[FOOD COURT] Get yourself something green at these salad cafes

Traditionally, you couldn't call it a meal in Korea if didn't have rice and a good amount of meat. But modern Koreans looking for the occasional healthy lunch have started to fall in love with a good salad.

Fruit salad at SaladSeller [SALADSELLER INSTAGRAM]

Traditionally, you couldn't call it a meal in Korea if didn't have rice and a good amount of meat. But modern Koreans looking for the occasional healthy lunch have started to fall in love with a good salad, and chefs and restauranteurs across Seoul have rolled up their sleeves to show that vegetables can be the main event.

When it comes to what goes on top of the chopped greens, or what’s mixed into them, practically anything goes, and restaurants also use spices, different colors and unexpected ingredients to make each bite more fun.

If you still crave something more than just greens, worry no more as most salad places cater to people with a wide range of tastes. They offer protein like chicken or pork and often serve other dishes that a salad can be enjoyed alongside.

Uuum Eatery and Bakery Both meat lovers and vegans can happily find plenty to ear here, as the restaurant offers chicken sandwiches alongside hummus. On its menu, it has marked whether a dish is vegan, vegetarian, organic or gluten free.

Some dishes that can be made with or without gluten are also highlighted so that diners can choose what fits their dietary preferences.

[UUUM INSTAGRAM]

The avocado salad at Uuum Eatery and Bakery includes mashed avocado mixed well with arugula, cherry tomatoes and olives. Other vegan dishes available include pasta made with either tomatoes or mushroom, while Spicy Sriracha Chicken and Smoked Pulled Pork ensure the meat-eaters stay happy.

The restaurant bakes its bread and dessert to offer gluten free items.

@uuumseoul 47 Nonhyeon-ro 28-gil, Gangnam District

Pinch Brunch Bar Similar to Uuum, Pinch Brunch Bar also aims to keep both vegan and non-vegans happy. While Uuum has some non-vegan options, everything at Pinch is vegan.

Its use of more spices like green curry and pesto made with local leafy greens, lemon and nuts can easily trick diners so that they don’t realize what they are eating is vegan. The same trick works with hummus, which takes its color from beets and comes with cherry tomatoes and other greens for a crunchier texture.

[PINCH BRUNCH BAR INSTAGRAM]

It has less than a handful of dishes available, so you will be tempted to order everything if you come as a party of three or more.

@pinch_brunch_bar 19 Apgujeong-ro 4-gil, Gangnam District

SaladSeller As the name suggests, SaladSeller sells salads. Quinoa bowls and brown grain bowls are popular among those who want a bit more bite, while the avocado salad is the most popular item on the menu.

SaladSeller has vegan options as well, with its Veggie Green and Mini Fruit Bowl. It also has seasonal dishes. For winter and spring, it offers a variety of berries mixed with ricotta to make a sort-of salad.

[SALADSELLER INSTAGRAM]

For those who want heartier bites, SaladSeller does also sell sandwiches with grilled greens, eggs or mushrooms, and soup. Although the basic menu is vegan, the restaurant offers the option of adding other proteins like chicken at an additional cost.

Other ingredients like avocado, carrot, broccoli, chickpeas and quinoa are all available as add-ons, as well as any ingredient that is already listed in a salad or sandwich.

@saladseller 28 Daesagwan-ro 5-gil, Yongsan District

BY LEE SUN-MIN [lee.sunmin@joongang.co.kr]