Navigating Korean BBQ with FPIES: Safe Dining Made Possible

Dining out with Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) can feel overwhelming, especially at interactive restaurants like Korean barbecue where hidden ingredients abound. The communal cooking style, complex marinades, and frequent use of common triggers like soy, rice, and seafood make it challenging—but with preparation and smart tools, it's possible to enjoy this vibrant cuisine safely.

Common FPIES Triggers in Korean BBQ

Korean BBQ menus often include these potential FPIES triggers:

• Soy & Derivatives: Found in soy sauce-based marinades (e.g., bulgogi), dipping sauces, and seasoning pastes like doenjang.
• Rice: Used in table-side rice dishes, rice cakes (tteok), and as filler in some banchan (side dishes).
• Dairy: Occasionally in marinades or creamy dipping sauces.
• Seafood: Fish sauce in broths and marinades or shrimp in kimchi seasoning.
• Cross-Contact: Shared grills, utensils, and fryer oil introduce trace allergens.

How mm food Simplifies Your Experience

1. Instant Translation: Scan or upload the Korean menu. mm food translates dish names and ingredients into your native language, eliminating language barriers.
2. Personalized Safety Filter: Input your FPIES triggers (e.g., rice, soy) into the app. Our AI cross-references every dish, highlighting:
   • ✅ Safe Choices (e.g., unseasoned grilled pork, cucumber salad)
   • 🚫 Risky Items (e.g., soy-marinated galbi, rice-based sides)
   • ⚠️ Dishes needing custom requests (ask for no sauce).
3. Ingredient Spotlight: View detailed breakdowns of complex sauces and sides to identify hidden triggers like malt vinegar or barley paste.

Pro Tips for Korean BBQ with FPIES

• Pre-Order Simply: Grill plain meats (samgyupsal) and specify "no marinade" using the app’s translated phrases.
• Banchan Caution: Avoid mixed sides; request undressed veggies or sesame-oil spinach instead of kimchi.
• Cross-Contact Alert: Ask staff to clean the grill or use foil before cooking your meal.
• Focus on Simplicity: Choose porridge (juk) or steamed tofu stew without broth as FPIES-friendly bases.

With mm food, transform stress into confidence—explore flavors safely and savor the joy of Korean BBQ.