Korean side dishes, also known as banchan, are an integral part of Korean cuisine. Some of the most common banchan include kimchi, which is a spicy fermented cabbage dish, spinach or other leafy greens with sesame oil, soy sauce and garlic, japchae, which is a sweet and savory stir-fried glass noodle dish, and bean sprout salad. Other common banchan include pickled vegetables, steamed or stir-fried vegetables, fish cakes, and dumplings. The variety of banchan allows for balance in flavors and textures to complement the main dishes of a Korean meal.