I love kimbap, besides mandoo it's definitely one of my childhood faves. While it's pretty easy to find some decent mandoo around it's almost impossible to find good kimbap, even in K-town. Usually it's just a Koreanized version of a California roll with imitation crabmeat as a cheap filler for bulgogi and it's been hanging around for who knows how long. By the time you get it the rice is dried out and it becomes an affront to my childhood memories. So, when I walked by a storefront I missed multiple times that made nothing but I had to at least try. The pricing isn't too bad and the couple behind the counter always seem to be going at warp speed but they make fresh kimbap quick. The first time I tried the spicy one and was pleasantly surprised it definitely had some heat to it but was tasty and I could taste all the veggies in there as well. I liked it enough that I went back a few days later to try their beef one (the ones I loved as a kid.) Sure enough, it was a tasty-definitely not the best I've had (nothing beats homemade) but one of the best I've had for sure and best of all, no cheap imitation crab in it at all! read more

Small mom and pop shop located in the center of Koreatown. It's tiny and can easily be overlooked. This is not a sit-down restaurant, there are no seats, but if you really want to eat it then and there, you'll have to stand against the wall. You order at the counter and they prepare it immediately. They're such pros, your order will be ready in a few minutes! Best part of it all - it's made to order, extremely fresh! I ordered the beef cheese roll and the spam roll. Rice was perfect and the meats were fresh. Nothing was soggy and everything was still warm. Each order comes with a little soup as well. The average price of each roll is $6-7 which is nice considering you're in the city. read more

I can't help coming back here every time I'm in the area! Truly deserves a 5-star rating if I'd take out the time to take a 1-hour commute to just get this delicious goodness. Please come here to try for yourself! My favorite kimbap is the jalapeño one for that extra hmph~ read more

I came here quite a few times already that I lost count. I have only tried the beef and spicy tuna kimbap. I haven't been disappointed yet. I just love that fact they make the kimbap for you right after you order. read more

E-Mo - Miso soup & Spicy Tuna Kimbab - Korean Near Me - New York, New York

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E-Mo does one thing, and it's all in the name. Kimbab is a Korean seaweed rice roll, not much unlike a Japanese roll you will find anywhere. The owner here tells me that they are not prevalent on Korean menus because they are usually made at home. All versions here are either $5.50 or $6, and make a light lunch or decent snack on the go. The space is a tiny square, with one small counter to scarf your roll down if the weather outside is not conducive to eating. I find that there is not enough variety between the different versions to actually matter, so I always stick to the same one. read more

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A craving for spicy tuna led me here. E-Mo holds up the reputation that hole-in-the-walls have some of the best food! I was actually disappointed with the spicy tuna, which was cooked through and not as moist as I would have liked. The beef was good, though the non-meat components outshone the beef. My favorite by far was the spam kimbap, which had the flavour and moisture that the previous two rolls seemed to be missing. Keep in mind this place is cash-only! read more

E-Mo - Mmm spam! - Korean Near Me - New York, New York

Food The food is made to order. Be aware that the fish here is cooked rather then raw. I ordered a spicy tuna roll, which was pretty good. Makes a very good snack! Every kimbap comes with a free soup. Environment It's a very small shop, and there is no seating. There is a place to stand on the side to eat that maybe can have 2-3 people?! Price I think being in Herald Square, $7.50 for kimbap is quite cheap. For sure, it's one of the cheapest places for food on that K-Town block. The only dilemma is this place is cash only which might make it quite inconvenient. read more

E-Mo - Spicy tuna - Korean Near Me - New York, New York

I want to keep this place a secret, because I liked not having to wait for my , but also I want to be able to visit them for years to come. The s come with a little soup on the side, which just upped the whole experience. It's a tiny little store front with stereotypical Korean and . The food was what I would expect- delicious, filling, and made me feel nostalgic. 100% would return. read more

E-Mo is a gem. Nestled away in a thin space near the edge of K-Town, it's easy to overlook the restaurant. And I mean thin - if I laid down, I would be able to reach wall to wall. The hours are relatively limited and they only accept cash. For someone who only carries card around, I had to prepare for my visit by coming at an appropriate time (I'm usually a more late night visitor of the area). And it was worth it. Each roll is handcrafted with love. While it's not super cheap (7.00 - 8.00 a roll, the portions are very generous and the flavors are on point. We tried the jalapeño and beef ones. Yes we will be back! read more

Simple tasty Korean fast food. Perfect for a quick lunch. I had the spam roll and chicken teriyaki roll. Both where great

Good kimbap. Although when i ate my kimbap i noticed that the seaweed was not sliced all the way through making it almost impossible to take one piece at a time with the chopstick. The miso soup included was also good. Not bad for 7$ But if you're willing to travel all the way to queens kimbaps there are only 5$ read more

E-Mo - Korean Near Me - New York, New York

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Such a cosy little place :)) It's really small and it's to go only, but the food feels fresh and is delicious (great comfort food).

