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Authentic kimchi spots

You are looking for kimchi that stays true to its roots. If it is not authentic, it is not worth the time.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Wow Chicken & Cupbop image 1
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Chicken restaurant

Small, cozy restaurant offers authentic Korean fried chicken and dishes with fresh ingredients. The atmosphere feels homey and comfortable, with clean indoor seating and a modest, hidden-away setting. Affordable prices and delicious Korean flavors attract those seeking genuine Korean cuisine.

Grandmothers cook food in a small window, showing authentic love in preparation. The menu features top notch Korean fried chicken and other dishes that stay true to traditional flavors.

Sides include kimchi that is well seasoned and fermented perfectly, offering a balanced flavor. It pairs with lightly sweet beets that have a hint of citrus.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is fresh and delicious."

"I found the Korean food here to be really delicious and authentic."

"The kimchi here was spot on."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers authentic Korean dishes like cold spicy noodles and japchae.

2

Parking is plentiful and available in the shopping center lot.

3

The portion sizes are larger than expected, often allowing for leftovers.

02
Yoshiya Umami Beef Bowl image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with anime-inspired decor and authentic cultural touches. Background music and visible kitchen activity create a warm, welcoming vibe. The setting appeals to those who appreciate both Japanese cuisine and anime culture.

Japanese comfort food here tastes very authentic and flavorful, closely matching what you'd find in Japan. The dishes deliver a genuine umami experience that feels true to traditional recipes.

Kimchi here is very flavorful and pairs well with tender beef in the bowls. Extras like pickled ginger, scallions, and jalapenos add fresh, spicy notes.

People are saying

"Their umami-rich beef bowls are the best I've ever had."

"The Chicken Katsu Curry here is authentically Japanese, just like back home."

"The kimchi here is fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Yoshiya Umami Beef Bowl offers a great selection of food that is rare to find in San Antonio.

2

The prices at Yoshiya Umami Beef Bowl were low for the portion size.

3

They charged extra for ginger, which is usually complimentary at similar spots.

03
The Golden Goose image 1

Small restaurant with jade green finishes and convex mirrors creates a cozy, low-key atmosphere filled with artwork and Korean posters. Music and puzzles add to the casual, welcoming vibe. Seating includes outdoor options and window views.

Freshly prepared dishes showcase authentic Korean cuisine with traditional flavors. The menu features Korean-style fried chicken and somaek, capturing a genuine taste experience.

Radish kimchi stands out with its bright, spicy flavor that is not too sharp. It pairs well with dishes like Korean fried chicken and adds a nostalgic touch to the menu.

People are saying

"The Korean fried chicken here is fantastic and amazing."

"The radish kimchi here is bright, spicy, and not too sharp."

"I found the Korean fried chicken here to be truly authentic."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Brunch is served on Sundays from 10am to 2pm.

3

Parking at the garage on Laredo St. is free for 2 hours with validation.

04
Myung Ga Won image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Small Korean barbecue restaurant offers cozy atmosphere with dark, peaceful lighting and friendly vibe. Tables feature built-in grills for interactive dining. Known for authentic Korean flavors and a hidden gem feel appreciated by those familiar with Korean cuisine.

Food offers authentic Korean flavors with a focus on traditional recipes. Dishes come across as delicious and true to Korean cuisine.

Balanced in flavor, the kimchi features both cabbage and radish that stand out for their quality. It avoids excessive sourness, making it easy to enjoy alongside dishes like daeji bulgogi.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's Korean BBQ is first-rate and delicious."

"I found the food here to be authentic and delicious."

"I loved the flavorful, balanced kimchi; it was so well made."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a lunch special with decent portion sizes.

2

Only five banchen are served with the lunch menu.

3

The facility is clean and well-maintained.

05
Arirang Restaurant image 1
Korean restaurant

Small space with wood paneling creates a cozy, homey vibe like eating at a family house. Atmosphere stays quiet and comfortable, especially early, with late hours until 2 AM. Regulars enjoy authentic Korean dishes and pair meals with traditional drinks like soju or makgeolli.

Offers authentic Korean flavors with rich broths and dishes based on family recipes. The food consistently tastes very good and delivers a genuine Korean dining experience.

Kimchi here comes with traditional flavors and perfect spice. It features in dishes like kimchi jjigae and adds a savory kick to meals.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and packed with authentic Korean flavors."

"This is a great late night spot for Korean food."

"The kimchi here is perfectly spiced and bursting with traditional flavors."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 2 AM, making it a late-night option.

2

Reservations are recommended for large parties to ensure seating.

3

The restaurant requires customers to pay at the register when ready to leave.

06
Seoul Garden (Korean Grill) image 1

Space feels like a large, authentic Korean grill with a laid-back, casual atmosphere and dark, simple lighting. Interior contrasts with a run-down exterior, offering a clean and charming dining area. Korean dishes and banchan create a genuine experience typical of provincial Korean restaurants.

Korean cuisine here stays true to tradition with fresh ingredients and dishes like kimchi soup and BBQ items that taste authentic. Seafood soup and tangsuyuk offer flavorful, genuine Korean flavors.

