Explore the tradition, symbolism, and surprising stories hidden in every small plate.
What’s in a Side Dish?
In Korean cuisine, side dishes—or banchan—aren’t just culinary afterthoughts. They’re cultural reflections: bites of memory, markers of region and season, and expressions of care.
At Korea Culture, located in Changi Airport Terminal 3, we serve over 50 types of rotating banchan as part of our buffet experience. But behind each colourful dish is a rich story worth knowing.
Let’s take a closer look at the hidden meanings and origins of some of our most beloved banchan.
🥬 Kimchi: Fermented Honour
Kimchi isn’t just a flavour—it’s a legacy dish, passed down from generations of Korean families. Traditionally made in large batches and buried underground to ferment through winter, kimchi represents resilience and preservation.
At Korea Culture, our house kimchi is aged for balance—not heat—and honours that same tradition.
Learn more about our buffet’s signature flavour foundations
🍜 Japchae: Celebration in Noodles
Sweet potato noodles tossed with sesame oil, mushrooms, carrots, and spring onion—Japchae is often served during birthdays, weddings, and New Year feasts. In Korean culture, long noodles symbolise longevity and luck.
It’s one of the most beginner-friendly banchan options at Korea Culture—and one of the most requested.
Explore our customer favourites
🫘 Kongnamul (Seasoned Bean Sprouts): Frugality & Freshness
A humble dish made from soybean sprouts, lightly seasoned with sesame oil and garlic. In times of scarcity, this banchan reminded Korean households that even simple ingredients could nourish many.
It still holds its place on every buffet spread for its clean crunch and mild, nutty flavour.
Read about how we honour everyday Korean dishes
🥔 Gamja Salad (Korean Potato Salad): Softness with a Surprise
Creamy, slightly sweet, and sometimes mixed with apple or cucumber—this Western-inspired banchan represents Korea’s openness to adaptation. Its lightness balances spicy dishes and delights kids and first-timers alike.
🥒 Oi Muchim (Cucumber Salad): Cooling & Cleansing
Cold, vinegared cucumber slices offer relief from heat, both literal and culinary. It’s a dish that appears often in the summer months and pairs perfectly with bold-flavoured mains like bulgogi or kimchi stew.
See how we pair banchan with mains
Why the Little Dishes Matter So Much
In Korean dining, banchan are more than flavour—they're a symbol of generosity. A full spread says: You’re welcome here. You are being cared for. At Korea Culture, we continue that tradition with a buffet that celebrates both meaning and abundance.
With rotating flavours, halal-friendly ingredients, and cinematic décor, we invite you to experience Korea—one small plate at a time.
Come discover our Terminal 3 dining space
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all banchan available every day?
Our banchan buffet rotates daily with 50+ dishes, offering a different experience each visit.
Are banchan vegetarian?
Many of them are! Our buffet includes a wide range of plant-based banchan, all clearly labeled.
Do I need to order a main to enjoy banchan?
No. You can enjoy the banchan buffet à la carte, or pair it with one of our signature mains.
