Bay Area/ San Jose
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Published on June 08, 2020
San Jose's 4 best spots to score inexpensive Vietnamese eatsPho Y #1 | Photo: Dean C./Yelp

Looking to satisfy your appetite for Vietnamese fare?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable Vietnamese restaurants around San Jose, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to venture next time you're on the hunt.

1. Tofoo Com Chay

Photo: John D./Yelp

Topping the list is Tofoo Com Chay. Located at 388 E. Santa Clara St. downtown San Jose, it's the most popular budget-friendly Vietnamese restaurant in San Jose, boasting 4.5 stars out of 1,040 reviews on Yelp.

Bree C. noted, "This place is always good! Love their pho and the soup has so much flavor. The people who work there are super friendly and attentive. Not much seating space, but that's never stopped us."

2. Pho Y #1

Photo: Stan L./Yelp

Next up is Evergreen Central's Pho Y #1, situated at 1660 E. Capitol Expressway. With four stars out of 1,302 reviews on Yelp, the Vietnamese spot, which offers noodles and more, has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for a cheap option.

Yelper Linda M. wrote, "My go-to pho place whenever I'm craving pho. Pho Y #1 is always consistent with their broth. It's rich in flavor, comforting and oh so satisfying."

Yenn T. noted, "This is one of my favorite pho restaurants in San Jose. There are three types of noodles for takeout here: pre-boiled noodles, dry noodles you can boil at home and fresh thick-cut noodles (similar to chow fun)."

3. Pho 89

Photo: Ann S./Yelp

North Valley's Pho 89, located at 2095 N. Capitol Ave., Suite E, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the cheap Vietnamese spot 4.5 stars out of 169 reviews.

Yelper Maria P. wrote, "This place blew me away. I am so happy they are taking takeout reservations. The food was priced right, the decor is stunning and the front counter is friendly and awesome."

Eric F. added, "The pho here was very solid — flavorful, balanced broth that provided above-average depth and bathed the lightly al dente noodles and beef cuts."

4. Banh Mi Oven

Photo: Stan L./Yelp

Banh Mi Oven, a Vietnamese spot that offers sandwiches, desserts and more in East San Jose, is another inexpensive go-to, with four stars out of 610 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1210 Story Road to see for yourself.

Yelper Cathy L. noted, "This is the only place I know that makes banh mi nuong muoi ot. It's a popular Vietnamese street food dish in Vietnam."

Christina G. added, "Fantastic sandwiches — the pickled vegetables and the fresh-baked bread really seal the deal."


This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.