Best Affordable Thai Restaurants in San Jose | Affordable Thai Food

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

• Coup de Thai — Thai. * Return · rated 4/5: Vibrant energy pulses through this modern Thai escape, where the intoxicating aroma of toasted spices and fresh galangal drifts from a bustling open kitchen. Artfully plated dishes strike a masterful balance between fiery heat and cooling citrus, inviting guests to discover a bold tapestry of flavors within a chic, dimly lit space that feels both intimate and electric.
• 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.
• Saapaaduu — Indian · rated 3/5: Saapaaduu transports diners to the vibrant heart of South India, where the sizzle of golden-fried bajjis and the fragrant aroma of tempering curry leaves create an atmosphere of soulful warmth. The kitchen masters the delicate balance of texture and heat, serving everything from the melt-in-your-mouth softness of steamed Pidi Kozhukkattai to the bold, spice-laden punch of Mutton Kola Urundai. It is a culinary destination that celebrates the spirit of regional street food, inviting guests to linger over plates of aromatic kurma and crispy, herb-dusted cauliflower in a space that feels both nostalgic and inviting.
• The Old Siam — Thai: Stepping into The Old Siam feels like a journey into a world of balanced textures, where the cooling crunch of herb-filled fresh rolls meets the indulgent, golden shatter of perfectly fried tofu. The air is thick with the inviting scent of toasted spices and savory starters, creating a soulful retreat where every plate of flaky roti and crisp tempura honors the rich culinary heritage of its namesake.
• 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.
• Anjappar Chettinad Indian Restaurant — Indian: The air hums with the vibrant energy of a bustling Southern Indian kitchen, thick with the intoxicating aroma of toasted black pepper, star anise, and freshly tempered curry leaves. Diners are treated to the bold, fiery soul of Chettinad heritage, where rich, complex gravies and succulent meats are meticulously crafted to deliver a symphony of heat and spice that lingers long after the final bite.
• Anjappar Chettinadu Indian Restaurant — Indian: Step into a vibrant culinary enclave where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of hand-ground black pepper, toasted star anise, and tempering curry leaves. The kitchen honors the fiery heritage of Tamil Nadu, serving up deeply spiced gravies and golden, lacy dosas that capture the bold, complex soul of Chettinad tradition. It is a sensory journey through South India’s legendary spice coast, where every bite offers a masterclass in the art of balanced heat and aromatic depth.
• Dusita Thai Cuisine — Thai: Dusita Thai Cuisine offers a serene escape where the bright, aromatic scents of fresh basil and kaffir lime drift through a space defined by warm hospitality and golden accents. The culinary experience centers on a masterful harmony of textures and heat, anchored by a signature Panang curry that features a luscious, peanut-laced coconut gravy simmered to fragrant perfection. It is a destination where traditional soul meets modern elegance, turning every meal into a vivid exploration of Thailand’s rich culinary heritage.
• 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.
• Jasmine Fine Thai Cuisine — Thai: Soft golden lighting and the fragrant aroma of crushed lemongrass set the stage for an elevated dining experience that honors the vibrant traditions of Thailand. The kitchen transforms fresh, aromatic herbs and hand-ground spices into a symphony of flavors, where the velvety heat of red curry meets the bright, citrusy crunch of a perfectly balanced salad. It is a place where culinary artistry and warm hospitality converge, turning every meal into a graceful celebration of Southeast Asian soul.
• Ganesha Indian Cuisine Sweets and — Indian: The air is thick with the intoxicating perfume of toasted cumin and cardamom, drawing guests into a vibrant space where the colorful artistry of traditional Indian sweets lines the counters. The signature Curry Box offers a curated journey through regional flavors, presenting a harmonious balance of spice-kissed gravies and fragrant basmati rice that captures the soulful essence of authentic home-style cooking.
• Malabar Coast — Indian: Stepping into Malabar Coast feels like a journey to India’s sun-drenched southwestern shores, where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of toasted spices and fresh curry leaves. Vibrant seafood curries enriched with creamy coconut milk and tangy tamarind take center stage, served alongside lacy appams that capture the soul of coastal Kerala. The warm, inviting space hums with the energy of a tropical escape, offering a sensory celebration of traditional flavors reimagined with modern elegance.
