San Jose is home to a thriving Vietnamese restaurant scene, and patrons come from all over the Bay Area for some delicious and authentic Vietnamese food options. From small food stands to successful franchises to hole-in-the-wall family-run eateries, Vietnamese food is arguably at its best in the East San Jose neighborhood—outside of Vietnam itself, that is. If you’re looking for authentic Vietnamese cuisine, East San Jose is one of the best neighborhoods in the city to satisfy your craving.

Aerial view of Santa Clara St. and Alum Rock Ave. photo courtesy of XAtsukex

Thien Long Vietnamese Restaurant

If you’re looking for a quick meal at affordable prices, this East San Jose establishment is one of the neighborhood’s most popular. The Cha Ca La Vong special is Thien Long’s most beloved menu option, complete with steaming hot fish, fresh vegetables, vermicelli noodles, and dipping sauce. For an extra two dollars, you can order some rice paper and make your own spring rolls at the table. Looking to try things beyond Thien Long’smost famous dish? The shaking beef is a popular choice, as are the spring rolls, chow fun, and bun mam soup.

Bun Bo Hue An Nam

What’s in a name? In the case of this Vietnamese restaurant, the eatery is named after a popular Vietnamese soup dish that features rice vermicelli and beef. (Hue is a city located in central Vietnam that’s frequently associated with this dish.) So you know what most people order at this establishment: the popular Bun Bo Hue. The soup is brought out with your own dish of garnishes, which you can sprinkle as much or as little of as you like. The spicy variety packs a punch, so be sure you can handle the heat before ordering. There can be a wait at this restaurant, particularly on weekend evenings, so be sure to arrive early—Bun Bo Hue An Nam doesn’t have over 1,000 Yelp reviews for nothing.

Nuoc Mia Vien Dong 2

Looking for your sweet fix? Vietnamese cuisine serves up some delicious sweet eats, and you can sample some favorites at Nuoc Mia Vien Dong 2. For a uniquely Southeast Asian dish, the pandan waffles are a popular choice. Pandan is a tropical plant often known as the vanilla of Southeast Asia, with a distinctly fragrant aroma that is sure to leave you coming back for more. You can also try the waffles made from durian or taro, two other popular Southeast Asian ingredients. For an icy drink on a hot day, try the sugarcane juice, which reviewers say is as refreshing as it is light.

Eurasia Delight

Can’t get enough of Vietnamese food? Bring some snacks home from Eurasia Delight to enjoy all week long. This Vietnamese grocery store sells authentic Southeast Asian snacks, and the main highlight is the beef jerky. The establishment sells more than a dozen different varieties of jerky, with aromatic and savory flavors such as lemongrass and Vietnamese curry. Want something that complements the flavors of the jerky? Pick up a jar of pickles here, but these won’t be your typical fermented cucumbers—you’ll find chili green mango, kumquat, and other delicious varieties. As an added bonus, Eurasia Delight is located inside Grand Century Mall, widely considered the quintessential Vietnamese mall in the whole city of San Jose, so you can check out some other Vietnamese establishments while you’re there.