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Restaurant Locatorrestaurants open near meCaliforniaSanta Clara CountySan JoseSouth Universityrestaurants open in East William StreetTK Noodle #1
TK Noodle #1 ico

TK Noodle #1
- 261 E William St, San Jose, CA 95112

Noodle shop, Asian restaurant ★3.0 (39)·$10–20

261 E William St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA

3.0
TK Noodle is just a short drive from campus, which makes it convenient when you’re looking for a quick bite on a budget. The menu has a decent variety—plenty of noodle soups, rice plates, and stir-fry options that are flavorful enough to satisfy a craving without breaking the bank. The portions are solid for the price, especially for college students or anyone just passing through.That said, be ready for a few trade-offs. First, this place is cash only, which can catch you off guard if you’re not prepared. Second, there’s a strange foul smell right outside the restaurant—not sure if it’s from nearby plumbing or trash—but it’s pretty noticeable and does affect your first impression walking in.Inside, the service is basic and not overly friendly, but it gets the job done. Don’t expect a warm welcome or check-ins during your meal—it’s more of an “order, eat, and go” kind of place. Ambiance is minimal, with tight seating and a bit of noise, but the food usually comes out fast and hot.✅ What we liked:• Good value for the price• Quick turnaround on orders• Close to San Jose State and other city spots• Flavorful broth in the noodle soups⚠️ What could improve:• That smell outside needs to be addressed• Service could be more welcoming• Add card payment options (even a mobile pay option would help)• Maybe offer more lunch combos or dealsIf you’re in a rush, carrying cash, and craving something warm and salty, TK Noodle is a solid 3-star choice. It gets the job done, just don’t expect anything fancy or five-star service.📍 Parking tip: Street parking can be tough near meal times—give yourself a few extra minutes.💬 Follow us for no-fluff reviews that actually help you decide where to eat next. - Ed K Woods
TK Noodle #1 Overview Intro Menu Detail Photos Location Reviews
$10–20 per person Reported by 39 people$1–10$10–20$20–30$30–50$50–100

TK Noodle #1 Introduce

For California locals, especially those in the Silicon Valley region craving authentic, budget-friendly Asian cuisine, **TK Noodle #1** in San Jose is a highly recognized and longstanding institution. This establishment is much more than just a noodle shop; it serves as a culinary bridge, offering a robust menu that prominently features both Vietnamese and Chinese culinary traditions. It’s a place where the focus is firmly on fast service, large portions, and consistent, satisfying flavors, making it a reliable fixture in the casual dining landscape.

The core of TK Noodle #1’s appeal lies in its dedication to classic noodle and rice dishes. While many know it as a Chinese-Vietnamese fusion spot, it excels particularly with its Southern Vietnamese specialties, such as its signature Hu Tieu—a savory and slightly sweet pork-based noodle soup that stands out from the more common Pho. The atmosphere is authentically casual, designed for diners seeking a quick, hearty meal rather than a lengthy, high-end experience.

Location and Accessibility

TK Noodle #1 is conveniently situated at **261 E William St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA**, placing it strategically near the heart of downtown San Jose and within easy access of the San Jose State University (SJSU) campus. This location makes it a popular destination for students, faculty, and local workers looking for an affordable lunch or dinner option.

The restaurant offers multiple parking solutions, an important convenience in the busy downtown area. Guests can utilize the **free parking lot** available on-site, a significant benefit for drivers. Additionally, **free street parking** is often available, though patrons should allow a few extra minutes to find a spot, especially during peak meal times.

In terms of physical access, the venue is committed to accessibility, featuring a **wheelchair accessible entrance**, **wheelchair accessible parking lot**, and a **wheelchair accessible restroom**, ensuring a welcoming experience for all patrons in the California region.

Services Offered

The establishment's operational model is geared towards efficiency and catering to a diverse range of dining preferences, from a quick solo meal to an order for the whole family.

  • Dine-in: Offering casual seating and table service in a relaxed environment.
  • Takeout: Orders are prepared quickly for customers needing a fast meal on the go.
  • Delivery: Partnered with various services for convenient home or office delivery across the San Jose area.
  • Table Service: Staff manage dining room needs once seated.
  • High Chairs: Available to accommodate families dining with small children.
Features / Highlights

TK Noodle #1 has cemented its status in San Jose by focusing on specific features that resonate with its loyal customer base, emphasizing value, speed, and flavor consistency.