A tiny whole in the wall place that I would have never found if not for Yelp. All the visitors there were Korean so I suppose that must be a good sign? Unfortunately I must be super spoiled from California because I didn't think this kimbap was that exceptional. It was good, but nothing special. The ones I've gotten at korean supermarkets have been better. Between the beef one and a squid one, the beef one was definitely the winner. read more

Located in Korea Town, this place is very small... in fact it can only fit like few people at a time... they only take cash and their offering is very simple... they have like 8 rolls you can order from. We ordered the spicy tuna roll and it came with a miso soup ($6). The roll was ready within few minutes. I guess I'm spoiled when it comes to Kimbap... I like mine seasoned with sesame oil... I couldn't tell if the rice was seasoned or not... they had thin layer of rice and it was stuffed with like 8 different items. It was okay... Why two stars? Of all the kimbaps I had in my life, there are better Kimbap places out there. read more

Had the spicy tuna kimbap. Good portion and a good kimbap. cashier was nice. I'd try the beef next time. read more

I love kimbap so I was very happy to find this place. But, it was kind of disappointing. I guess it was my fault for having high expectations of an NYC k-town restaurant. It's a small hole-in-the-wall kind of place in K-town, better for takeout than to sit down. The first time, I ordered beef kimbap. It was just okay. The meat was really dry and there wasn't really much of a taste. Not worth $6.50. The second time, I ordered beef kimbap too but instead, they decided to give me spicy tuna kimbap. Since it's more of a takeout place, I didn't know until I left so I had to eat it anyway. I was not very happy, especially because I'm not a big fan of tuna, and it wasn't very good. The tuna was really salty and just took the taste away from the other stuff in the kimbap. Not worth $6.50 either. read more

Nice, small establishment to grab a quick to go kimbap. Fairly decently priced at about $7 for 12 large pieces. I got the spicy tuna roll and was kinda bummed out that the tuna was cooked tuna (the kind you get in a can or something). I was hoping for the spicy tuna rolls you get at restaurants that are a little more raw. The sauce they mixed with it were pretty good though. It was actually decently spicy! Since it was cooked tuna, it was a little more dry than I would've liked it. Next time I definitely want to try the spicy squid or something! What's nice it that you also get a small bowl of miso soup (just broth) with your order. read more

E-Mo - Spicy tuna kimbap w/ a complimentary soup - Korean Near Me - New York, New York

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Absolutely delicious. I've been craving kimbob for weeks and this place was #1 on Yelp, so I had to try it. Yeah it's a small place, and yes, it's $8 for the bulgogi kimbob and a miso soup. It was, however: very easy to find, incredibly fast, delicious, and deceptively filling. I don't understand the 4 stars. Also, a note on "how the lady should smile more" (wow that made me shiver just repeating it), this is a fast and furious restaurant. They're there to serve you incredible food, which they do. It's delicious. And she and her husband are a delight. read more

E-Mo - Korean Near Me - New York, New York

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I have been going to this place for years. I didn't realize they are under new ownership but I was not disappointed !! The KimBop was delicious!! I will definitely be back soon!! A nice upgrade maybe to add credit cards and delivery but all and all great food. read more

Clean, filling $7 roll of fresh Kim bap. The veggie one w jalapeño or meat w jalapeño is great- hav to hav the jalapeño. Wash down w small miso soup. Great for the health and weight conscious for a city overkilling with flavor and more is less. read more

