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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Midtown South

Affordable kimchi spots

You want kimchi that is accessible and affordable, without compromising on the depth of flavor.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated June 2026
01
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Korean restaurant

Restaurant offers authentic Korean decor with divided tables that create semi-private dining spaces. Atmosphere ranges from cozy and lively to loud and cramped, reflecting a busy, energetic vibe. Unlimited free banchan refills and attentive service add to a distinctly Korean dining experience.

Kimchi shines in several dishes here, especially the kimchi soybean curd stew that stands out for its rich flavor. The kimchi biji is popular enough to order multiple to go, and the kimchi with sides offers a solid start to the meal.

Authentic Korean dishes come in an affordable package here, with lunch combos offering good portions around $32 per person.

People are saying

"I waited over an hour for Korean food here."

"The homemade tofu here is simple and delicious."

"The banchan here are amazing and get free refills."

Good to know

1

The restaurant fills up quickly, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

2

Reservations are in-person only; expect a long wait without one.

3

Join the waitlist using an iPad upon arrival.

02
everydaily image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant with a clean, industrial aesthetic and a cozy vibe. Spacious dining area includes partitioned seating and a connected coffee shop. Atmosphere feels efficient yet comfortable, blending quick service with a relaxed space.

Comfort classics include kimchi jeon and jeyuk bokkeum. Kimchi jeon stays well-balanced and not greasy. Meals come with kimchi, rice, and sides like cabbage salad and mac salad.

Prices stay incredibly affordable for Korean food here. Lunch sets offer good portions and fresh, tasty meals without extra costs like tipping.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and a great deal for the price."

"I found the food here to be tasty and affordable."

"The kimchi here is affordable and offers great value."

Good to know

1

The prices are very affordable, with nothing above $12.

2

Expect limited food options after 1pm, as items sell out quickly.

3

Lunch hours can get busy, leading to faster sell-outs of food.

03
Tosokchon NYC image 1
Korean restaurant

Hanok-style interior with traditional Korean decorations and high ceilings creates a spacious, cozy setting. K-pop music and videos play steadily, adding lively energy suited for late-night meetups. Seating includes bench arrangements along walls, enhancing communal dining.

Homemade kimchi here is spicy and packed with chili and garlic, making lips tingle and tongue sing. Kimchi pancakes and kimchi stew with braised ribs highlight the rich, bold flavors.

Meals come with large portions and stay affordable while delivering authentic Korean flavors. Food offers a good balance of taste and value.

People are saying

"The food's spicy pork galbi jim was tender and flavorful."

"The kimchi here is fresh and really good."

"I found the meals here to be affordable with huge portions."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open 24 hours from Tuesday to Saturday.

2

The kitchen is closed from 5 AM to 7 AM.

3

No wait is needed on Wednesday nights.

04
Her Name is Han image 1
Korean restaurant

Small space with brick walls and dim lighting creates a cozy, homey vibe despite being loud and crowded. Tables sit close together, making it easy to overhear conversations. Music plays well, adding to an upbeat atmosphere that suits groups and lively dining.

Kimchi here has a white sesame style that stands out. The slow-cooked pork belly with kimchi, called Han Bossam, pairs well and is a common order.

Brunch portions come in huge sizes and cost around 22 dollars plus tip, making meals quite affordable. The menu offers creative Korean dishes at small restaurant prices.

People are saying

"The lunch spot's banchan and bossam were delicious and flavorful."

"I found the Korean food here to be really affordable."

"The kimchi here is perfectly fermented and has a great kick."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant fills up quickly.

2

Lunch service is available from 12 pm to 2:30 pm, Monday to Friday.

3

Brunch is only served on weekends from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m.

05
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Ramen restaurant

Small, dark space with loud music creates a club-like vibe rather than a traditional ramen shop atmosphere. Contemporary Japanese decor and stylish lighting set a modern tone. Crowded and lively, it attracts a hip crowd enjoying high-quality cocktails and classic tonkotsu ramen.

Mushroom kimchi stands out with its fresh, tangy flavor and unique taste. It pairs well with dishes like curry wings and miso ginger ramen.

