Bonchon Kimchi
Price & Calories 2026
Bonchon Kimchi is fermented spicy cabbage — the most iconic staple of Korean cuisine and one of the most culturall...
Kimchi at Bonchon
Bonchon Kimchi is fermented spicy cabbage — the most iconic staple of Korean cuisine and one of the most culturally significant foods in Korean history. It is made by salting napa cabbage and fermenting it with a paste of Korean chili (gochugaru), garlic, ginger, and fish sauce over days or weeks.
At $3.99 and only 67 calories, Kimchi is the lowest-calorie paid side on the Bonchon menu. It is also one of the most nutritionally interesting — fermented foods contain probiotics (beneficial bacteria) that support gut health. For Korean food enthusiasts, ordering kimchi at Bonchon is not optional — it is essential.
The flavor of kimchi is complex and layered: salty, sour, spicy, and slightly funky from the fermentation process. It is not for everyone on first taste, but it is one of those flavors that most people grow to appreciate over multiple exposures. If you have never tried kimchi, Bonchon is an excellent place to try it for the first time alongside familiar fried chicken.
Kimchi Price
| Item | Price | Calories | Serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kimchi | $3.99 | 67 kcal | ~3oz |
* Prices may vary by location. Delivery prices on DoorDash and Uber Eats may be higher.
Kimchi Nutrition Facts
For complete macronutrient breakdown, refer to the official Bonchon nutrition PDF at bonchon.com/downloads/nutritional-information
Fermented, Living, Complex
Kimchi is not just pickled cabbage — it is a fermented food that is actively alive with beneficial bacteria. The fermentation process transforms raw cabbage into something with a completely different flavor profile: the sugar in the cabbage converts to lactic acid (sourness), the gochugaru provides heat and color, and the garlic and ginger add depth. The result is a side dish that is simultaneously salty, sour, spicy, and umami — four of the five basic tastes in a single ingredient.
How Kimchi Compares to Other Sides
| Side | Price | Calories | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kimchi ← Here | $3.99 | 67 | Side |
| French Fries | ~$4.99 | 360 | Side |
| Seasoned Fries | ~$5.99 | 430 | Side |
| Onion Rings | ~$6.99 | 680 ⚠ | Side |
| Coleslaw | ~$2.99 | 120 | Side |
| Kimchi | ~$3.99 | 67 ✓ | Side |
| Steamed Rice | ~$2.99 | 398 | Side |
| Pickled Radish | Free ✓ | 15 ✓ | Complimentary |
Bonchon Kimchi FAQ
Bonchon Kimchi costs approximately $3.99 at most US locations. At 67 calories and $3.99, it is the lowest-calorie paid side on the menu.
Bonchon Kimchi contains approximately 67 calories — the lowest of any paid side on the Bonchon menu. It is one of the healthiest additions you can make to a Bonchon meal.
Yes — kimchi has a mild to moderate heat from Korean gochugaru (red chili). It is not as intense as Bonchon’s Spicy chicken sauce, but people with very low heat tolerance may find it noticeable. The sourness from fermentation tends to moderate the heat perception.
Kimchi is considered a health food — it is low calorie (67 kcal), contains probiotics from fermentation, is high in vitamins (C, K, B vitamins), and contains antioxidants from the chili. Korean dietary research associates regular kimchi consumption with various health benefits.
Traditional kimchi contains fish sauce or shrimp paste, and Bonchon’s kimchi may follow traditional preparation. Confirm with your specific location if you require vegan or vegetarian kimchi.
Kimchi is simultaneously salty, sour (from fermentation), spicy (from gochugaru), and savory. It is unlike any Western food. Most people describe it as tangy and complex — an acquired taste that becomes more appealing with repeated exposure.
Best Pairings
Order Kimchi at Bonchon
Find your nearest Bonchon and order online, for pickup, or through DoorDash and Uber Eats.
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