Flaming Ox

- 1085 E Brokaw Rd #40, San Jose, CA 95131

Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, Flaming Ox brings the vibrant, comforting flavors of Taiwan right to the San Jose community. This highly-regarded establishment is primarily celebrated as a premier Taiwanese restaurant, but its broad offerings allow it to excel as an Asian restaurant, a specialized Chinese noodle restaurant, and a reliable fast-casual eatery. For local California users, Flaming Ox offers a modern, accessible gateway to authentic Taiwanese cuisine, particularly its national dish: the legendary beef noodle soup.

Flaming Ox is an Asian-owned business that takes immense pride in its heritage, serving a menu that is slightly elevated and refined while maintaining the soul of traditional street food. The concept was founded by a former lead chef for Asian cuisine at Apple's Cupertino campus, which speaks to a background rooted in high-volume, quality culinary execution. This restaurant perfectly fills the niche for a place that offers satisfying comfort food and a quick bite without sacrificing deep, authentic flavor. Whether you are craving the savory, slow-cooked perfection of Traditional Beef Noodle Soup or the tantalizing textures of savory rice plates, Flaming Ox is a destination for the entire family.

Customer feedback consistently praises the standout items, confirming that the commitment to authenticity shines through. While one diner noted the Bone Broth Soup was "kinda bland," most reviews—especially from those with a background in Taiwanese cuisine—focus on the "chewy" and excellent noodle texture, the flavorful broth of the signature Traditional and Mala soups, and appetizers like the Popcorn Chicken. The restaurant’s atmosphere is described as Casual, Cozy, and even Trendy, making it a comfortable and welcoming spot for solo diners, groups, and families with children. Furthermore, the establishment proudly identifies as LGBTQ+ friendly and a **Transgender safespace**, reflecting a commitment to being an inclusive community dining hub.

Flaming Ox is conveniently located at 1085 E Brokaw Rd #40, San Jose, CA 95131, USA. Situated on East Brokaw Road, it is easily accessible from major Silicon Valley routes, making it an excellent stop for lunch or dinner, especially for those commuting or working in the surrounding industrial and commercial areas. The restaurant's strategic placement within a busy hub ensures it’s a quick-access destination.

The restaurant has taken steps to ensure a comfortable visit for all patrons, including those with accessibility needs:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance, providing a smooth entry for all guests.
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot, offering designated and convenient parking spots.

Parking is also abundant and worry-free. Customers can utilize the large, Free Parking Lot associated with the strip mall, or take advantage of readily available Free Street Parking nearby. This commitment to convenience makes stopping for a meal effortless for the busy California local.

To accommodate the fast-paced lifestyle of the Bay Area, Flaming Ox provides a wide range of dining and service options:

• Dine-in: Enjoy your meal in the casual, cozy setting with full table service.
• Takeout: Place your order and pick up your meal quickly to enjoy at home or the office.
• Delivery: Have the full Taiwanese menu brought directly to your location.
• Outdoor Seating: Offers patrons a pleasant option to dine outside in the California weather.
• Catering: While not a primary service type, the business is well-equipped to handle catering for corporate events or private parties, allowing you to bring Taiwanese comfort food to any gathering.
• Flexible Dining Hours: The restaurant typically operates split shifts, serving dedicated times for both Lunch and Dinner. Please note they are usually closed on Mondays, but open Tuesday through Sunday, typically from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm (Note: Always confirm hours on their website or by phone).

Flaming Ox is distinguished by several unique features that elevate it above a typical Chinese or Asian restaurant, making it a standout choice for local food enthusiasts:

• Signature Beef Noodle Soups: The star of the menu. Customers can choose between three broth styles: the signature Traditional Beef Noodle Soup (Taiwanese inspired, soy sauce base, savory and mildly spicy), the Mala Beef Noodle Soup (Sichuan inspired, combination broth, the spiciest and most flavorful with numbing spices), and the lighter Bone Broth Beef Noodle Soup. All are served with a choice of thick or thin noodles.
• Taiwanese Rice Plates: Excellent alternatives to the noodle soups, including the highly-praised Minced Pork Belly Rice Plate (Lu Rou Fan), which features melt-in-your-mouth pork belly slow-cooked in a flavorful soy-based broth. Other plates include Fried Pork Chop Rice Plate and Popcorn Chicken Rice Plate.
• Vegan and Vegetarian Options: The restaurant caters to diverse diets with clear labeling, including the popular Zha Jiang Mien, a vegan noodle dish featuring a flavorful mushroom-based sauce cooked with Impossible plant-based soy. Other sides like Pickled Cabbage and Chilled Cucumber offer vegetarian choices.
• Authentic Taiwanese Snacks: The menu features must-try Taiwanese street food favorites, perfect as Small Plates or appetizers, such as Popcorn Chicken w/ Basil (Yen Su Ji) and the savory Green Onion Pancake.
• Welcoming Atmosphere: The setting is described as Casual and Cozy, ideal for family-friendly dining, complete with amenities like High Chairs and a Gender-Neutral Restroom, fostering an inclusive environment for all crowds, including families and the LGBTQ+ community.

For general inquiries, takeout orders, or information on catering, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 1085 E Brokaw Rd #40, San Jose, CA 95131, USA
• Phone: (669) 629-0559
• Mobile Phone: +1 669-629-0559

For a California local looking for an authentic and satisfying Asian meal in San Jose, Flaming Ox is a compelling choice due to its laser focus on Taiwanese comfort classics. What sets it apart is the specialization in Beef Noodle Soup, offering variations that cater to different preferences, from the deep savory flavor of the Traditional to the fiery, numbing kick of the Mala. If you're a connoisseur of Asian noodles, the ability to choose your noodle thickness (thin or thick/chewy) is a significant detail that enhances the dining experience.

New visitors, or those hesitant about soup, should absolutely choose the Minced Pork Belly Rice Plate (Lu Rou Fan). This dish is the ultimate Taiwanese comfort food—a savory, umami-rich meal where slow-cooked pork belly melts over steamed rice, creating a profoundly satisfying experience. Pair any entree with the essential side, Popcorn Chicken w/ Basil, known for its perfectly crisp texture and fragrant seasoning, making it a favorite appetizer.

For the health-conscious or plant-based diner, the dedicated Vegan Zha Jiang Mien is a strong, flavorful choice that moves beyond standard tofu options. Ultimately, choosing Flaming Ox means supporting an Asian-owned family restaurant that provides high-quality, authentic flavors in a modern, welcoming, and inclusive setting—a perfect reflection of San Jose's diverse and dynamic food scene.

Flaming Ox

1085 E Brokaw Rd #40, San Jose, CA 95131, USA