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Guide to San Jose

BBQ and soup

Made for those who want to pair the deep, complex flavors of slow-cooked barbecue with a hearty, liquid-based dish.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Mina's Korean BBQ image 1
Mina's Korean BBQ image 2
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Korean restaurant

Small, casual Korean restaurant with a warm, home-owned atmosphere and friendly staff. Food arrives quickly and features authentic dishes like bibimbap and bulgogi with fresh kimchi made daily. Limited seating and busy lunch hours create a lively, bustling environment.

Broth comes incredibly flavourful with generous tofu portions in soups like galbi and pork stew. Options include Budae jjigae military soup and squid bulgogi, served with purple rice and side dishes.

Korean BBQ Short Ribs come fully cooked, not grilled at the table. The food is delicious and the prices are good.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and served in large portions."

"I found the bibimbap to be the best I had ever had."

"The Korean BBQ short ribs were so delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging during lunch hours, so plan accordingly.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere during lunchtime, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant primarily serves takeout, which is ideal for quick meals.

02
Pho Bel Air image 1
Pho restaurant

Pho restaurant offers authentic pho with high-quality ingredients and a fast casual vibe supported by a pop music playlist. The atmosphere is welcoming and friendly, with a clean and inviting space that can get a little loud during peak times. It serves as a convenient late-night option with quick service and easy parking.

Broth offers a mild flavor that feels light after heavy meals. Options include beef noodle soup, chicken pho, and egg noodle chicken soup with perfectly cooked lean brisket.

BBQ chicken comes in generous portions and tastes yummy. BBQ pork appears in dishes like pho, egg rolls, and vermicelli with shrimp.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, has really good broth and noodles."

"I found the soup here to be incredibly delicious and satisfying."

"The BBQ chicken was yummy and the portion generous."

Good to know

1

Pho Bel Air is open until 11pm, making it convenient for late-night diners.

2

Expect a wait time of less than 10 minutes for takeout, even when crowded.

3

Parking is ample and easy to find near the restaurant.

03
Bigspoon korean bistro image 1

Small Korean restaurant offers a homey vibe with a family-friendly atmosphere and authentic flavors. The space feels down-to-earth and cozy, filled with conversation and laughter rather than music. It serves traditional dishes in a clean, humble setting that feels like sharing a meal with friends or family.

Large soup dishes offer good value and generous meat portions, especially in the beef short rib and chicken ginseng soups. The seafood tofu soup combines flavorful beef short rib with fresh seafood for a rich taste.

Beef short ribs and spicy chicken BBQ come with rice and Korean sides. Lunch specials include tofu soup paired with BBQ for $17.99. BBQ dishes pair well with stir fry and seafood options.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic Korean and tastes like home cooking."

"Their tofu soup is so satisfying with generous, tender meat."

"The Korean BBQ short ribs were delicious, I wish there were more."

Good to know

1

Parking is plentiful and free in the back of the restaurant.

2

Expect lengthy wait times for seating and service on weekends.

3

A bill for two people usually ranges between $35 and $50.

04
Han Kee 2 Restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Simple dining space with fresh egg noodles made on-site and generous portions of bold-flavored Cantonese dishes. Atmosphere feels divey but surprisingly clean, suited for quick meals or casual groups. Regulars and newcomers find authentic roast meats and seafood noodles at reasonable prices with occasional short waits during dinner.

Broths stay clean and balanced with plump dumplings in the shrimp dumpling noodle soup. Braised duck soups come with rich herbs and spices, and won ton soups serve up generous portions.

Meats strike a balance with not too fatty, not too lean cuts and a flavor that is not too sweet. Roast duck and BBQ pork feature crispy skin and tender meat that compete with pricier spots, while BBQ pork fried rice stands out as a notable dish.

People are saying

"The food, especially the roast duck, has perfectly crispy skin."

"The BBQ pork has tender meat and crispy skin."

"I'd return for the tasty braised duck noodle soup."

Good to know

1

Expect little wait during the day, but short waits can occur at dinner.

2

There is plenty of parking space available in the plaza.

3

The menu features traditional Cantonese dishes, especially roast meats and seafood noodles.

