Bonchon Edamame — Price & Calories 2026
Steamed soybeans sprinkled with salt — the lightest, cheapest and only vegan starter on the Bonchon menu. Just 270 calories, high in protein, and the perfect thing to snack on while your chicken double-fries.
Simple, Healthy and Perfectly Placed
Bonchon Edamame is steamed young soybeans in the pod, lightly salted — nothing more, nothing less. It is the simplest item on the entire Bonchon menu and one of the smartest orders you can make, especially for a group that wants something on the table right away while the kitchen prepares the chicken.
Edamame is a Japanese and Korean table staple, served as a snack alongside meals for generations. At Bonchon it fits in as the lightest possible starter — 270 calories, 16 grams of protein, fully plant-based, and free of any sauce, frying or heavy prep. It is the anti-Bulgogi Fries: where those are 1,003 calories and loaded, edamame is clean, simple and health-forward. At $6.25 it is also the most affordable starter — $1.90 less than the next cheapest option (Shrimp Shumai or Takoyaki at $8.15).
Bonchon Edamame Price & Nutrition
| Item | Price | Calories | Protein | Dietary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edamame — steamed soybeans, sea salt | $6.25 | 270 cal | 16 g | Vegan · GF |
* Price from the Bonchon menu. GF = gluten-free (no added sauces). Calories per standard serving. Prices may vary by location.
Why Edamame Makes Sense at Bonchon
Arrives Immediately
Edamame takes 2–3 minutes — it lands while you are still reading the menu, filling the 15–20 minute gap before the chicken.
Lowest-Calorie Starter
At 270 calories it is the lightest starter on the menu — the next lightest is Takoyaki at 342. Barely registers if you are watching intake.
100% Plant-Based
The only fully vegan and gluten-free starter at Bonchon — just soybeans and salt, no animal products or wheat.
Prevents Over-Ordering
It takes the edge off hunger without being heavy, so you enjoy the chicken more and waste less when it arrives.
Most Affordable
At $6.25 it is the cheapest starter — the next cheapest is Shumai or Takoyaki at $8.15.
Complete Protein
16 g of protein with all nine essential amino acids — rare for a plant food, and roughly the protein of two eggs.
Edamame vs Every Starter
| Starter | Price | Calories | Vegan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edamame ← You are here | ✓ $6.25 | ✓ 270 cal | ✓ Yes | Lightest, healthiest |
| Shrimp Shumai | $8.15 | 321–470 cal | No | Light seafood |
| Takoyaki | $8.15 | 342 cal | No | Adventurous |
| Potstickers | $10.55 | 276–744 cal | Veg option | Classic dumplings |
| Bao Buns | from $11.35 | 790 cal | No | Soft, filling |
| Korean Tacos | from $11.95 | 950–960 cal | No | Korean-fusion |
| Bulgogi Fries | $13.99 | 1,003 cal | No | Indulgent, loaded |
Why Edamame Is Surprisingly Nutritious
Edamame is not just low in calories — it is one of the most nutritionally complete plant foods available. It is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. For a starter at a fried-chicken restaurant, the profile is remarkable.
* 16 g protein is roughly the same as two large eggs; 8 g fiber is about 32% of the daily value. Zero added sugar — a pure whole food. Estimates; exact values vary by location.
Edamame FAQ
How much does Bonchon Edamame cost?
Bonchon Edamame is $6.25 per order — the most affordable starter on the menu, $1.90 less than the next cheapest (Shrimp Shumai or Takoyaki at $8.15). Prices may vary slightly by location.
How many calories are in Bonchon Edamame?
Bonchon Edamame is 270 calories per order — the lowest-calorie starter on the menu. The next lightest, Takoyaki, is 342 calories.
Is Bonchon Edamame vegan and gluten-free?
Yes — it is 100% vegan and naturally gluten-free, just steamed young soybeans and sea salt. It is the only starter at Bonchon free of animal products, dairy, egg and wheat. Note: edamame is soy, so it is not suitable for soy allergies.
How much protein does Bonchon Edamame have?
About 16 grams per order. Edamame is a complete protein — it contains all nine essential amino acids, which is rare for a plant food — and provides roughly the same protein as two large eggs.
How do you eat edamame?
Hold the pod and squeeze the beans straight into your mouth — do not eat the tough outer pod. The beans inside are soft, slightly sweet and lightly salty. Discard the empty pods into the bowl provided.
Is edamame healthy?
Yes — it is one of the healthiest snack foods around: high in complete protein (16 g), fiber (8 g), folate and vitamin K, low in calories (270), with no added sugar, sauce or frying. At Bonchon it is the healthiest item on the starters menu.
Does Bonchon Edamame contain allergens?
It contains soy — it is literally soybeans. It does not contain wheat, dairy, egg, shellfish or nuts. Safe for most dietary restrictions but not for soy allergies. Always inform staff of any allergy.
Best Pairings
Spicy Wings
Edamame to snack on while your wings double-fry — a low-calorie start before a bold main.
Steamed Rice
Edamame + rice is a full plant-based light meal at only about 668 calories — and completely filling.
Kimchi
A Korean table classic — edamame and kimchi together is a traditional light snack pairing.
Takoyaki
Light edamame plus a bolder Takoyaki makes a great two-starter spread for a group of three or four.