A Korean’s Guide to Vegan Drinking Snacks: Kimchi Edition
A Word from Your Friendly Omnivore
Today I'm tackling something a bit different—I’m here to help out my vegan friends, especially those struggling to find suitable bar snacks or casual dining spots in Korea. As a Korean who eats just about anything (except, of course, things no one really should be eating 👀), I totally get your dilemma. Korean drinking culture revolves around food—real food, not those sad little bar peanuts. When Koreans drink, we eat, seriously eat.
So, here’s the scoop on what vegans can confidently order while dining with non-vegan friends, starting with one of the most iconic Korean dishes: kimchi.
Not All Kimchi Is Vegan (I Know, Shocking!)
First things first, it's crucial to know that most kimchi contains fish sauce, meaning it’s unfortunately not vegan. But don’t despair! Kimchi has several delicious vegan-friendly cousins you’ll definitely enjoy alongside your drinks.
Credit to ‘Lazy fri 13th’
1. Baek Kimchi (White Kimchi): Clean, Sharp, and Refreshing
Baek Kimchi literally translates to “white kimchi” and is entirely free from fish sauce or jeotgal (tiny salted shrimp). The taste is clean, sharp, and slightly sour—perfect for hot summer days. Think of it as kimchi’s refreshing, vegan sibling.
Credit to ‘Karendotcom127’
2. Dong Chi Mi (Cold Radish Kimchi): The Ultimate Hangover Cure
Dong Chi Mi is essentially white kimchi served in a chilled, tangy broth. It’s made with radish and fermented spring onions, offering a cool, crisp bite. Fun fact: this broth is also famously served with a beloved Korean delicacy called Naeng Myeon, a cold noodle dish that's legendary for reviving you after a heavy night of drinking. Trust me, your body will thank you later.
Credit to ‘Lazy fri 13th’
3. Yeolmu Kimchi (Young Radish Greens): A Classic Choice
Finally, Yeolmu Kimchi—made from young radish greens—is a staple served at nearly every casual dining spot in Korea. Its crunchy texture and slightly spicy flavor pair perfectly with mixing noodles (bibim guksu). It’s easy to find, deliciously refreshing, and perfect to munch while enjoying a round of drinks.
Coming Up: Real-Life Vegan Drinking Snacks
Now that we've covered the kimchi basics, stay tuned for my next post. I'll show you exactly what dishes you can order—complete with photos taken by yours truly—so you’ll never again sit in awkward silence while everyone else digs in.
Until then, cheers! 🍻