• Pacific Catch — Seafood: Stepping into this vibrant coastal sanctuary feels like a journey across the Pacific, where the air carries the fragrant heat of red curry and the briny sweetness of freshly steamed clams. The kitchen masterfully bridges continents, serving up everything from the bright, citrus-kissed crunch of Vietnamese salads to the smoky, tender depth of slow-cooked sticky ribs in a space that hums with the relaxed energy of a seaside getaway.
• Boiling Point — Chinese: Steam rises in fragrant clouds from individual bubbling cauldrons, inviting diners to embark on a customizable journey through a landscape of savory broths and vibrant ingredients. Whether savoring the deep umami of Japanese miso or the aromatic heat of Thai-inspired spices, each simmering pot is perfectly paired with rich braised platters and refreshing fruit teas for a soul-warming communal feast.
• Sam & Curry — Indian: Sam & Curry pulses with the vibrant energy of a modern spice market, reimagining the bold, aromatic soul of Indian cuisine through playful and inventive street-food forms. Guests can dive into hearty burritos and zesty tacos overflowing with fragrant fillings, or craft steaming rice bowls that serve as a colorful mosaic of traditional spices and fresh, contemporary textures. This lively destination brings a spirited twist to classic flavors, offering a fast-paced culinary adventure that is as comforting as it is unexpected.
• Sam & Curry — Indian: Vibrant colors and the intoxicating scent of toasted cumin fill this modern eatery, where traditional Indian flavors are reimagined through a playful, customizable lens. Guests craft their own culinary journeys, layering fragrant basmati rice and tender, spice-rubbed proteins with bright chutneys and cooling raita for a meal that is as bold as it is personal. It is a spirited destination that bridges the gap between ancient spice traditions and the fast-paced energy of contemporary life.
• Kabab & Curry's — Indian: The air at Kabab & Curry’s is thick with the enticing perfume of toasted spices and sizzling meats, drawing guests into a vibrant space where street-side soul meets the refined elegance of royal Mughlai cuisine. Crispy samosas and tangy chaats provide a playful burst of texture, while melt-in-the-mouth Lucknowi Galawat kababs and delicate, hand-folded potlis invite diners to linger over a rich, aromatic tapestry of authentic and inventive flavors.
• Best Artisan Empanadas — Mexican: This charming spot celebrates the art of the handcrafted pastry, where golden, flaky crusts give way to an imaginative world of global flavors tucked into perfectly crimped pockets. The air carries the enticing aroma of savory fillings ranging from zesty Spicy Thai and fragrant Chicken Cilantro to the rich, smoky depths of BBQ pulled pork and traditional Lomo. The journey concludes on a sweet note with warm, fruit-filled delights like Granny’s Apple, offering a comforting and elevated take on the classic empanada.
• Thaibodia — Thai: Thaibodia serves as a vibrant crossroads where the aromatic heat of Thai spices meets the earthy, complex depths of Cambodian tradition. Golden curries infused with coconut milk and kaffir lime leaf simmer alongside wok-fired specialties that burst with fresh herbs and bold, umami-rich sauces. Each plate offers a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and savory notes, creating a transportive dining experience that celebrates the soul of Southeast Asian home cooking.
• White Elephant — Thai: Bathed in a glow of sophisticated charm, White Elephant offers a sanctuary where eclectic decor and the intoxicating aroma of toasted spices set the stage for a memorable culinary journey. The kitchen masterfully balances bold, vibrant flavors with delicate artistry, turning every plate into a celebration of texture and taste that lingers long after the final bite.
• Phở Wagon — Vietnamese: Phở Wagon invites diners into a lively atmosphere where the deep, savory perfume of slow-simmered bone broth and toasted spices fills the air. Vibrant platters of crisp bean sprouts and fragrant Thai basil accompany every steaming bowl, creating a customizable symphony of textures and flavors that captures the heart of Vietnamese soul food.