E-Mo - Korean Near Me - New York, New York

The only thing on E Mo's menu is handmade kimbap. It's a mom & pop type place that's been around forever and I've been a regular forever. I'm happy to share that their kimbap's been consistent in taste and quality. Price has gone up a little though. There were days I thought $5 is too much for a roll of kimbap. Now it's at $7. There are 10 or so types of kimbap on the menu. My favorite is the sausage or spicy tuna, depending on the day. Cheese kimbap is usually good too. Each order of kimbap is served with a cup of complimentary broth. You can also pick up Korean cup noodles here, which makes a perfect complement to kimbap. Unfortunately, I can't say they're very friendly. I don't think I've seen the lady smile once. But. Wow, they roll up those kimbaps VERY fast. So must be the concentration. I think E-Mo's kimbap is the best kimbap you can get around here. Food's fresh, tastes great, made to order, served warm - all are good news to me. read more

This place is still as good as ever. This little nook and cranny store known as E-Mo has been around for several years now. Although their prices have gone up (like very little - by a quarter of so), it still tastes like how my mom would make kimbap. My go-to is the spicy tuna and/or bulgogi (beef) kimbap. It comes with free miso soup. Please note it's CASH ONLY and there are no seatings. I also like to point out they don't open on Sunday read more

This place used to be good. I think the owner changed. My squid kimbop was hard and not as tasty. What a disappointment.

I love this place. Anytime I'm near Koreatown, I try to stop by and pick up a few rolls to take home. It helps that I love kimbap. It reminds me so much of my childhood when my mom would make a few rolls for me to take for lunch on special occasions. I can never disconnect that association of kimbap = good times. In any case, the ordering process is simple. There are maybe ten different variations from which to choose. The workers have the prep process down pat. I enjoy watching them making it and how efficiently consistent they are. It is a small place with a little countertop to eat in if you wish. Most people carry out. They also accept only cash so be prepared. Two minor complaints from an ingredient standpoint. 1) They don't use egg as a filling. I'm used to having egg in kimbap. 2) Their kimchi is the white non-spicy kind. I would love it if they used the spicy red version. But that's just me. I am hoping this little gem in Ktown will never close down. I don't think it will as I'm not the only one who loves a good kimbap. It makes me happy! read more

They make kimbab as soon as you place an order with all the fresh and healthy ingredients. I ordered 3 different types of kimbab and I was bit picky with one of them since I cannot eat ham or sausage. However, they made 3 kimbab within 5mins! I was very surprised with the speedy and also with the taste as well. Just for reminder, they only take cash so be mindful to take some cash out from the bank or atm. read more

E-Mo - Korean Near Me - New York, New York

This review is as quick as the service and the solid quality kimbap you will get every time as they roll and make it in front of you. Cash only. Come in, pick a roll with your filling of choice, and leave as quickly with a delicious and plentiful roll with a side soup to boot. Sometimes that's all you need and I know I'll make many more pit stops to come. read more

It is a great place to grab a quick lunch. It was in and out for me in a couple of minutes. One kimbap was a filling meal for me, but buying two isnt a bad idea either if you are especially hungry. Only Cash; Paid 10 dollars. read more

I know at least 5 places in K-town that sell kimbap, but the cumulation of this place feeling personal, being in a convenient location, having a great long standing reputation, and most importantly, of selling actual delicious kimbap kind of makes it the best. Cash only, but it's definitely worth a trip to the ATM read more

pretty good kimbab to go! pretty expensive. for one roll, but great for its quality and quantity. it took a bit of time to roll up a kimbab, but if you're looking to pick up some healthy fast meal, this place is the place to go instead of McDonalds or something. CASH ONLY read more

E-Mo - spicy tuna kimbab - Korean Near Me - New York, New York

A cute little pocket on the busiest street of Ktown ! It's easy to miss, but you're missing out if you don't try this place! I enjoyed their spicy tuna kimbap and if I'm looking for a quick and filling bite of food, I'm going to stop here again. It's cash only too, so be prepared for that! read more

My husband brought home kimbap from here on his way home from work. This is the best Kimbap I have ever even imagined eating. I have never had it even half as fresh, and vegetable filled. A complete balanced vegan meal in each bite. I meant to eat one piece, then the entire roll was almost gone. My NYer husband had been eating here for many years and I was upset that he kept this hidden gem from me. I immediately had to find where it is so I can return. Thank you for making this wholesome delicious food. read more

Honestly speaking it was just ok for me. Customer service was not great since I didn't speak Korean. The person literally pushed me aside and assisted a Korean person behind me which is fine but then she ignored me while I was standing right there !!?? I don't know why ...!!?? I was very excited to come by here after seeing reviews on yelp and to support small shop but quite disappointed afterward. I'll continue to go next door for my kimbap instead read more

