Super Valley: Eat Like You’re an International Traveler

Silicon Valley’s global consciousness is evident in the cornucopia of delicious ethnic cuisines found throughout the area. Zeni at 1320 Saratoga Ave. and Gojo at 1261 W. San Carlos St. are two popular Ethiopian choices. Tayyibaat in Milpitas Center serves grilled kababs, wraps and rotisserie chicken platters, all hormone-free and halal. Established ramen hotspots like Santa Clara’s Orenchi Ramen draw long lines; newer places like Noodle Dude on Santa Clara Street and Konjoe Tei in the SoFA Market are a good bet. Vietnamese pho soup, a local staple, can be found near downtown hotels and museums at Pho 69 on South First Street (try the filet mignon). For a more formal dining experience, try Vung Tau at 535 E. Santa Clara St or Tamarine at 546 University Ave. in Palo Alto. Other Southeast Asian cuisines include Chez Sovan (Cambodian) at 923 Oakland Rd., Layang Layang (Malaysian) at 1480 S. De Anza Blvd., and Krungthai (Thai) at 642 S. Winchester Blvd. Downtown hole-in-the-wall SA-By Thai Cuisine at 346 E. William St. is popular with locals. Experience two countries for the price of one at Thaibodia, located at 910 Meridian Ave. Campbell’s Naschmarkt is a modern European fine dining experience serving Viennese cuisine. Greek cuisine can be enjoyed at top-tier restaurants like Evvia in Palo Alto, Dio Deka in Los Gatos and Nemea in Downtown San Jose, as well as budget-friendly places like Opa! at 1100 Lincoln Ave, Nick The Greek at 143 W. Santa Clara St., and Souvlaki Skewers on 577 W. Alma Ave. Culinary dining trends like shared tables and comfort food are a good way to get to enjoy local culture. A totally off-the-radar option for most visitors is the Naglee Park Garage at the corner of 11th and San Carlos, a neighborhood casual dining destination. Jeffrey Stout’s new Orchard City Kitchen (OCK) in Campbell is a local hot spot and Bib Gourmand selection. Henry’s World Famous Hi-Life at 301 W. St John St. is a local institution that has been serving barbecued meats for more than half a century. Original Joe’s at San Carlos and First Street also belongs on any shortlist.