• Phở Passion — Vietnamese: Steam rises from oversized ceramic bowls in this vibrant space, where the intoxicating aroma of star anise and charred ginger signals a deep commitment to the art of the slow-simmered broth. Silky rice noodles and tender proteins mingle with a garden of crisp bean sprouts and fragrant Thai basil, offering a soul-soothing symphony of textures and flavors in every spoonful. The warm, inviting atmosphere transforms a simple meal into a heartfelt experience, making it a neighborhood sanctuary for those seeking authentic comfort and culinary craftsmanship.
• Thai Orchid — Thai: Vibrant orchids and warm golden hues set the stage for a sensory escape where the air carries the intoxicating aroma of kaffir lime and sizzling galangal. Each dish is a masterclass in balance, weaving together the fiery punch of fresh chilies with the velvety richness of coconut curries to create a dining experience as colorful and inviting as the flower for which it is named.
• Pho San Jose — Vietnamese: Steam rises from oversized bowls in this bustling neighborhood hub, where the intoxicating aroma of star anise and charred ginger signals a broth simmered to deep, savory perfection. Crisp bean sprouts and fragrant Thai basil add a bright, garden-fresh crunch to tender rice noodles and succulent meats, creating a soul-warming symphony of Vietnamese flavors that invites diners to linger over every spoonful.
• Tarah Thai Kitchen — Thai: The air at Tarah Thai Kitchen is thick with the intoxicating perfume of lemongrass and galangal, drawing guests into a space where steaming pots of Tom Yum and creamy Tom Kha take center stage. Crispy golden curry puffs and zesty wings offer a playful prelude to the rich, nutty warmth of Roti Panang curry, creating a dining experience that celebrates the vibrant harmony of Thai spices. Every bite balances the crunch of house-made rolls with the tender comfort of satay, offering a soulful journey through the bold and bright flavors of Southeast Asia.
• Burma Roots — Burmese: Burma Roots invites diners into a world of vibrant aromatics and bold textures, where the signature crunch of fermented tea leaf salad meets the buttery, golden layers of traditional palata dipped in savory curry. The kitchen masterfully balances heat and heart, serving up everything from crackling pork belly to delicate, silken Shan tofu in a warm atmosphere that celebrates the rich, soulful heritage of Burmese cooking.
• New Krungthai — Thai: Vibrant energy fills this bustling sanctuary where the intoxicating perfume of fresh galangal and toasted chilies drifts from a high-heat wok. The kitchen crafts a sensory journey through the heart of Thailand, balancing the bright, zesty snap of lime with the rich, velvet depth of coconut-based curries. It is a place where traditional techniques and bold spices converge, offering an authentic escape into the complex and colorful world of Bangkok-inspired flavors.
• Thai Cafe — Thai: Stepping into Thai Cafe, you are greeted by the fragrant steam of lemongrass and the rhythmic clatter of woks, creating a vibrant sanctuary for lovers of bold Southeast Asian flavors. Golden curries simmer with creamy coconut milk while bright, citrusy salads offer a refreshing crunch, all served in a sun-drenched space that feels like a warm neighborhood embrace.
• Chaats and Curry — Indian: Chaats and Curry transports diners to the lively streets of India, where the rhythmic sound of sizzling griddles and the fragrance of toasted cumin fill the air. The kitchen masterfully balances heat and cool, layering crisp samosas and golden aloo tikki with swirls of velvety yogurt and zesty chutneys that dance on the palate. Each dish is a vibrant celebration of texture and spice, offering a soulful experience that turns a simple meal into a colorful culinary journey.
• Siam Taste — Thai: Siam Taste transports guests to the heart of Southeast Asia with a vibrant atmosphere filled with the enticing aromas of toasted spices and fresh herbs. The kitchen masterfully balances crunch and zest, serving up golden-fried delicacies like shrimp-filled crepes and spicy corn cakes alongside tender, flame-kissed satay and buttery roti. Each plate is a colorful mosaic of traditional flavors, creating a lively dining experience that celebrates the rich, aromatic heritage of Thai cuisine.