Waba Restaurant

I feel like saying it's "tucked away in the corner", but it's really not. Located on Hillsborough Street right next to Shanghai Express, the restaurant is situated on the first floor and hence is easily missed. I tried it for the first time yesterday around 3pm, and the place was completely empty but for one other customer. The person whom I assumed to be the owner greeted my, smiling, and took my order. I ordered the pork bulgogi. I sat by the window, and admired the walls and decor. That sounds like it is very upscale, but it's not. Really basic, with a karaoke system that was playing, and people's scribbles and doodles on the wall. Interesting painting on the wall too. The order came fast enough. The food was nice. Bulgogi had a nice flavor to it. Was not dry, appropriately moist / juicy. The rice was different from the usual sticky rice you get. I don't know enough about East Asian food to know if that's a good thing or bad, but I give Waba the benefit of the doubt. Overall it was good and I'll likely return to try the other dishes.

Staff are always friendly and welcoming, and the food is delicious! Reasonably priced for what you get. Maybe not the most authentic Korean food experience in the world, but it's a cozy place and well worth the money.

I could hardly understand the guy behind the counter. But he was very kind. He recommended the number 4. Boy, was it amazing. Packed with flavor. And heat. Will be back.

This is my second time coming to Waba, and both times have been excellent. The first time I got the ramen noodles and this time I got the "hot" spicy noodle. I should've known what I was in for when he asked if I wanted "spicy" or "hot spicy". The spicy noodle is incredible, even if it is quite hot. The noodles are thick and very well textured/cooked. The owner came over after I ordered them and brought me a cold soup to help with the pain caused by the noodles. The food, service, and setting are incredible and the food is reasonably priced. An NCSU gem, and a better alternative to anything nearby at a similar price point (I'm looking at you chipotle).

We went here without reading the reviews and we definitely regret it! They’re taking advantage of college kids that haven’t experienced good korean food. I ordered the galbi. It was the most unusual and greasy plate of bones I’ve ever had. The flavor/marinade wasn’t technically bad, but it was so greasy and not properly trimmed of large chunks of fat. My husband ordered spicy pork bulgogi...it was a pile of unseasoned cabbage with tiny pieces of pork and gochugaru flakes. Rice was over cooked. Mandoo was super oily and came from the frozen foods aisle. My kimchi was ok, but where was the rest of the banchan??? Im always excited to try a new korean restaurant but that place should be embarrassed to serve that food. Again, they must be taking advantage of inebriated college kids.

OK for a college hangout for those on a budget. But if you're looking for well prepared authentic Korean fare made with quality ingredients, this isn't it. Not much flavor. No kimchi with my bulgogi. Hmmm...

Sweet man runs the place. Good food. He may try to upsell you but everything I've tried so far is amazing as the prices are relatively cheap. Spicy means SPICY! Looks like they have karaoke