Bills come to about $50 each including tax and tip, which is more affordable than many Michelin Star spots nearby. Prices stay reasonable for lunch as well.

People are saying

"I found the ramen here to be delicious and striking."

"The ramen broth here is rich, tasty, and not too oily."

"I found the prices here to be very affordable."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is recommended because it gets very busy.

2

Expect a 60-90 minute wait on prime busy weekend evenings.

3

The happy hour goes from 2:30 to 5:30 PM from Monday to Friday.

06
Let's Meat BBQ image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Korean barbecue restaurant features stone grills shaped like upside-down woks that prevent meat from burning and sticking. Atmosphere is loud and lively with EDM music, creating a fun but noisy environment. Staff often cooks food at tables, adding a personal touch to the dining experience.

Kimchi here tastes truly fermented, standing out as one of the few authentic versions on the east coast. It comes as part of unlimited sides with meals, pairing well with the meats and other dishes.

Offers affordable prices around $43 per person for classic options. Includes rice in lunch specials and serves tasty meats without compromising quality.

People are saying

"The all-you-can-eat buffet has a great variety of fresh, tasty meats."

"I thought the kimchi was the best I had."

"I found the Korean barbecue here to be tasty and affordable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

There is a strict 60-minute limit for ordering food during your visit.

3

The all-you-can-eat experience lasts for 100 minutes total.

07
KOBA Korean BBQ image 1
Korean restaurant

Fast casual Korean restaurant with an open kitchen and clean, spacious seating creates a comfortable atmosphere with nostalgic music. Decor changes for holidays, adding a festive touch. Seating accommodates dining with pets and offers iPad ordering for convenience.

Homemade kimchi stands out with its rich flavor. The kimchi fried rice offers a tasty and satisfying dish.

Prices stay affordable with large portions that often leave leftovers. The lunch sampler offers a delicious variety of Korean specialties at a low cost.

People are saying

"I found the Korean food here to be the best I've had."

"I found the food here to be affordable and tasty."

"The kimchi here is so delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Kobaโ€™s Lunar New Year celebration offers a free lunch on 10th February 2024.

2

The lunchbox costs $18 and includes a lot of food.

3

Students receive a 20% discount on their meals.

08
DubuHaus image 1
Korean restaurant

Spacious modern Korean restaurant with luxurious interior and high ceilings creates a clean, inviting atmosphere. Tables are spaced for personal space but noise levels can be high. Unique chestnut makgeolli and free tofu ice cream add distinctive touches to the dining experience.

Spicy radish kimchi stands out among the colorful banchan spread. The kimchi pairs well with other sides like pickled napa greens and braised shiitake mushrooms.

Offers affordable main dishes like soft tofu stew and buckwheat noodles in soybean soup with rotating tasty banchan. Prices stay reasonable despite the Manhattan location and attentive service.

People are saying

"The Korean food, especially the soondubu, was rich and flavorful."

"The soondubu jjigae is piping hot, comforting, and flavorful."

"The main dishes are affordable and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must at DubuHaus due to high demand.

2

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during peak hours.

3

The menu specializes in a variety of tofu dishes.

09
NUBIANI - Koreatown image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Korean barbecue restaurant with modern interior and high ceilings creates a cozy, high-end atmosphere. Servers grill meat tableside, enhancing the interactive dining experience. Ventilation system keeps air clear, preventing smoke buildup and odors.

Kimchi stew offers a great sour-spicy taste that stands out. The kimchi jigae and stew keep a strong, amazing flavor that pairs well with dishes like boneless short rib and mushroom kettle pot rice.

Costs stay low even with drinks, with groups paying about $70 each. It offers more affordable options compared to similar spots like Cote, though some dishes like the marinated beef don't match value found elsewhere.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is a premium barbecue experience."

"The kimchi and other sides were delicious and constantly topped up."

"I found it to be surprisingly affordable, with a lot of food for the price."

Good to know

1

Reservations are needed for weekend and dinner service.

2

The last call for food is 11:30 p.m. on weekends.

3

You need at least two people to dine here.

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Midtown South, New York

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