Navigating Korean BBQ with SIBO: A Survival Guide

Enjoying Korean BBQ while managing Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) might seem challenging, but delicious solutions exist! Follow these expert-approved tips to feast fearlessly with the help of mm food – your passport to safe, stress-free dining.

1. Prioritize Plain Proteins

Opt for unmarinated meats listed as "so" (소), meaning plain cuts like sirloin (등심) or ribeye (꽃등심). Avoid galbi (갈비) and bulgogi (불고기) which harbor hidden garlic, onions, and sugary sauces that trigger SIBO symptoms.

2. Sidestep Sneaky Side Dishes

Banchan (side dishes) are SIBO landmines. Politely skip kimchi (fermented cabbage), bean sprouts (콩나물), and seasoned spinach due to FODMAPs. Request plain steamed veggies or cucumber slices instead. Use mm food's dietary scanner to instantly flag risky banchan from menu descriptions.

3. Sauce Strategy

Ditch gochujang (chili paste) and ssamjang (dipping sauce) – loaded with garlic and sugar. Use pure sesame oil + salt for dipping, a traditional Korean alternative. Ask staff to hold marinades and bring sauces separately.

4. Grill Smart

Request clean grill surfaces to avoid cross-contamination from marinated items. Choose simple steamed or stir-fried dishes like jeyuk bokkeum (unseasoned pork stir-fry) if BBQ feels too risky.

5. Leverage Technology

With mm food:

• Translate menus in seconds to spot hidden ingredients
• Set “SIBO mode” to filter dishes based on your triggers
• Get AI-powered safety ratings for each item Scan menus confidently knowing garlic, onion, sorbitol-rich veggies, and sugary glazes get flagged instantly.

Empower your feast – your next Korean BBQ adventure awaits, symptom-free!