In Korean, *cooked rice *is 밥 (bap as in Bibimbap). Meal is also 밥.

We often say: 밥을 먹어야 진짜 밥 먹은 것 같아.

Which translates to: I only feel like I actually had something when I have rice.

But can also be translated to: I only feel like I actually had rice when I have rice.

It’s not an actual meal when there’s no rice in Korea. At least the Korean language suggests that.