The Tranquil Vintessa

I eat relatively healthy for the most part, but my meals tend to lean heavily on starch, usually potatoes or rice. They’re my comfort, my go-to, and honestly, I love them. Still, I found myself wanting more variety, especially in leafy greens.

That’s when I came across a Korean influencer who kept a fridge full of vegetables and showed exactly how she prepared her meals. I was intrigued. Watching her move through each dish, the preparation, the balance of protein, the sheer abundance of it all, felt both practical and beautiful.

Since I already had a grocery trip planned for the next day, it felt like the perfect opportunity to try it for myself.

But first, I needed a few simple utensils.

The style of eating is called Banchan. Simply put, Banchan is a collection of small side dishes that accompany a Korean meal. They’re meant to be shared and eaten in small bites alongside a main dish like rice or soup.

Typically, this includes vegetables like spinach, bean sprouts, or zucchini, fermented items like kimchi, and a protein such as meat or tofu. What drew me in wasn’t just the variety, but the experience. Mixing and matching bites transforms a meal into something more intentional, almost ritualistic.

After shopping for fresh greens and a few new items, I realized something. I only owned cereal bowls and saucers from when I first moved out. They’ve served me well, but they weren’t right for this.

Ramekins, on the other hand, felt perfect. They help control portions, keep flavors separate, and make everything feel more considered. Even though I wasn’t sharing this meal with anyone else, I liked the idea of elevating the moment.

I found a set of soft, stone-colored ramekins from the Drew Barrymore collection (Grab them here), simple, beautiful, and just enough for one also picked up a few small white-and-gold saucer plates at a thrift shop nearby.

After cooking and sitting down to eat, I noticed the difference immediately. I felt full, but not heavy. Satisfied, but not overly stuffed. It was a softer kind of fullness.

I took my time, grazing through each dish, and afterward went for a walk with my dog, feeling light and ready for the rest of the evening.

If I were to change anything, I would add another protein or a bit more rice to make it more sustaining. Then again, I had been grazing throughout the day, so that may have played a role.

What surprised me most, though, wasn’t just the food, it was the experience. The ramekins, the small plates, the chopsticks, it all created a sense of intention that I didn’t realize I was missing.

Now, even something as simple as a snack or a brownie feels like it could become a moment.

It’s a small shift, but one I want to keep. This way of eating feels peaceful, like I’m finally allowing myself to slow down and enjoy the act of caring for myself.

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