Bibimbap: Guide to Korea's Greatest Bowl

Bibimbap ('mix and eat') is a Korean bowl of rice, colourful vegetables, egg and gochujang sauce. Before eating everything is mixed together into one vibrant mass. It is quick, delicious and beautiful.

History of the dish

Bibimbap has existed in Korea since the Joseon era: it was made from leftover festive food. Today Jeonju is considered the gastronomic capital of bibimbap — the local version with beef is the benchmark.

Key ingredients

White rice, blanched spinach, carrot in julienne, courgette, bean sprouts, shiitake mushrooms, beef mince (bulgogi-style), fried egg, sauce: gochujang, sesame oil, sugar.

How to cook at home

Prepare and season each component separately. Arrange over the rice in colour-coordinated sections (red, green, white, yellow). Mix only at the table — this is the ritual.