E-Mo - Korean Near Me - New York, New York

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Life is like a lunchbox of kimbap, it's given by someone who cares. When I first strolled into E-mo's for lunch, I was first struck by how tiny this place is. The brightly colored Korean to-go joint is perhaps the size of someone's walk-in closet. A husband and wife duo, dressed in cute little aprons and hairnets, work in the small space behind the counter. Though there's no space for them to even sit or maneuver around without jostling the other, they work in perfect unison. The wife takes the order with a polite and cheery smile while the husband rolls the kimbap on bamboo mats, slices them into perfect little cylinders, and places them lovingly into a styrofoam to-go box. Their menu features only one thing-- the kimbap. Kimbap is a rather simple entity. It's a steamed rice (not vinegared), vegetables (usually steamed spinach and pickled daikon), and some sort of meat (imitation crab meat, sausage, tuna) rolled up in nori dressed lightly with sesame oil. Think of it more as a Korean version of a sandwich than a cousin of the elegant sushi hand roll; if anything, the kimbap is more akin to the onigiri (rice ball) than sushi rolls. And though they sell only kimbap, they have different varieties. They have the cheese roll, the squid roll, the beef roll, the mushroom roll, the tuna roll, the crab roll, and the vegetable rolls. You can even order rolls to be half and half of two different stuffings. Also, along with every roll of kimbap you buy, they also give you a complimentary bowl of soup. It's very similar to the Japanese miso-soup, but is a watered down Korean version of it with more scallions. And considering how simple and common the kimbap is, it seems a little absurd to pay $5.50 for a roll. Because the kimbap is what every Korean mother makes for her kid's school lunch, it's a little like paying $5.50 for a non-gourmet peanut-butter and jelly sandwich. But regardless of the price, I still stop in and order kimbap from E-mo's. More than anything, it's because getting kimbap from E-mo's is like opening the lunchbox that I never had. Growing up in Korea, I was one of the three kids in my classroom who bought school lunches. While all my friends had adorable lunchboxes lovingly filled with delicious homemade Korean food, I had the slop, gruel, and mush special. Looking at my friend's pink plastic lunchbox packed with perfectly kimbap rolls, I remember feeling the acerbic sting of envy. You see, my mother was too busy at her job or studying to get her MFA to be in the kitchen. And while I can never thank her enough for all the hardships she endured to be an artist, an equal breadwinner, and an inspiration to her daughter, it was a difficult for me to understand as a selfish and naive six year old. I remember when I first ordered from E-Mo's I just wanted a quick lunch around the neighborhood and quickly opened the white to-go box without much thought. But when I looked at the roll as I was about to pick up the piece, I stopped. The kimbap, though humble as it was, looked as if it was made with love. It looked like the kimbap I dreamed of getting in my lunchbox as a six year old. So, after gobbling down the kimbap for lunch, I called my mother. I told her "hello," but I really meant "thank you." read more

Yes, I know that emo means "aunt" in Korean, but I couldn't pass up an opportunity to hate on the emo subculture while I write this review. The kimbap, which is the Korean version of sushi rolls, are freshly made, kind of like the new Brighteyes album that you listen to while crying alone in a dark room. At only $5 bucks a pop, it's a filling and nutritious snack, but won't break the bank like that vintage pair of Chuck Taylors and skinny jeans that you bought at Urban Outfitters. The store is owned by a husband and wife team, and is the true embodiment of a "Mom and Pop" shop, kind of like how Dashboard Confessional is the true embodiment of a sell-out band. However, the lack of a seating area may stoke your inner angst, as you write poetry on your mirror with a sharpie and listen to Arcade Fire. Chunky glasses, lol More E-Mo Coverage: http://midtownlunch.com/category/e-mo/ read more

This place is really small, and cash only. It's a really good kimbap place, that's something hard to find in the city. I got the tuna one, and it was really flavorful, and the ingredients really go well with each other. I will definitely will go back when I'm craving for some kimbap again. read more

E-Mo - Korean Near Me - New York, New York

Tldr good food, no frills It's a tiny hole in the wall that only takes cash, but it's fast and it's fresh. Best taken to go since there's no seating and only a small eating bar. $8 for a decent portion. I'll definitely be coming back! read more