05
Pho Kim Long image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Spacious Vietnamese restaurant with modern upscale decor and outdoor dining options. Atmosphere is loud and lively, often crowded but not cramped. Offers a unique DIY spring roll experience with table-side grilling.

Pho noodle soup features tender beef slices and a broth that is mildly salty with a hint of freshness. The chicken soup broth offers a rich and distinct flavor different from standard beef pho.

Vietnamese BBQ features pork chops, pork BBQ, and BBQ chicken served with rice plates or vermicelli noodles. Grilled fish and BBQ shrimp appear but in smaller portions.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, tastes amazing."

"I loved the grilled fish, you make your own wraps with it."

"I thought the pho soup here was delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited since it's shared between all the restaurants in the plaza.

2

Pho Kim Long only accepts cash payments.

3

Expect long lines during peak hours; arrive early to avoid waiting.

06
Pho San Jose image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Modern decor features a grass wall, neon sign, and giant mascot painting, creating a unique and clean atmosphere. Spacious indoor and covered outdoor seating offer a relaxing vibe with warm lighting and festive touches. Younger crowds frequent the place, drawn by its fresh pho noodles and rich broth.

Soups offer savory, full-bodied flavors that feel rejuvenating. Options like chicken pho and beef rib noodle soup taste fresh and remind of childhood warmth, with a slightly oily richness.

Smoked Brisket Phรถ blends traditional pho with barbecue flavors. This dish offers a unique combo for fans of both BBQ and pho.

People are saying

"The pho here has phenomenal meat and a well-done, flavorful broth."

"The pho soup here is delicious and tastes really fresh."

"The smoked brisket pho is a yummy blend of BBQ and pho."

Good to know

1

There was plenty of parking at Pho San Jose.

2

Pho San Jose accepts both credit cards and cash.

3

Expect a short wait during peak lunch hours.

07
Kim Tar B.B.Q. image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Small, rundown space with practical setup and self-serve sauces and napkins. Atmosphere is straightforward and unembellished, typical of long-standing Chinese BBQ spots. Offers large portions of authentic dishes, attracting those focused on quick, hearty meals rather than ambiance.

Noodle soups come hot and fresh, with light but flavorful broth and decent portions. Options include egg noodles with duck and pork offal, the latter different from traditional Hong Kong style.

Barbecue pork, roasted pig, and duck stand out here with a traditional Chinese BBQ style. Rice is available to-go, and the atmosphere is simple and typical of Chinese BBQ spots.

People are saying

"The roast duck here is generous and delicious."

"I grew up coming here for the BBQ pork and roast duck."

"I'd come back for the egg noodle soup with duck."

Good to know

1

Kim Tar B.B.Q. only accepts cash and has an ATM on-site.

2

Menu prices range between $15 and $18, with large portions.

3

The menu features a diverse selection including noodle soup and fried rice.

08
360 Chinese & Vietnamese Cuisine image 1
Southeast Asian restaurant

Spacious restaurant with high ceilings and colorful lanterns creates a clean, airy atmosphere. Circle tables accommodate groups, making it suitable for family gatherings. The menu offers a fusion of Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine, highlighted by juicy roast duck praised for its flavor.

Broth fills the bowl to the rim with a flavorful, tasty base that may include some MSG. Wonton noodle soup and BBQ duck noodle soup come in large portions with authentic Chinese flavors.

BBQ duck stands out with its balanced star anise flavor and perfect marination, avoiding too much salt or sweetness. Crispy BBQ pork and chicken also feature, while BBQ duck noodles soup comes with a generous portion of meat on the side.

People are saying

"The BBQ duck noodles soup at this Lunch Spot is so good."

"The roast duck here is so juicy and delicious."

"The BBQ duck here is marinated and cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and wait times are generally short.

2

The restaurant does not serve alcohol, including beer and wine.

3

The portions are American-sized and reasonably priced at around $17 per bowl.

09
Hawaiian BBQ image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small family-run spot blends Hawaiian BBQ with authentic Henan Chinese cuisine in a warm, clean setting. The place fills up quickly, offering huge portions and a mix of classic and regional dishes. Owners maintain a friendly, attentive atmosphere despite the hole-in-the-wall vibe.

Beef brisket noodle soup stands out with rich flavors. Options include short rib soup and unique dishes like Liang Pi and Rowjamo.

