greens. For this reason, you will often see several small plates placed next to your ordered dish at Korean restaurants. The types and number of side dishes vary from restaurant to restaurant. While basic side dishes are often included in the price of the meal, not all side dishes or additional orders are free. (These days, an increasing number of restaurants are operating self-service bars where you can take side dishes yourself.) There may be an additional cost for items sold separately. If you want more, ask, "Could I have a little more of this side dish?" If there is a self-service corner, take only what you can eat, and it is recommended to use tongs or serving utensils for the side dishes shared with others.