Source: https://verify-veg.com/blog/is-bibimbap-vegetarian/
Language: en

# Is Bibimbap Vegetarian? (Egg, Beef & Gochujang)

Bibimbap is a Korean rice bowl of vegetables and gochujang, which makes it look vegan. The egg and
the beef on top are the giveaway. Here is what makes it non-vegetarian, and how to order the
plant-based version.

> **Key Takeaways**
> - Bibimbap is usually not vegetarian: it is topped with a fried egg and sliced beef.
> - The vegetables, rice and gochujang are plant-based; the egg and beef are not.
> - "Yachae bibimbap" (vegetable bibimbap) is vegetarian-friendly, but may still have the egg.
> - For vegan, order no beef and no egg, and confirm the gochujang is fish-free.

**TL;DR: Bibimbap is usually not vegetarian**: it's typically topped with a fried egg and sliced
beef (bulgogi). A vegetable bibimbap ("yachae bibimbap") is vegetarian-friendly, but often still
comes with the egg.

## What's in the bowl

Bibimbap is rice topped with seasoned vegetables (spinach, carrot, bean sprouts, mushrooms),
gochujang (chili paste) and usually:

- **A fried egg** (not vegan)
- **Sliced marinated beef** (not vegetarian)

The vegetables, rice and gochujang are otherwise plant-based: gochujang is fermented chili +
rice + soy, and most brands are vegan (a few add fish sauce, so check the label).

## How to order it vegetarian or vegan

- **Vegetarian:** ask for no beef ("without meat").
- **Vegan:** ask for no beef **and no egg**: and confirm the gochujang is fish-free.

"Yachae bibimbap" (vegetable bibimbap) is the veg-friendly version, but it may still include the
egg, so say "no egg" if you're vegan.

## The bottom line

- **Vegetarian?** Order vegetable bibimbap, no beef.
- **Vegan?** Same, plus no egg.

See our [Bibimbap dish guide](/food/south-korea/bibimbap/) for the full breakdown.

**Check before you eat.** The Verify Veg app scans a barcode or reads an ingredient list from a
photo and flags ingredients against your diet (vegan, vegetarian, halal, kosher, Jain and more).
[Download on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verifyveg-vegan-scanner/id6758276834) - 
Android is coming soon.

*Written by Samir Narain, founder of Verify Veg. Verify Veg helps people check packaged food
against their diet by scanning barcodes and reading ingredient lists from photos.*

*Note: Verify Veg provides ingredient-based compatibility checks, not certification. Recipes and
preparations vary by restaurant, region and cook, so always confirm with the restaurant, brand or vendor.*