With its growing popularity in Korea and Japan, traditional rice wine or makgeolli has made its way onto passenger airplanes. Asiana Airlines said Thursday it will serve the thick, white rice wine to all customers for free on all 22 flights linking Korea and Japan.

The in-flight makgeolli is a specially modified strain made with fermented raw rice. Without odor, it is rich in dietary fiber and decarbonated. Along with the drink, the airline will also serve dotori (acorn) muk, a jelly-like traditional side dish. A company official said makgeolli is popular because it is healthier than other alcoholic drinks and tastes good. The carrier has decided to serve the rice wine on board to help promote Korean cuisine abroad and boost the consumption of rice.

A fad for makgeolli in Japan encouraged the airline to serve it on flights from and to Japan first. Nearly 90 percent of Korea's makgeolli exports go to the island country. Asiana will soon serve other Korean side dishes like an assortment of tofu and kimchi, and fired mung bean patties.