Ssam

Ssam, which means "wrapped" in Korean, is a delightful dish where leafy greens are used to encase flavorful fillings, often featuring meats like pork. This delectable dish is typically accompanied by a savory condiment called ssamjang and can be embellished with additions such as garlic, onion, pepper, or side dishes like kimchi.

One of the best aspects of ssam is its bite-sized design, allowing it to be enjoyed with ease without the worry of fillings spilling out. Historically, ssam was particularly popular among women during the Goryeo era and, by the end of the Joseon era, had evolved into a cherished seasonal dish.

There are several appetizing variations of ssam. For instance, bossam features steamed pork, while ssambap includes rice as part of the filling. The type of wrap used also influences ssam's name—baechu ssam uses napa cabbage leaves, and kimchi ssam uses kimchi as the wrap.