side dish; supplementary food
Refers to food items that accompany the staple (e.g., rice) in a meal, such as vegetables, fish, or meat dishes. Often used in contrast with 主食 (staple food).
Let's include plenty of vegetables in our side dishes.
The balance between staple food and side dishes is important.
主食 is the main starch-based part of a meal (rice, bread, noodles), while 副食 refers to the side dishes eaten alongside it.
side dish; supplementary food
Compound of 副 (supplementary, secondary) and 食 (food, eating).