To learn more about the art of bibimbap, we’ll be visiting various restaurants to try different interpretations of this classic Korean dish. We’ll post our thoughts and photos after each visit.

Restaurant (airline): KoreanAir
Location: direct flight from JFK to ICN

What We Ordered: Bibimbap

Toppings: zucchini, spinach, shittake mushrooms, doraji, bean sprouts, ground beef

Rice: white (microwaved pre-packaged rice)

Our Thoughts: This simple and portable rendition of the bibimbap, using the pre-packaged microwaved rice was a satisfying meal with some notable qualities. First, it was nice having the option of determining how much rice to use. We used only 3/4 of the rice, which resulted in a very nice toppings to rice ratio. Next, having a packet of sesame oil really enhanced the taste. It was a bit tough to mix everything since microwaved rice is a bit harder to break apart. We found the accompanying seaweed soup very useful as a mixing agent (a few spoonfuls). The little tube of gochujang was a nice and clean twist and just enough to result in a nicely mixed bowl.

We loved that KoreanAir served the bibimbap in a porcelain bowl instead of a foil, plastic, or cardboard one, and it was nice having metal utensils as well. Overall, an excellent meal to have on a flight given the limitations. We would have liked to see carrots for some added color as well as some version of egg that could have kept well on the flight.