Korean words in the Oxford English DictionaryLanguage
Banchan (반찬) — Korean side dishes
Banchan are the small side dishes served with rice at a Korean meal. Coverage of the OED update gives the definition as a small side dish served along with rice.
OED update: September 2021Korean: 반찬 (banchan)Eaten with riceUpdated Oct 20, 2026
Study Korean
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Example image
Colias Wing 3.5-inch Ceramic Side Dishes, set of 6
Small dishes for setting out several banchan at once.
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Official product image
LocknLock Stainless Steel Containers, 3 x 310 ml
Containers for keeping banchan in the fridge.
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Official product image
BAPMOO Korean Smile Spoon and Chopsticks Set
A Korean spoon and chopsticks set for a rice-and-banchan meal.
What it means
Banchan (반찬) is the group of small dishes, such as seasoned vegetables, kimchi and fish, that share the table with rice and soup.
In the OED
The OED added “banchan” in September 2021. Coverage quotes the definition as “a small side dish served along with rice as part of a typical Korean meal”.
How it's used in Korea
In Korea 반찬 are shared from the middle of the table, and many restaurants refill them. At home they are often made ahead and kept in the fridge in small containers.
Example
“반찬이 다 맛있어요!” (All the side dishes are delicious!)
More on K for All
LanguageWord of the DayKorean tablewareKorean pantry essentialsOED entry: banchan