반찬 좀 더 주세요! (Please give me some more side dishes!)

In my humble opinion, one of the best parts of Korean meals is the 반찬 (banchan; side dishes). They’re served in small, shallow dishes and vary from vegetables to fish and, of course, different types of 김치 (kimchee). 반찬 and a bowl of rice can serve as a meal all by itself. And yes, I'm always asking for more 반찬!

Shortly after I moved to Pittsburgh, I found my go-to Korean restaurant. Sushi Kim 2 offers dishes that taste like I've been invited to someone's home. They’re also perfectly portioned so I don’t ever need a takeout container – unless I order a separate meal to go. Yes, I’ve done that!

Sushi Kim 2 does not have a liquor license, so BYOB (bring your own bottle). There is no bottle fee. Also, the steps to the second floor are many and, for some, steep - so wear comfortable shoes.

There's something comforting about delicious broth, and this 떡만두국 (dduk mandu guk; rice cake and dumpling soup) had it in spades! I slurped my way to the bottom of this bowl. Yum.

떡만두국 (rice cake and dumpling soup)

This 닭불고기 (dak bulgogi; grilled chicken) cooked in 고추장 (gochujang; red chili paste) hit the spot. It went perfectly with the 반찬. My favorite was the 매운 숙주나물무침 (maeun sukjunamulmuchim; spicy mixed mung bean sprout side dish). It still had the crunch of freshness with full body flavor of the spices, notably 고추가루 (gochugaru; chili pepper flakes).

닭불고기 (grilled chicken) cooked in 고추장 (red chili paste)

What dishes make you feel like you're home? How many of these dishes do you make at home?