Best Affordable Chinese Restaurants in San Jose | Affordable Chinese Food

30 restaurants in Best Affordable Chinese Restaurants in San Jose | Affordable Chinese Food

• Noodle+ Mongolian BBQ — Chinese · rated 4/5: The air hums with the rhythmic clatter of metal spatulas against a massive, searing-hot circular grill where chefs transform customized bowls of fresh ingredients into steaming, savory feasts. Guests curate their own culinary adventures from a vibrant landscape of crisp vegetables and tender meats, watching as their creations are flash-cooked amidst plumes of fragrant steam and aromatic sauces. This high-energy destination offers a bold, smoky experience where every plate is a personalized celebration of fire and flavor.
• Kee Wah Bakery — Chinese · rated 4/5: Stepping into this heritage bakery feels like a journey through old Hong Kong, where the air is thick with the comforting scent of toasted almonds and buttery shortbread. Golden-brown mooncakes and delicate bridal cakes are presented like edible treasures, blending time-honored craftsmanship with a timeless elegance that turns every sweet bite into a nostalgic celebration.
• Lele Cake — Chinese · rated 4/5: This charming patisserie invites guests into a whimsical world of pastel hues and the irresistible aroma of vanilla and toasted sugar. Each confection is a miniature masterpiece, where layers of airy chiffon meet velvety ganache and delicate floral accents to create flavors that dance on the palate. It is a sugary sanctuary where every bite feels like a festive occasion, perfect for a quiet afternoon indulgence or finding the ultimate celebratory centerpiece.
• Khaosan Thai — Thai · rated 4/5: The vibrant energy of a Bangkok night market comes alive at Khaosan Thai, where the sizzle of high-heat woks and the intoxicating aroma of toasted chilies and lemongrass fill the air. Diners gather in a spirited, color-splashed space to feast on authentic street-style dishes that masterfully balance the bright punch of fresh lime with the deep, savory warmth of traditional spices. Each meal is a soulful journey through Thailand’s boldest flavors, offering a sensory dining experience that is as exhilarating as it is comforting.
• Music Tunnel KTV Cafe — Chinese · rated 4/5: Neon-drenched hallways lead to private, melody-filled sanctuaries where the thrill of the stage meets the comfort of a late-night lounge. Between high-energy anthems and soulful ballads, guests share vibrant platters of crispy, savory bites and jewel-toned specialty drinks, creating a spirited atmosphere where every meal is a performance and every song is a celebration.
• Teaspoon — Chinese · rated 4/5: This modern tea boutique invites guests into a world of liquid artistry, where the fragrant steam of Golden Assam meets the playful indulgence of dessert-inspired brews. From the velvety depths of a Tiramisu Latte to the vibrant, earthy hues of the Taro Lover, each handcrafted cup balances bold textures and delicate sweetness for a truly elevated refreshment.
• Gong Cha — Chinese · rated 4/5: A vibrant destination where the rhythmic clatter of shakers and the aroma of freshly steeped leaves create an atmosphere of modern tea artistry. Velvety milk teas and jewel-toned fruit infusions are transformed into personalized masterpieces, topped with a signature cloud of savory-sweet milk foam and chewy, honey-glazed pearls.
• Koi Palace Contempo — Chinese · rated 3/5: Koi Palace Contempo breathes modern life into classic Chinese traditions, offering a stylish sanctuary where the air is thick with the savory perfume of garlic and toasted spices. The kitchen excels in a playful alchemy of flavors, balancing the unexpected sweetness of coffee-glazed ribs against the fiery, numbing heat of Szechuan-style chicken. Every dish, from the golden crunch of typhoon-style crab to the sharp, creamy snap of wasabi-coated prawns, invites guests into a vibrant and sophisticated communal dining experience.
• H.L. Peninsula — Chinese · rated 3/5: This opulent dining destination captures the vibrant energy of a grand Cantonese banquet hall, where white-tablecloth elegance meets the lively hum of a kitchen in constant motion. Masterful seafood preparations like geoduck served two ways and ginger-scented lobster share the stage with savory beef stir-fries, showcasing a deep respect for technique and premium ingredients. The experience rounds out with a touch of whimsy, featuring silky sago desserts and charming animal-shaped puddings that delight both the palate and the imagination.
• Koi Palace Contempo+ — Chinese · rated 2/5: This sleek, modern destination pulses with the energy of a contemporary bistro, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of garlic-crusted Dungeness crab and sizzling Szechuan spices. Innovative plates like the aromatic coffee-glazed ribs and crisp wasabi walnut prawns showcase a playful mastery of texture and heat, blending traditional foundations with a bold, urban flair. From the golden crunch of salt-and-pepper squid to the delicate heat of soft-shell crab, every dish invites diners into a vibrant world of elevated flavors and sophisticated comfort.