E-Mo - Korean Near Me - New York, New York

I love little hole in the wall restaurants that I can call my own. E-Mo is one of them and they serve some of the freshest kim bap I've ever had. If I could, I would pop them in my mouth like goldfishes all day long. Walking in, you'll notice a sign with about 7 selections of Korean-style sushi rolls to choose from ranging in price from $5 - $6. The husband and wife duo who own this place will greet you and make your roll(s) as soon as you order. I've tried several and I can't tell you which is the best, but I promise you won't be disappointed. Each one is tightly rolled with a variety of vegetables and your main filling of choice. Each piece will also fit perfectly in your mouth and won't fall apart on you while you're picking them up with your chopsticks! I love it. *Jalapeno- This one is HOT! The pieces of jalapeno peppers outshine the other vegetables surrounding them and it makes me forget that I'm eating a vegetarian roll. You won't miss the meat. *Spicy Squid- I love the chewy spicy squid as the leading flavor to this roll. The squid isn't overcooked and it's marinated in a spicy chili pepper sauce ahead of time and softened by the time it hits your tongue. *Spicy Tuna- First glance, I thought they gave me the regular tuna flavor but this one surprisingly packs a lot of heat. I also enjoyed the addition of the perilla leaves that bring in an additional layer of freshness. *Bulgogi- As an avid carnivore, I was pleased with the amount of beef they put in it. The meat was slightly sweet and juicy and it tasted like other kim baps you find in supermarkets but this one tasted so much fresher. Another nice point about E-Mo is that they include a cup of hot radish broth with scallions with your order. Unfortunately, the rolls are packed to go because there isn't any seating available, but if you're like me, just walk over a few stores down to Woorijip to snag a seat. read more

4.5 Stars. I just wanted to say that everything nyc c. says is true. Duh. I would give this tiny tiny place a 5-Star only if their beef was a bit more juicy. They make the tastiest of Kimbap out of all the to-go joints in Manhattan. They usually have a man and a woman working behind the counter and they know how to make Kimbap. So much so that they even color outside the lines with great success (non-traditional "special variety" that nyc c. deftly explains). Spicy Tuna never fails to hit the spot. They also give you a little Gukmul - "broth" - on the side which is something like a light miso soup. Be sure to get that, since Kimbap is known to dry up your throat. Especially if you gobble them up like I do. Go grab yourself a roll and make sure to tip. We gots to support these little establishments that are doing great work for us busy City Folk. read more

Trust me when I say I know my kimbab -- I've grown up with it being a constant food fixture (for parties, road trips, picnics, church events, what-have-you) and my parents (who are in the restaurant/catering industry) used to run one joint that packaged/distributed kimbab to Korean supermarkets and another that served kimbab as part of its menu. So it surprises me that E-Mo has gotten so many positive reviews when it's just mediocre. Don't just settle because there is a limited pool of options (for kimbab)! -- The Low-Down -- I was crunched for time between Surfset and Candlelight Vinyasa (seriously -- loving my Classpass), so figured the quickest dinner to grab on the go was kimbab from E-Mo. Yikes, this did not do it for me... First off, the vegetables are pre-arranged and just laying there on the cutting board for future orders. Maybe this makes sense when you're in the middle of a lunch-crunch and need to rapid-roll kimbabs, but when it's near closing time and orders are slow and far-between, it bothers me that I have zero idea how long it's been sitting out -- ten minutes? an hour? since the lunch crowd left? Secondly (and most importantly), my tuna kimbab was seriously lacking. Most places squeeze some mayonnaise in tuna kimbab because the canned tuna used is inherently dry. None used here. Also, they skimp out on the use of sesame leaf (aka kennip or perilla) -- I have never seen a place shred it by hand to lay across the roll. Usually, at least two leaves are used to separate the tuna (and mayo) from the other veggies. Yes, the roll is massive... but bigger does not mean better! And since when was $7/roll considered cheap for kimbab? FYI, nothing in the small shop indicates you get free miso soup with the purchase of kimbap, nor does the Korean couple offer any to you (Korean-speaker, or not). So if you're in a time-crunch and just happen to drop by without reading Yelp reviews informing you beforehand, I guess it means no miso soup for you. read more

New owner at this hole in the wall, but used to be great kimbop. Ordered variety of rolls for friends, but myself and friends noticed very different taste even the new owner said. I thing changed. 1. For kimbop rice, way too watery and too soft. 2. It had very little taste, ingredients didn't have enough seasoning 3. Old owners used to run outside the rolls with sesame oil. Lastly, not enough care and passion as just couple of hired workers are rolling and owner/manager? just take the money. read more