.svg)
Why Is There Such a Wide Selection of Side Dishes at Kimchi?
Ever sat down for Korean BBQ and thought, “Wait... what are all these little dishes?” You’re not alone. At Kimchi in Selly Oak, our side dishes known as banchan (반찬)—aren’t just extras. They’re part of the story, part of the balance, and part of what makes Korean food so unforgettable.
While not every side dish lands on your table automatically, we’ve got a menu full of flavour-packed options that let you build your own perfect plate.
🥢 What Is Banchan?
Banchan (pronounced: bahn-chan) refers to the small dishes traditionally served with Korean meals. They bring contrast, colour, and a mix of textures that make every bite better.
At Kimchi, we offer a rotating selection of sides to choose from or add on. You might see:
Kimchi – Our signature spicy, fermented cabbage that brings heat and depth to any BBQ plate
Roasted Crispy Seaweed (Gim) – Light, crunchy, and full of umami
Lettuce & Ssamjang – Crisp leaves + savoury-spicy dipping sauce = the ultimate BBQ wrap
Miso Soup – A warming broth with tofu, seaweed, and green onions (great for starting your meal right)
Extra Sauce Options – From gochujang to ssamjang and soy garlic blends, because more sauce = more fun
Extra Meat – Because let’s face it, someone at the table always wants more
These aren’t random sides they’re chosen to help balance the richness of grilled meat and bring out the best in your main dish.
Why Offer So Many?
Because no two BBQ bites should taste the same.
Korean dining is about customisation and contrast. A little kimchi with your beef. A crunchy seaweed snack with your ramen. A lettuce wrap to cool down your spicy pork belly. It’s all about building combinations that hit just right.
Having a variety means you get to make every bite your own whether you’re keeping it classic or creating a new flavour bomb at every turn.
Built for Selly Oak Life
At Kimchi, we know some days you want something spicy, other days you’re just here for comfort food. That’s why our menu lets you add, switch, or stack your meal however you like. Eating with friends? Even better grab a few sides and share the flavours.
Whether you're on a study break or catching up with your housemates, we've made sure there's always something on the table to elevate your meal.
Try Something Different Every Time
So next time you're in, don’t overlook the “small plates.”
Ask our team what’s available, add a new side, or go classic with kimchi and lettuce wraps. There’s always something fresh to mix in.
.jpg)
Fresh food, no shortcuts—last orders 9pm Mon–Sat, 8pm Sundays.
Read%20(v2.jpg)
Fuel your week with our Korean BBQ Bento high-protein, bold flavour, and easy to prep!
Read
Healthy, flavour-packed Korean BBQ: fresh veg, lean protein, and gut-friendly sides perfect for students.
Read
Refreshing, spicy Korean cucumber salad—our staff’s summer favourite and the perfect easy recipe to make at home.
Read
Quick meals, late-night snacks, fridge raids student life isn’t always gourmet. But with a jar of gochujang, you’re turning basic into banging!
Read
Grilling meat, sharing vibes at Kimchi BBQ.
Read
Bring Korean flavours home with pantry essentials then come back to Kimchi for the real feast!
Read
Galbi-tang isn’t just soup—it’s tradition in a bowl, reimagined for modern life.
Read
From Seoul to Selly Oak: How Kimchi is Anchoring the Korean Wave in Birmingham
Read
In Korea, May celebrates family love and respect through joyful traditions on Children’s Day and Parents’ Day
Read
Celebrate Hansik with cold Korean dishes, tradition, and togetherness this April at Kimchi.
Read
Celebrate Easter with Korean BBQ, bold flavours, and fun family traditions at Kimchi!
Read
Korean street food is heating up Kimchi’s watching closely. New flavours may hit Selly Oak soon
Read
K-pop fans and students taste Korean food culture at Kimchi. BBQ, vibes, and bias-friendly bites
Read
Korean BBQ 101: The Student’s Guide to Banchan, Grilling, and Good Times
Read
A day dedicated to the sizzling, juicy goodness of pork belly
Read
Korean cuisine is all about bold flavors, rich broths, and satisfying textures
Read
Celebrate Korean New Year at Kimchi with special dishes, BBQ platters, and unforgettable shared moments!
Read
Korean-style Takoyaki: A crispy, spicy twist on Japan’s octopus snack, perfect for adventurous foodies!
Read
Mandoo (만두): Korean dumplings, perfect comfort food for students—quick, affordable, and endlessly satisfying!
Read
Crispy, savory Pa Jeon (파전): a Korean scallion pancake rooted in tradition and perfect for sharing!
Read
Topoki originated in Korea’s royal courts during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897)
Read
Celebrate Korea’s First Full Moon Festival with Flavor and Tradition!
Read
This Friday, January 3rd, join us for a special serving of Dduk Kuk (떡국), Korea’s traditional Rice Cake Soup that Symbolising prosperity and fresh starts.
Read
December is here, bringing chilly days and warm gatherings to Selly Oak
Read
Korean Pork Ribs, or 돼지갈비 (Dwaeji Galbi), aren’t just a delicious dish—they’re a story of community
Read
Experience one of Korea's coolest traditions: 첫눈 (cheotnun), or the first snow of the year.
Read
If you've ever tasted kimchi, you know there's something special about its spicy, tangy, and complex flavour.
Read
We take immense pride in our commitment to using only the highest-quality ingredients
Read
Great taste, and a welcoming atmosphere come together
Read
Katsu Curry: A Fusion Feast from Japan to Korea
Read
The Tradition of Tabletop Grilling in Korean BBQ
Read
%20m.jpg)
%20(4166%20x%203603%20px).jpg)
