Seemor
Kim's Mini MealsB+Worth Trying
5 Buccleuch St, Edinburgh EH8 9JN
· Korean restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (723 reviews)
Tiny Korean spot delivering bold, homestyle flavors at student-friendly prices, but expect queues, tight seating, and occasional brusque service policies.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Kim's Mini Meals delivers solid food quality with deeply comforting stews and tender ribs that justify its loyal following, but inconsistent execution—watery jjigae and soggy pancakes on off nights—prevents a higher grade. Tight seating and peak-time congestion further constrain the experience, though exceptional value and quick service make it competitive with the area's better neighborhood Korean restaurants for diners prioritizing flavor and portions over comfort.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling, the kind of tiny spot where a queue outside is normal and tables are close enough to hear the sizzle from next door. A frequent refrain from diners: "The stew hits like a hug on a cold day," even if the crush can make service feel brisk. During peak times, especially Fringe season, energy shifts from cozy to hectic and queue-prone, and house rules about waiting and ordering can come across as firm. The cooking leans traditional and homestyle Korean: stone-bowl bibimbap, rich jjigae, and fall-apart ribs with spice levels you can dial in. When they are on, textures sing—crispy rice socarrat, tender squid, and broth with depth; on off nights, pancakes lose their crunch or a stew reads a little watery or sweet-salty. Portions are generous, value is strong for the area, and sides of pickles and soup make it feel like a proper set. Families will find it kid-possible but cramped. Menu items like kimbap, ramen, or non-spicy bibimbap suit cautious eaters, and staff will guide spice levels. That said, the room is tiny, waits are common, and high-energy bustle can be tough with strollers. If you need space or guaranteed seating, consider off-peak hours.
At a Glance
- Deep, comforting stews and tender ribs with dialable spice
- Strong value for central Edinburgh with rice and sides included
- Very small dining room with queues and firm policies
- Occasional seasoning swings (too salty/sweet) and soggy pancakes when not fresh
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- stone_bowl_specialties
- value_with_banchan
- custom_spice_levels
What People Love
- That first hit of spicy, tangy kimchi stew on a chilly day
- Stone-bowl rice crackle and hearty toppings
- Servers who can explain heat levels and guide choices
- Walking out full without overspending
Points of Concern
- Space is tight, warm, and often rushed; lines are common and no reservations accepted
- Service policies can feel strict (closing cutoff, wait positions, limited re-ordering)
- Seasoning can run salty or sweet for some palates; pancakes lose crispness if held
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (X% five-star, staff name repetition, marketing language) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£28-34 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose jjigae or bibimbap as your main for best value-to-satiety ratio (£12-14).
- Vegan diners: consider Gamja Jeon, fried tofu/aubergine, or japchae V/VG options.
- Spice-sensitive: ask for mild and add heat at the table if offered.
Perfect For
- A quick, satisfying comfort-food dinner before a show
- Cold-weather warming bowl cravings
- Students seeking value with real flavor
- Solo diners willing to queue for something hearty
Location Insights
Area: Student-heavy Southside near universities; casual eateries and cafes with steady foot traffic.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked academic area with evening crowds.
Nearby: Close to University of Edinburgh buildings, theaters, and Fringe venues; lines common during festival season.
SouthsideSouthside is a lively and diverse neighborhood with a mix of affordable eateries, traditional pubs, and trendy cafes. It has a strong student presence due to proximity to the University of Edinburgh, alongside a growing number of independent restaurants and bars catering to a youthful and eclectic crowd.
BrunswickBrunswick is a sub-area within Southside characterized by quiet residential streets and a few local shops and eateries. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling city center, with a focus on community-oriented dining and casual social spots.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:30–21:30
Tuesday12:00–15:00, 17:30–21:30
Wednesday12:00–15:00, 17:30–21:30
Thursday12:00–15:00, 17:30–21:30
Friday12:00–15:00, 17:30–21:30
Saturday09:00–17:00
Sunday
View full analysis on Seemor →