Ssambap (Leaf Wraps with Rice · 쌈밥): what it is and how to order it in Korea
Warm rice served with an assortment of fresh leafy greens, grilled or braised meat, and a spread of seasoned side dishes. Diners wrap small bites in the leaves, making each mouthful a little package of flavor.
Say it to order
쌈밥 주세요
Ssambap juseyo
Quick facts
How to eat it
Take a leaf in your palm, add a little rice, meat, and a dab of ssamjang, then fold it into a bite-sized bundle and eat it in one go.
Do
- Fold the wrap with your hand, as it is served, unless the table gives you chopsticks for the meat.
Don’t
- Don't make an oversized wrap that you can't fit in your mouth.
Local tips
- Start with a small amount of rice so the leaf stays easy to fold.
- Ask for extra leaves; restaurants usually refill them free of charge.
Goes with
- Seasoned vegetable namul
- Kimchi
- Makgeolli
- Soju
- Doenjang stew
Where to try it in Seoul
Questions
- How do you order Ssambap (Leaf Wraps with Rice) in Korean?
- Say “쌈밥 주세요” (Ssambap juseyo).
- Is Ssambap (Leaf Wraps with Rice) spicy?
- Yes — about 1 out of 5 on the spice scale.
- How much does Ssambap (Leaf Wraps with Rice) cost in Korea?
- Usually ₩11,000–15,000.
- How do you eat Ssambap (Leaf Wraps with Rice)?
- Take a leaf in your palm, add a little rice, meat, and a dab of ssamjang, then fold it into a bite-sized bundle and eat it in one go.
Find Ssambap (Leaf Wraps with Rice) near you
Jinjja shows real local places, what to order and how to say it — in your language.