Kimchi here stands out with its cucumber variety and strong, tasty flavor. Side dishes include braised potatoes that complement the kimchi well.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is the best I've ever had."

"The Korean fried chicken here is amazing and served hot."

"I found the Korean food here to be amazing and authentic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a wide selection of dishes, including vegan and vegetarian options.

2

Expect a very short wait time after being seated.

3

Parking is available on site and nearby.

07
Koreana Restaurant image 1
Korean restaurant

Open floor seating and K-pop music create an authentic Korean vibe in a cozy, family-friendly space. Bright and calm atmosphere feels more like Korea than a strip mall. Food draws regulars with hearty, authentic dishes and a welcoming environment.

Menu features classic Korean dishes like ttukbaegi bulgogi prepared with fresh ingredients. Dining here offers a genuine Korean flavor that closely resembles eating in Korea.

Fiery and flavorful kimchi comes as a side with dishes like spicy pork bulgogi and beef bulgogi. The bold flavors extend to a spicy cucumber salad and fried dumplings served alongside rice.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and generously portioned."

"I found the Korean food here to be delicious and authentic."

"The kimchi here is fiery and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The food is reasonably priced with generous portions.

2

Takeout packaging keeps food hot during transport.

3

The restaurant has no air conditioning.

08
Kim‘s Galbi image 1
Korean restaurant

Cozy Korean restaurant with authentic barbecue grills at each table creates an interactive dining experience. Low lighting and tasteful decor set a quiet, intimate atmosphere suitable for small groups or dates. Fresh, well-seasoned meats and in-house kimchi highlight the menu's genuine flavors.

Kim's Galbi serves authentic Korean BBQ with a delicious and genuine taste. The atmosphere feels like a traditional Korean restaurant with a slight American twist, and dishes like jajangmyeon come without any unpleasant odor.

Kimchi here stands out for being made in-house and consistently excellent. It comes with six different sides, including Gochugaru cucumbers, adding variety to the meal.

People are saying

"The food here tastes authentic and reminds me of home."

"The Korean BBQ here tastes so authentic and flavorful."

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

Good to know

1

Lunch menu offers a large selection for just $13 from Tuesday to Friday, 11 am to 2:30 pm.

2

Expect to pay around $65 for a meal for three, excluding drinks.

3

An 18% tip is automatically added for parties of more than five.

09
One Pocha image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant offers private karaoke rooms with YouTube-connected screens and direct food and drink service. Atmosphere shifts from cozy and calming in dining areas to vibrant and lively in karaoke spaces. Small, sometimes cramped space fills with groups enjoying Korean BBQ and soju during busy nights.

Offers very authentic Korean BBQ with a fantastic taste. Features one of the most authentic Asian karaoke environments seen in the US.

Kimchi stands out for its freshness and quality. It comes as part of varied side dishes including potatoes and vegetables.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, and the karaoke is great."

"The kimchi here is superb, just like all the sides."

"I thought the Korean BBQ here was very authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Karaoke is available for private groups, making it a fun spot for celebrations.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The buffet prices are $13.99 and $19.99, depending on the selection.

10
Ilsong Garden image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant with an old school Korean and mom and pop atmosphere offers a quiet, peaceful vibe with K-pop music subtly playing in the background. Unlimited self-serve banchan station complements clean, pleasant dining tables. The space feels homely with beautiful plants and occasional big screen TVs.

Food offers authentic Korean flavors with a good level of spiciness. Barbecue dishes stand out as close to what you'd find in Korea.

Unlimited side dishes include kimchi, fish cake, and sweet pickle. A kimchi buffet offers a variety of pickled sides. Free extras of kimchi are available on request.

People are saying

"The Korean food banchan here is amazing, especially the cucumber kimchi."

"The kimchi buffet was loaded with delightful additions."

"I found the food here to be authentic and spicy enough."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 1:30 a.m. on weekends.

2

A service fee applies for groups larger than six.

3

Free banchan is included with every entrée ordered.

11
Seoul Asian Market and Cafe image 1
Asian grocery store

Asian grocery store combines wide selection of Korean and other Asian foods with a recently renovated freezer section featuring clear doors for easy browsing. Attached casual cafe and diner offer fresh, authentic meals like beef bulgogi and Korean corn dogs. Atmosphere feels relaxing and organized, with clean layout and ample parking.

Food features authentic Korean flavors prepared by Korean cooks. Grocery offers a wide range of fresh and frozen authentic ingredients. Food court serves Korean street foods true to their roots.

Kimchi here is super fresh and crunchy with a homemade quality. It comes as a side with dishes like shrimp fried rice and tastes much better than typical store-bought versions.

People are saying

"This grocery store has tons of options, including Korean food and snacks."

"I found the Korean food here to be authentic and reminded me of bus stop food in Korea."

"I loved their super fresh and crunchy kimchi."

Good to know

1

The market has a wide selection of Asian foods, including snacks and drinks.

2

Prices are generally affordable, but seafood can be pricey.

3

Produce quality varies; some items may be close to spoilage.

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