Angkor Chef

- 86 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

For residents and visitors in the California Bay Area seeking an authentic and memorable dining experience, Angkor Chef in Downtown San Jose presents a remarkable opportunity to explore the rich, nuanced flavors of Cambodian cuisine, also known as Khmer food. As a premier Cambodian restaurant, it stands out in the vibrant San Jose food scene by offering traditional, high-quality dishes that are often hard to find outside of Southeast Asia. The restaurant has quickly become a treasured spot for those looking to expand their culinary horizons beyond the usual Asian offerings.

Angkor Chef prides itself on serving classic Cambodian fare, including national specialties like Amok (a steamed fish curry) and Lok Lak (marinated stir-fried beef). However, its commitment to contemporary dining is equally strong, with an impressive focus on inclusivity. The menu features an extensive and creative range of Vegan and Vegetarian options, ensuring that guests with plant-based diets can fully enjoy the rich tapestry of Khmer flavors. This dedication to diverse offerings, coupled with the use of fresh ingredients, contributes to its reputation for providing Healthy options and satisfying Comfort food.

Furthermore, the establishment is proudly identified as an Asian-owned and women-owned business, a fact that resonates strongly within the diverse California community. The atmosphere is described as Casual, welcoming a diverse Crowd including Locals and Family-friendly groups. Reviews consistently highlight the delicious, perfectly balanced flavors and commend the Fast service, making it an excellent choice for a quick Lunch or a relaxed Dinner without the unnecessary fuss.

Location and Accessibility

The Angkor Chef location is strategically positioned in a highly visible and convenient spot in Downtown San Jose, placing it at the heart of the city's commercial and entertainment districts.

The precise address for the restaurant is:

86 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA

The restaurant is dedicated to providing an accessible environment for all patrons:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot (referencing nearby public facilities)
• Wheelchair accessible seating

As is typical of downtown locations, parking is managed through nearby public facilities, which are numerous and offer special programs:

• Free parking garage (specifically, the ParkSJ program often provides the first 90 minutes free at city garages near Downtown).
• Paid parking garage
• Paid parking lot
• Paid street parking

Patrons are advised to check the ParkSJ website or signs for the latest information on the 90 minutes FREE parking program often available at nearby city garages like the Third Street or Third & Santa Clara garages, which greatly simplifies a visit to this Downtown spot.

Services Offered

Angkor Chef offers versatile dining options that cater to both individual diners and larger events, ensuring their unique Khmer cuisine is available to the wider California community.

• Dine-in Service: The restaurant provides traditional Dine-in service with comfortable Seating in a Casual and friendly setting. Counter service is also available for those who prefer a more streamlined experience.
• Reservations: The establishment Accepts reservations, which is advisable, particularly for Dinner service or for larger groups wishing to secure a table.
• Takeout and Delivery: For ultimate convenience, Takeout and Delivery services are offered, allowing patrons to enjoy authentic Cambodian food at home or work throughout San Jose.
• Full Meal Service: Open for both Lunch and Dinner, the menu is available to satisfy cravings throughout the day.
• Catering: Catering options are provided, enabling businesses and families to bring the exotic and flavorful dishes of Angkor Chef to their events.
• Bar Service: A dedicated Bar onsite ensures that Alcohol, including Beer and Wine, is available, along with Happy hour drinks, enhancing the dining experience.
• Payment Methods: All modern payment forms are accepted, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features and Menu Highlights

The menu at Angkor Chef is a celebration of authentic Cambodian ingredients and preparations, distinguished by its depth of flavor and thoughtful accommodations for various dietary needs.

• Authentic Cambodian Classics: Signature must-try dishes praised by customers include:
  • Amok: The national dish of Cambodia, a rich, creamy curry often served steamed.
  • Lok Lak (Steak And Salad): Marinated stir-fried meat served over a fresh salad, known for its distinct sauce.
  • Nom Banch Chok: Traditional Khmer noodles.
• Extensive Vegan and Vegetarian Offerings: A dedicated Vegan section makes this restaurant highly accessible for plant-based diners, featuring items like:
  • Vegan Spring Rolls and Fermented Mustard Greens - Vegan.
  • Green Curry - Vegan and Angkor Noodles - Vegan.
  • Vegan versions of popular stir-fries like Loat Cha - Vegan and Lemongrass Stir-Fry - Vegan.
• Gourmet Grocery & Spices: A unique feature is the availability of high-quality imported spices and pastes for sale under the Grocery section, including:
  • Genuine Cambodian Kampot Pepper (Black, White, Red, and Salted varieties).
  • House-made pastes and spices like Kroeung Prawlak, Lemongrass Paste, and Cambodian Curry Powder.
• Small Plates and Appetizers: Perfect for sharing or for a light meal, the small plate offerings include flavorful options such as Beef Skewers, Shrimp Spring Rolls With Tamarind Sauce, and Plear (Khmer Ceviche).
• Desserts and Specialty Drinks: The dessert menu features traditional Southeast Asian rice-based sweets like Mango Rice and Jackfruit Rice. The drink menu includes specialty drinks such as Curry Leaf Tea and artisanal sodas alongside a selection of Beer and Wine.
• Recognized Ownership: The business proudly identifies as Asian-owned and women-owned, supporting diversity in the California culinary landscape.

Contact Information

To plan your visit, make a reservation, or place an order for the best Cambodian food in the area, please use the following contact details for the San Jose location:

Address: 86 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA

Phone: (408) 809-1639

Mobile Phone: +1 408-809-1639

What is Worth Choosing

Angkor Chef is an exceptional choice for California food enthusiasts in the San Jose region for several compelling reasons, primarily its status as a dedicated purveyor of authentic Cambodian restaurant cuisine.

Firstly, the restaurant offers a genuine cultural and culinary education. For many, Cambodian food is an undiscovered gem, and Angkor Chef provides a high-quality introduction through dishes like the highly recommended Amok and the comforting savory skewers. Customer reviews highlight that the food offers nostalgic, authentic flavors that are perfectly executed and well-balanced, which is a rare and valuable find in the Bay Area market.

Secondly, the restaurant’s commitment to dietary inclusivity is world-class. The provision of an extensive, thoughtfully crafted Vegan menu that includes main dishes, stir-fries, and even sides, is an incredible asset for the health-conscious California demographic. This ensures that groups with mixed dietary preferences can dine together and fully enjoy the entire spectrum of Khmer cuisine. The presence of Healthy options across the menu further cements this commitment.

Finally, the unique addition of the Grocery section selling high-quality, rare ingredients like authentic Kampot Pepper and specialty Kroeung pastes allows diners to not just eat the food, but to take a piece of the Cambodian culinary tradition home with them. This unique feature, combined with the convenience of a Downtown location that benefits from the First 90 minutes FREE parking program at nearby city garages, makes Angkor Chef a top-tier dining experience that is both accessible and unforgettable.

Angkor Chef

86 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA