Nestled in Texas’s Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg’s Korean food scene emerged as a cultural anchor for immigrants and students alike. Today, traditional family-run eateries share streets with modern fusion spots, creating a compact culinary corridor where you can find everything from sizzling barbecue joints to cozy bibimbap specialists. With more options than any hungry visitor could sample in one trip, here are the 10 Korean restaurants to seek out first.
Xin Xin
$ | (956) 992-8908 | WEBSITE
You can’t talk about the best Chinese spots in Edinburg without mentioning Xin Xin, a humble restaurant that feels like a family kitchen. They offer lunch specials daily, which can only be enjoyed by visiting in person. The flavorful sauces, tender meats, and satisfying noodle dishes are designed to pair with their straightforward service.
So order some hot tea for the table and start with the best things here: Hot & Sour Soup, spring rolls, Champagne Chicken, and juicy Chicken & Veggies with brown sauce. Although the ambiance is basic, eating at Xin Xin still feels cozy enough for a casual family dinner or a quick lunch with friends.
Kiri Kiri Korean Fried Chicken
$ | (956) 627-2220 | WEBSITE
Kiri Kiri Korean Fried Chicken appears on almost every “Best Korean” guide in the RGV (including ours, hello). But despite the buzz, this Edinburg spot still feels like a place that’s built for regulars. Don’t expect to be served quickly—doors reopen at 5pm and lines form before that—but once you’re inside, you’ll be in the thick of the fun. Nearly every table orders the half chicken.
For $18 ($24 for a whole), you’ll get crispy, crunchy chicken that comes out fast, along with sweet and spicy wings, a side of curly fries, and those tenders that are so good they might become a new favorite. It’s an incredible deal. One that is so popular, you can’t even order it to go during peak hours, only for dine-in.
Kim’s Kitchen
$ | (956) 686-5273 | WEBSITE
Kim’s Kitchen is a slightly less formal Korean dining experience from the team behind some of Edinburg’s most beloved spots, but the tables are just as coveted. The mellow room feels like a cozy neighborhood hideaway, and the staff make you feel like a cherished regular enjoying a comforting meal. While the mostly traditional Korean dishes are very good, the real highlights are the bulgogi beef and rice, or rather, the combination plates.
For $18 you can get a generous portion with sides and let the kitchen serve up kimchi and banchan alongside the main. Just know that, with drinks, you’ll spend close to $60 on dinner for two.
Yasuke Japanese Sushi
$$ | (956) 668-1793 | WEBSITE
Focusing on one thing and mastering it—that’s what Yasuke Japanese Sushi does best. This standout sushi destination in the Rio Grande Valley serves the freshest ingredients with perfection in every bite. Their base of delicious gyozas and unique rolls gets covered in wonderful attention from skilled chefs and exceptional service. It’s a perfect experience we’d happily enjoy on any day that ends with “Y.” Don’t miss the bento box or ramen bowls for a complete meal.
Wa Gabose
$ | (956) 309-9869 | WEBSITE
Wa Gabose specializes in authentic Korean cuisine, with dishes like Bulgogi platters that feature marinated beef grilled to perfection. In Korea, bulgogi is a classic barbecue dish often served with an array of banchan sides, so don’t be surprised to see tables filled with kimchi pancakes, various pickled vegetables, and steamed white rice at this Edinburg restaurant.
Choose between Jjamppong with plenty of seafood and good noodles, Dolsot bibimbap with tasty sauce, or irresistible Galbi and Kimchi Pancakes, prepared with traditional techniques (we like the sizzling dolsot best). Order as a complete meal with sides or add them to that fantastic ramen dish, either for a satisfying dinner or a comforting meal away from home.
Kiri Kiri Korean Eatery
$ | (956) 627-2220 | WEBSITE
Getting into Kiri Kiri Korean Eatery, by far the most lively Korean option in Edinburg, is a delight. Not just finding the place, but experiencing the atmosphere. You’ll walk into a bright, welcoming space, settle at a table, and discover what feels like a family kitchen that happens to serve amazing Korean classics for around $15 a dish. Each visit includes generous portions of tteokbokki, kimchi fried rice, and mayo fried chicken, all prepared with attentive care.
If enjoying some of the best Korean food in Texas is on your bucket list, consider Kiri Kiri a worthwhile destination.
Nak Won Jung Korean Restaurant
$ | (956) 994-8155 | WEBSITE
Nak Won Jung Korean Restaurant is a Korean spot in Edinburg that’s one of the few places to serve truly authentic Korean food in the area. You’ll get a plate of Korean spicy stir-fried pork, pancakes, and fried dumplings, plus a spread of side dishes, and wonder why you’d ever eat anything else for dinner. Apart from the classics, don’t miss their galbi or the seafood soup, a rich broth that’s packed with fresh seafood.
For lunch, the menu offers plenty of options with dishes like kimbap and beef bulgogi with generous portions.
bb.q Chicken Edinburg
$ | (956) 609-9000 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving spicy chicken and wings that won’t completely blow out your bank account, try this excellent Korean spot in Edinburg. The full meal with sides and drinks runs about $25 per person, but they also offer a $15 wings-only option and a lunch special for $12. Expect the friendly servers like Hector and Samantha to bring out crispy, satisfying chicken with the rhythm of a well-oiled kitchen.
You’ll eat fresh, divine cuts of chicken, as well as popular dishes like the honey chicken and dumplings, all with a variety of unique and tasty sauces to try.
BaB Korean Restaurant
$ | (346) 247-1611 | WEBSITE
If you’re searching for authentic Korean flavors in Edinburg, you’ve likely heard of BaB Korean Restaurant. This family-friendly destination remains one of the area’s most popular spots (expect a warm welcome) and a visit to this cozy establishment is a journey every Korean food enthusiast should take. BaB’s beef bulgogi packs in a ton of flavor: tender marinated beef, excellent side dishes, and the requisite spice levels that are all noted as exceptional.
You might need to loosen your belt afterward, but it will have been worth it.
Nuri Fusion Street Kitchen
$ | (956) 627-2193 | WEBSITE
Finding Nuri Fusion Street Kitchen feels like stumbling upon a hidden gem—you’ll spot it tucked between a laundromat and a convenience store, with a simple sign that’s easy to miss. But once inside this casual, brightly lit space, you’re in for a relaxed, flavorful meal, with staff buzzing around to upbeat pop tunes. At $12-18 per dish, the menu is more approachable than the “fusion” label suggests, even if the valley-style Korean twists make you lean in with curiosity.
The kimchi fries deliver a spicy, tangy kick, but the best items are more straightforward, like the perfectly crispy fried Brussels sprouts and an unexpectedly addictive elote in a cup that’s sweet, creamy, and utterly satisfying.