Sticky rice comes with the BBQ meat platter. The pig and cabbage dish has a kiawe smoke flavor. Mac salad pairs well with the BBQ dishes.

People are saying

"I found the Chinese food here to be authentic and among the best I've ever had."

"The teas here were delicious and felt like dessert."

"I loved the short rib soup here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a great lunch special combo available only during lunch hours.

2

The dishes are peanut-free, making it safe for those with peanut allergies.

3

The portions are large, often enough for two meals.

10
Com Tam Thien Huong image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Compact space with modern design and lively atmosphere filled with noise and crowds. Frequented by Vietnamese families creating a communal vibe. TVs display menu items, adding a visual element to the experience.

Pho comes in a big bowl with a super delicious broth. Meals often include a chicken soup starter that complements the dishes well.

BBQ plates feature a mix of BBQ Pork, Fried Shrimp Cake, and Grilled Shrimp on Sugarcane. The combo plates include items like shredded pork skin and egg cake alongside rice.

People are saying

"I had the best broken rice I've ever had here."

"I found the pho noodle soup to be super good and a big bowl."

"I thought the BBQ combo plate was the best."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, often over 45 minutes, especially during lunch and dinner.

2

Parking is available in the shopping center, but traffic can be heavy nearby.

3

Prices for dishes like thit nuong with broken rice are around $20.95.

11
Mr. SiuMai image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, modern space with bright lights and self-order kiosks creates a clean, cozy atmosphere. Noise levels vary, with a relaxed vibe that feels like casual takeout dining with seating. Dim sum offerings focus on authentic Cantonese flavors with some standout dishes.

Noodle soups with wonton stand out here. Traditional Cantonese dim sum, porridge, and soups also feature prominently.

BBQ Char Siu features fine cut meat with a tasty filling that avoids any rough or junky texture. Baked BBQ pork buns and Siu Mai also stand out with solid flavors and good quality.

People are saying

"The dim sum here, especially the siu mai and egg tarts, is delicious."

"I loved the turnip cake and sponge cake here."

"I loved their noodle soup with wontons."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, especially on weekends due to nearby crowds.

2

The prices are $6 for 3 pieces of siumai, which is considered high for a casual spot.

3

There are 2 self-service kiosks for ordering, or you can order with staff if paying cash.

12
Q Pot Korean BBQ & Hotpot image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Large space with crowded tables and shallow booths creates a lively but cramped atmosphere. Constant loud pop music and close seating make conversations difficult. Features like a sauce bar and tablet ordering system add modern convenience to the experience.

Soups here offer rich, satisfying hot pot broth with options to customize flavor. The Taiwanese spicy soup stands out for those who like heat, and the Miso soup ranks among the tastiest available.

Offers all you can eat BBQ and hot pot with premium meat and affordable lunch prices around $27 per adult. Serves Korean kimchi barbecue and includes drinks like soju in the meal.

People are saying

"The Korean BBQ here is really good."

"The hot pot soup here is rich and satisfying with great choices."

"It's a hassle-free, all-you-can-eat experience for a fixed price."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 2pm.

2

The restaurant is an all-you-can-eat place with fixed prices.

3

Expect to pay around $50 per person for all-you-can-eat.

13
Tomi Sushi & Seafood Buffet image 1

Large dining room resembles a street food stall with crowded seating and busy atmosphere early on, calming down later. Authentic sushi and seafood selection stands out despite some freshness issues. Noise and crowd levels peak during initial service hours, with a friendly vibe overall.

Soups here feature authentic Hong Kong style flavors with options like brisket noodle soup and braised beef soup. The menu also includes fish soup and hot and sour soup, all consistently well-prepared.

BBQ pork stands out with its rich flavor alongside crispy pork belly and roast duck. Steamed buns often accompany these meats, adding a soft texture contrast.

People are saying

"The buffet has a great variety of fresh, tasty food options."

"The Asian soups here are familiar and tasty."

"The BBQ pork here is a must-try, so tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but arriving early is recommended to avoid crowds.

2

The buffet has a two-hour dining limit during peak hours.

3

A free meal is offered for birthdays if you visit on or within three days of your birthday.

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San Jose, California

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