• Merit Vegetarian Cuisine — Chinese: This vibrant sanctuary reimagines classic comfort food through a plant-based lens, where the air is filled with the tempting aroma of sizzling golden rolls and pillowy, cloud-like steamed buns. Diners are invited to explore a playful landscape of textures, from the satisfying crunch of zesty jalapeno pops and ocean-inspired nuggets to the tender, savory depth of house-made pot stickers. It is a welcoming space where traditional flavors meet modern vegetarian ingenuity, offering a soulful dining experience that proves plant-based eating can be both nostalgic and deeply satisfying.
• Tea Era — Chinese: Stepping into this minimalist sanctuary, guests are greeted by the deep, toasted aroma of premium oolong and the irresistible sizzle of golden, basil-scented popcorn chicken. It is a vibrant hub of Taiwanese comfort where hand-shaken teas meet soul-warming bowls of spicy beef noodles, offering a nostalgic taste of Taipei within a bright, bustling atmosphere.
• Thai Spoons — Thai: Thai Spoons invites guests into a vibrant, aromatic sanctuary where the air is perfumed with the bright scents of lemongrass, kaffir lime, and toasted chilies. The kitchen masterfully balances the fundamental elements of Thai cuisine, serving up velvety curries and wok-fired specialties that dance between fiery heat, citrusy tang, and cooling coconut sweetness. It is a soulful neighborhood gem where every steaming bowl and colorful plate offers a transportive journey to the heart of Southeast Asia’s rich culinary heritage.
• Tasty Pot Taiwanese Cuisine — Chinese: Steam rises in fragrant clouds from individual bubbling cauldrons, inviting diners into a vibrant space where the bold, comforting flavors of Taiwan take center stage. Each personalized hot pot arrives as a colorful mosaic of tender meats and crisp vegetables submerged in rich, aromatic broths that range from silky and mild to fiery and spice-laden. The lively atmosphere hums with the energy of a communal feast, offering a customizable culinary journey that warms the soul with every simmering spoonful.
• Egglicious India — Indian: Egglicious India transforms the humble egg into a vibrant celebration of street-side flavors, where the air is thick with the pungent aroma of garlic tempering and the sizzle of spicy woks. Diners dive into a world of bold textures and heat, from the satisfying crunch of golden egg lollipops to the comforting, herb-flecked warmth of zesty Manchow soups. This lively destination brings together traditional Indian spices and spirited Indo-Chinese flair, creating an addictive dining experience that reinvents comfort food with every fiery bite.
• Teazzi — Chinese: Step into a serene haven where the deep, toasted fragrance of premium oolong leaves sets the stage for a sophisticated exploration of traditional tea craft. Each cup is a study in balance, from the velvety richness of dark-roasted milk teas to the bright, floral notes of jasmine and sun-ripened fruit infusions. It is a place where the art of the brew is celebrated in every amber-hued sip, offering a refined and refreshing escape for the modern palate.
• Tpumps — Chinese: Step into a vibrant, high-energy hub where the air hums with the rhythmic shake of ice and the sweet, floral perfume of freshly brewed infusions. Guests craft their own liquid masterpieces, swirling together whimsical combinations like velvety salted caramel cookie dough or the tropical brightness of passion fruit, orange, and guava. Each oversized cup is a customizable celebration of color and taste, offering a refreshing escape that balances creamy, indulgent milk teas with the zesty, sun-drenched snap of fruit-forward blends.
• Shan — Chinese: Shan transports guests to the heart of South Asia with an atmosphere defined by the intoxicating aroma of toasted spices and the vibrant energy of a bustling kitchen. Velvety, slow-simmered Nihari and robust Goat Karahi anchor a menu where smoky, tandoor-charred meats meet the creamy comfort of traditional vegetarian classics like Palak Paneer and Daal Makhni. It is a soulful dining destination where every dish is a masterclass in balance, blending deep, earthy heat with the bright, fresh notes of authentic regional cooking.
• Darda Seafood Restaurant — Chinese: Vibrant energy and the savory perfume of wok-seared spices fill this bustling hall, where large communal tables set the stage for a spirited, shared feast. The kitchen turns out steaming platters of ginger-infused seafood and signature hand-pulled noodles, offering a soulful dining experience that beautifully marries coastal freshness with the bold, aromatic traditions of Halal Chinese cuisine.
• SJ Omogari Korean Restaurant — Korean: Stepping into SJ Omogari, guests are greeted by the enticing aroma of garlic-infused glazes and the rhythmic sizzle of savory pancakes crisping to a perfect golden brown. The kitchen transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant feast, from the addictive crunch of double-fried wings to hearty mounds of wok-seared fried rice that hum with deep, umami flavors. This lively destination offers a soulful dining experience where the communal joy of sharing bold, comforting Korean classics takes center stage.
