After eating our fill of meat and waiting for the bill, a staff member comes over and asks, "What would you like for your meal?" He asks. Wasn't the meat the meal? I heard the international students were just as surprised at first. ## The meat comes before the "meal" For Koreans, the meat at a barbecue restaurant is closer to drinking snacks. Without rice, it doesn't feel like the meal is over yet. So when the meat is done, we pick one of naengmyeon, doenjang-jjigae, or fried rice to finish off the meal. It's not written down anywhere, but it's an order almost everyone follows. ## Here's how to choose Naengmyeon refreshingly cleanses a greasy mouth. Doenjang-jjigae is a warm finish to enjoy with a bowl of rice. At many places, staff stir-fry the fried rice for you using the leftover sauce and oil on the grill. You should order it after you've finished the meat, so the grill is empty. Look for the section labeled '식사' on the menu. If you're already full, you can just say, "I'm fine," or you can order one bowl and share it. ## What happens if you don't order it? It's not a big problem. However, the Korean friends who go with you may feel a bit let down, saying, "It feels kind of empty without a proper meal." Some places don't have meal items on the menu or charge for them separately, so keep in mind that it differs from shop to shop.