Dine on This: Emporia Has Several New Restaurants to Please Your Palate

Avatar photo Posted on Feb 4, 2020 by Visit Emporia

Emporia has an amazing number of one-of-a-kind local mom and pop type restaurants. A few more have been added to the mix recently and we’re hearing good things. If you’re a local or you’re coming to town for a visit, give these new places a try and let us know what you think.

Chi Em Eats

What started as a food truck and pop-up tent is now a brick-and-mortar location in the heart of Emporia. Chi Em Eats, a family-owned restaurant located at 11 E. Sixth Ave., features authentic Vietnamese food with mouth-watering options like grilled skewer lemongrass chicken, bo kho (beef stew), smoothies and bobas, spring rolls, Vietnamese Iced Coffee and hot coffee, Vietnamese limeade and pork dumplings. The restaurant features family-style dining tables and the walls are graced with strings of paper cranes, which is symbolic of bringing good luck to the location. Seating in the restaurant is family-style, to encourage visitors to talk to one another during their meal and share their dining experience.

Chi Em Eats is open from 11 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.- 9 p.m. from Tuesday-Saturday and 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. on Sunday. They can be reached at (620) 208-6500.

Hagaya Ramen

Hagaya Ramen Shop, located just down the street from Emporia State University at 1111 Commercial St., features Japanese style ramen cuisine. They use traditional techniques in their cooking “to ensure perfection of each bowl of ramen,” according to their Facebook page. They serve signature Tonkotsu Ramen and modern style Yuzu Ramen. Tonkotsu comes from pork bones cooked on high heat for several hours and is made with black garlic oil. The Yuzu ramen is cooked with chicken bones and fish broth. Diners can also order spicy Tonkotsu, which is cooked with house-made soybean-garlic paste and kimchi. Miso, Shoyu and Yuzu are also options that diners can explore. There’s also seaweed, squid and Kimchi salad options. In addition to the mouth-watering food dishes, Sake is served, along with soft drinks and beer.

Hagaya Ramen shop is open from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. They can be reached at (620) 208-6688.

Golden Wok

A local favorite, a buffet offering a plethora of Chinese food options, has officially returned to Emporia, re-opening on Jan. 25. The Golden Wok is located at 2804 W. US Highway 50. Formerly the China Buffet, the restaurant re-branded and remodeled, adding hibachi and sushi to the menu offerings. The Golden Wok offers a variety of authentic Chinese food offerings including Egg Fu Young, Shrimp with Snow Peas, Twice Cooked Pork, and House Special Beef. Among the soups available are egg drop, hot & sour and wonton. Fried rice and noodles are also served, making this the perfect restaurant for those who want to try one of everything.

The Golden Wok is open 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. They offer carry-out and delivery and can be reached at (620) 343-6688.

Taco Express

Taco Express, located at 201 Commercial St., offers tacos, burritos, tortas, dessert and all-day breakfast. The restaurant features a large menu with meat choices including beef, fried pork, fish, shredded beef and pork house made sausage. Among toppings and spices are pork-marinated spices, pork red salsa, shredded poblano pepper, beef tongue and chocolate salsa. There is a taco condiment bar for ultimate customization. Among breakfast offerings are biscuits and gravy, eggs, bacon, potatoes, nachos chicken, jalapeno chorizo burrito with eggs, rice and beans. For those who prefer sandwiches, the restaurant offers the traditional Torta as well as a Philly cheesesteak sandwich and a taco burger. Dinner plates can also be ordered, including fajitas, enchiladas, chicken mole and chili verde. The restaurant also has vegetarian options for diners.

Taco Express is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and can be reached at (620) 208-2272.

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Visit Emporia welcomes travelers and meeting planners, and serves as the visitor information center for Emporia, Kansas and surrounding area.

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