When ordering extra side dishes at a restaurant, do you have to pay? As the cost of ingredients has soared, some small business communities are conducting online votes on whether to implement a charge for extra side dishes. Those in favor of charging argue, "If you order a bowl of soup and keep ordering kimchi and radish, it leads to losses." They claim that charging is necessary to prevent food waste. However, there is a strong perception that side dishes are already included in the price of the meal, making it difficult to charge for extra side dishes.
"Leaving Side Dishes is Wasteful" vs "You Can Eat Appropriately"
Those in favor of charging for extra side dishes also argue that it can help prevent food waste. They point out that there are surprisingly many people who order extra side dishes out of greed and end up leaving them. Proponents say that charging will help reduce this food waste. Opponents argue that "restaurants that charge for extra side dishes may lose their goodwill," stating that "it could negatively impact restaurant management by reducing customers." They also express concern that, with the rising cost of meals, it could further inflate dining prices. There is also a suggestion that small side dishes could be free, while more expensive specific side dishes could be charged for.
Has the 'Recycling of Leftover Side Dishes' from Customers Disappeared...?
Along with the charge for extra side dishes, the issue of side dish recycling is being brought up again. News about the discovery of recycled side dishes often resurfaces. It has been reported that restaurants that serve leftover side dishes from customers have faced administrative penalties such as business suspensions. Although it has almost disappeared nowadays, we cannot be assured. Side dishes contaminated with someone else's saliva are unsanitary and can pose health risks such as hepatitis and stomach cancer, so special caution is needed. It is known that the issue of side dish recycling significantly decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Helicobacter Bacteria, Hepatitis A Infection... Risk of Stomach Cancer
Helicobacter pylori, which can be transmitted through someone else's saliva, is classified as a group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) under the World Health Organization (WHO). Infection can increase the risk of stomach cancer. The culture of sharing a pot of stew among several people at home or in the workplace had a significant impact when stomach cancer was the most common cancer in the country. Hepatitis A can also be transmitted through contaminated utensils and chopsticks. Some people still have unsanitary eating habits and need to be more vigilant.
Using Individual Plates for Serving Food... Customers Can Refill Side Dishes Themselves at Restaurants
Now, using individual plates for serving food and side dishes is becoming the norm. This applies to both restaurants and homes. If restaurants set up a separate refill station for side dishes, it could reduce the workload for staff. At home, serving rice directly from the rice cooker can help prevent food waste. The implementation of charges for extra side dishes in restaurants is expected to take time. It is said that many Korean restaurants, which typically offer a wide variety of side dishes, are closing down these days. The rising cost of ingredients and the labor costs associated with preparing many side dishes are significant. Our side dish culture is gaining attention again in an unpleasant way.
