Kimchi
Korea's most iconic fermented side dish of salted napa cabbage seasoned with gochugaru (red chili flakes), garlic, ginger, and either fermented shrimp or anchovy fish sauce.
Allergen data cross-referenced against published allergen databases.
Your dietary restrictions
The full allergen breakdown is below. Select your restrictions to see a personalized safety status.
Full allergen breakdown
Ingredients
- napa cabbage
- salt
- gochugaru
- garlic
- ginger
- green onions
- fermented shrimp paste or anchovy fish sauce (Shellfish)
Hidden Ingredients
These ingredients are not typically listed on menus but are present in traditional preparations.
- fermented shrimp paste (saeu-jeot) — invisible in the finished kimchi
- anchovy fish sauce (myeolchi-aekjeot) in some versions
Allergen Breakdown
Dairy-Free
Likely OKNo dairy in kimchi.
Gluten-Free
Likely OKTraditional kimchi is gluten-free.
Peanut-Free
Likely OKNo peanuts in kimchi.
Tree Nut-Free
Likely OKNo tree nuts in kimchi.
Shellfish-Free
Likely contains restrictionFermented shrimp paste (saeu-jeot) is a standard ingredient in most Korean kimchi.
Egg-Free
Likely OKNo eggs in kimchi.
Fish-Free
Likely contains restrictionAnchovy fish sauce (myeolchi-aekjeot) is used in many kimchi recipes alongside or instead of shrimp paste.
Soy-Free
Likely OKTraditional kimchi does not contain soy sauce.
Sesame-Free
Likely OKSesame seeds are sometimes garnished on top. Verify.
Vegetarian
Likely contains restrictionContains fermented shrimp paste and/or anchovy fish sauce.
| Restriction | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy-Free | Likely OK | No dairy in kimchi. |
| Gluten-Free | Likely OK | Traditional kimchi is gluten-free. |
| Peanut-Free | Likely OK | No peanuts in kimchi. |
| Tree Nut-Free | Likely OK | No tree nuts in kimchi. |
| Shellfish-Free | Likely contains restriction | Fermented shrimp paste (saeu-jeot) is a standard ingredient in most Korean kimchi. |
| Egg-Free | Likely OK | No eggs in kimchi. |
| Fish-Free | Likely contains restriction | Anchovy fish sauce (myeolchi-aekjeot) is used in many kimchi recipes alongside or instead of shrimp paste. |
| Soy-Free | Likely OK | Traditional kimchi does not contain soy sauce. |
| Sesame-Free | Likely OK | Sesame seeds are sometimes garnished on top. Verify. |
| Vegetarian | Likely contains restriction | Contains fermented shrimp paste and/or anchovy fish sauce. |
Key risk: Kimchi is served as a side dish with virtually every Korean meal. The red color and vegetable appearance give no indication that seafood is present. Traditional kimchi uses fermented shrimp paste, anchovy fish sauce, or both. Fully vegan kimchi exists but is a minority in restaurants.
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Scan a menu nowImportant: Dish Scout is a reference guide, not medical advice. Traditional recipes vary by restaurant, region, and chef. Always verify ingredients with restaurant staff before ordering. When in doubt, don't eat it.