Korean cuisine has evolved through centuries of social and political change. Originating from ancient agricultural and nomadic traditions in southern Manchuria and the Korean Peninsula, it has gone through a complex interaction of the natural environment and different cultural trends. Rice dishes and kimchi are staple Korean food. In a traditional meal, they accompany both side dishes (''panch'an'') and main courses like ''juk'', ''pulgogi'' or noodles. ''Soju'' liquor is the best-known traditional Korean spirit.