July, 2024

After a five-hour flight from San Francisco to JFK, a long Uber ride through the city's thick traffic, and a humid walk from our Soho hotel, we arrived at Kisa. A line already stretched along the sidewalk, a clear sign of its popularity. Luckily, being eighth in line secured us a table with the first wave of diners, and stepping inside felt like a nostalgic trip to a 1980s Korean diner.


Having recently returned from a food-filled trip to South Korea, we were eager to find authentic flavors in New York, and Kisa delivered. We started with a subtly spicy doenjang jjigae and crispy nurungji chips as appetizers. For our main courses, I chose the Spicy Squid, drawn to its promise of heat and seafood, while Linda ordered the Bulgogi. Both arrived with a vibrant assortment of banchan. The Bulgogi was tender and flavorful, balancing the char-grilled meat with the sweet notes of soy sauce. The Spicy Squid was a multi-layered experience, with umami from gochujang, soy, and garlic, followed by a slow, satisfying burn from the chili flakes.


The banchan offered a welcome break between bites, each a small burst of flavor. My personal favorite was the skewered rice cakes with sausage, glazed in a sweet-spicy gochujang, reminiscent of the bustling markets in Asia. Kisa thoughtfully allows diners to select three additional banchan.


To conclude the meal, Kisa provides a unique touch: a vending machine dispensing warm, aromatic black bean drinks. We were far too full for Katz’s after that satisfying meal.

If you’re looking for authentic Korean cuisine in New York City, Kisa is undoubtedly worth the wait.

Urban street scene in NYC with red brick apartment buildings, traffic light, and NYPD car parked at intersection.
A small television mounted on a wooden shelf in the corner of a white room with a fan visible.
Dark interior restaurant scene with Japanese writing on the wall and overhead recessed lighting.
Korean won banknotes spread out on a white surface with a small green plate of nuts in the background.
Vintage lace curtains with delicate patterns filter light beneath warm ceiling lights in a dim interior space.
People sitting at a table inside a cozy room with lace curtains and wooden furniture by windowed wall.
An antique pendulum clock hangs on a wall next to a calendar with Chinese characters and wall art in soft lighting.
A small turquoise plate holds candied or glazed walnuts atop a table with text visible in the background.
A bowl of clear Asian soup broth with vegetables alongside a bowl of steamed white rice on a restaurant table.
Korean banchan side dishes served in metal bowls on a table including kimchi, pickled vegetables, and stewed potatoes.
Traditional Korean banchan side dishes including bulgogi, kimchi, and various pickled vegetables served in metal bowls.
Traditional Korean side dishes served in metal bowls featuring fish cakes, kimchi, and various banchan on a tray.
Traditional Korean banchan side dishes served in metal bowls with rice and pickled vegetables on a silver tray.
Korean metal bowls filled with spicy pickled kimchi and radish banchan side dishes served in traditional style.
A close up of spicy Korean stir-fried rice cakes with vegetables and sauce in a metal pan.
Korean rice cakes and sausage are held with chopsticks above traditional side dishes served in metal bowls.
Korean barbecued meat bulgogi served in a metal bowl with sliced onions and black sesame seeds.
Hands holding a white ceramic cup filled with creamy gray beverage against a blurred background.
A hand holds a disposable coffee cup with minimalist line drawings of two figures printed on its beige surface.