Kimchi 101: A Beginner's Guide to Korea's Iconic Side Dish

Kimchi is the heart of the Korean table. Long before “fermented” became a wellness buzzword, Korean households were burying jars of salted, spiced cabbage to carry flavor through the winter.

What exactly is kimchi?

Kimchi is salted and seasoned vegetables — most often napa cabbage — fermented with garlic, ginger, chili, and salted seafood. The result is sour, savory, and alive.