• Jade Cathay — Chinese: Steaming bamboo baskets and the delicate clink of porcelain teacups set the stage at this elegant destination, where the vibrant energy of a traditional dim sum hall meets contemporary sophistication. Masterfully pleated dumplings and succulent roasted meats emerge from the kitchen in a celebration of Cantonese flavors, inviting guests to linger over shared plates and fragrant pots of jasmine tea.
• Breaktime Tea — Chinese: This sun-drenched sanctuary offers a playful escape from the bustle, where the delicate fragrance of premium loose-leaf teas mingles with the sweet, toasted notes of brown sugar boba. Each handcrafted cup becomes a customizable masterpiece of textures and flavors, inviting guests to linger over creamy milk caps and vibrant fruit infusions in a space designed for both quiet reflection and spirited conversation.
• Sinceretea — Chinese: Stepping into Sinceretea feels like entering a tranquil sanctuary where the soft glow of natural light and the earthy fragrance of premium loose-leaf teas immediately soothe the senses. Each cup is a masterclass in balance, bringing together delicate floral notes and deep, roasted undertones that pair beautifully with artisanal pastries in a space designed for slow, mindful connection.
• Krungthai — Thai: Stepping into Krungthai feels like a journey to the heart of Bangkok, where the air is thick with the intoxicating fragrance of toasted chilies, fresh lemongrass, and simmering coconut milk. Vibrant curries bursting with complex layers of spice share the table with wok-fired noodles that capture a smoky, street-market essence, all served in a space that balances modern energy with traditional warmth. Each plate celebrates the bold harmony of sweet, sour, and heat, inviting diners to linger over a meal that captures the soulful, sun-drenched spirit of Thailand.
• Yummi Hotpot and Tea Cafe — Chinese: Steam rises from bubbling Mongolian hot pots in this vibrant neighborhood hub, where the air is thick with the fragrance of exotic spices and the convivial hum of shared meals. Crispy bites of golden popcorn chicken and savory Mah-lah pork over rice offer a satisfying interplay of heat and texture, perfectly balanced by the cooling sweetness of hand-shaken milk teas and zesty lemon sodas. It is a lively retreat that marries the interactive joy of traditional simmering broths with the comforting, soulful flavors of a bustling Asian street market.
• OMG Tea — Chinese: This vibrant sanctuary hums with energy as the rhythmic shake of ice and the sweet aroma of steeping jasmine invite guests into a world of playful, handcrafted infusions. Velvety milk teas crowned with cloud-like foam and jewel-toned fruit brews come alive with the satisfying chew of honey-soaked pearls, creating a multisensory escape that turns a simple afternoon break into a whimsical celebration of flavor.
• Cheung Hing Restaurant — Chinese: This bustling neighborhood gem hums with the energy of high-heat wok cooking, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of toasted garlic and pungent peppercorns. Golden-crisped oysters and salt-and-pepper wings arrive piping hot alongside decadent slices of pumpkin cloaked in rich, velvety egg yolk, offering a masterclass in texture and bold, traditional flavors. It is a vibrant destination where adventurous palates and comfort-seekers alike gather for a soulful, unpretentious feast that celebrates the art of the fry and the spirited essence of Cantonese soul food.
• Shih lin — Chinese: This vibrant eatery captures the electric energy of Taipei’s legendary night markets, drawing guests in with the irresistible aroma of sizzling street snacks and aromatic five-spice. Golden, oversized fried chicken cutlets offer a shattering crunch alongside steaming bowls of silky mee sua, creating a sensory journey through Taiwan’s most beloved comfort foods in a lively, high-energy atmosphere.
• Peruvian Wok — Peruvian: The air hums with the rhythmic sizzle of high-heat woks and the bright, citrusy scent of fresh lime, drawing diners into a vibrant space where Andean tradition meets East Asian technique. Tender strips of marinated beef and crisp vegetables are tossed in a dance of fire and smoke, perfectly complemented by zesty, chilled seafood dishes that awaken the palate with every bite. This lively culinary crossroads captures the bold, cross-cultural spirit of Peruvian fusion, offering a sensory journey that is both soulful and exhilarating.
• Shihlin Taiwanese Street Snacks — Chinese: Transporting diners to the vibrant heart of Taipei’s most famous night market, this lively spot buzzes with the irresistible sizzle of deep-fryers and the aromatic warmth of traditional spices. Golden, oversized cutlets of crispy chicken crackle with every seasoned bite, while steaming bowls of silky vermicelli and sweet, chewy snacks capture the bold, salty-sweet spirit of Taiwanese street culture in every handheld treat.