  • Specialty Noodle Soups: Highly regarded for its soups, including the extensive menu of Rice Stick Soup (Hu Tieu), Noodle Soup (Mi), and Vermicelli Soup (Bun) options. Fan favorites often include the Hu Tieu Hoanh Thanh (Combination Wonton Rice Stick) and Mi Hoanh Thanh (Combination Wonton Noodle Soup).
  • Variety of Chow Mein and Rice Dishes: Beyond soups, the menu features substantial stir-fried options like Hu Tieu Xao (Combination Chow Fun), Mi Xao (Combination Chow Mein), and various fried rice plates such as Com Chien.
  • Affordable Price Point: Customers consistently praise the restaurant for providing solid portions and great value, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious dining. Many of the main dishes are priced to be highly accessible.
  • Speed and Efficiency: Orders are typically processed and served quickly, which is ideal for patrons with limited time, such as students between classes or professionals on a short lunch break.
  • Casual, No-Frills Atmosphere: The setting is informal and functional, popular among solo diners and those prioritizing food quality over elaborate ambiance. It retains an "old school vibes" and cozy feel, according to customer feedback.
  • Unique Flour Cake Appetizers: Offers distinctive side dishes like Banh Bot Chien Trung (Fried Egg Flour Cake) and Banh Cu Cai Chien Trung (Fried Daikon Egg Flour Cake), providing a unique textural and savory element to the meal.
  • Extensive Drink Menu: In addition to standard sodas and juices, the restaurant serves traditional Vietnamese beverages like Coffee Sua Da (Ice Milk Coffee), Tra Sua da (Ice Milk Tea), and a wide selection of fruit shakes and pearl drinks (e.g., Pearl Taro, Pearl Honeydew).
Contact Information

The restaurant welcomes new and returning customers at the following address and contact details:

Address: 261 E William St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA

Phone: (408) 297-8888

Mobile Phone: +1 408-297-8888

What is Worth Choosing

For California residents new to the venue, TK Noodle #1 is primarily worth choosing for its consistent and flavorful noodle soup broth, which patrons describe as highly reliable in temperature and taste—a key factor for a satisfying bowl of soup. The combination dishes offer excellent value, providing a mix of meats, seafood, and wontons at an affordable price point. If you enjoy a rich, Southern Vietnamese-style broth that is clear and pork-based, the *Hu Tieu* options are a must-try alternative to the more ubiquitous Pho.

It is important to note, however, that the restaurant operates as a strictly **Cash-only** business, so patrons should plan accordingly before visiting. While the service is known to be functional and quick rather than overly warm or attentive, the trade-off is efficient dining and delicious, budget-friendly food that has kept customers driving in from across the East Bay and beyond for over two decades. If you are looking for a fast, flavorful, and filling Asian meal that consistently 'hits the spot' without an extravagant price tag, TK Noodle #1 remains a highly recommended, authentic choice in the San Jose dining scene.

TK Noodle #1 Menu

  • Rice Stick Soup

  • Hu Tieu $9.00

    combination rice stick soup

  • Hu Tieu Sate $9.00

    beef sate rice stick

  • Hu Tieu Hoanh Thanh $11.50

    combination wonton rice stick

  • Hu Tieu Bo Vien $9.00

    beef ball rice stick soup

  • Hu Tieu Bo Kho $9.00

    beef stew rice stick

  • Hu Tieu Mi $9.00

    combination rice stick/noodle

  • Hu Tieu-Mi Bo Kho $9.00

    beef stew rice stick/noodle

  • Noodle Soup

  • Mi $9.00

    combination noodle soup

  • Mi Hoanh Thanh $11.50

    combination wonton noodle soup

  • Mi Bo Vien $9.00

    beef ball noodle soup

  • Mi Bo Kho $9.00

    beef stew noodle

  • Vermicelli Soup

  • Bun $9.00

    combination vermicelli soup

  • Bun Cari Vit $9.00

    vermicelli duck curry soup

  • Bun Bo Vien $9.00

    beef ball vermicelli soup

  • Bun Bo Kho $9.00

    beef stew vermicelli

  • Bun-Mi Bo Kho $9.00

    beef stew vermicelli/noodle

  • Bun Mi $9.00

    combination vermicelli/noodle

  • Soup

  • Hoanh Thanh $9.00

    wonton soup

  • Bo Vien $9.00

    beef ball soup

  • Chao Thap Cam $9.00

    combination porridge

  • Chow Mein

  • Hu Tieu Xao $10.00

    combination chow fun

  • Mi Xao $10.00

    combination chow mein

  • Mi Xao Don Thap Cam $10.00

    combination crispy fried noodle

  • Com Xao Thap Cam $10.00

    combination over rice

  • Com Trang Xao Tom $10.50

    soy sauce shrimp over rice

  • Com Xao Thit Heo $10.00

    soy sauce pork over rice

  • Com Chien $10.00

    fried rice

  • Flour Cake

  • Banh Bot Chien Trung $9.00

    fried egg flour cake

  • Banh Cu Cai Chien Trung $9.00

    fried daikon egg flour cake

  • Banh Khoai Mon Chien Trung $9.00

    fried taro egg flour cake

  • Drinks

  • Coffee Da

    ice coffee

  • Coffee Den

    coffee

  • Coffee Sua

    hot milk coffee

  • Coffee Sua Da

    ice milk coffee

  • Tra da Chanh

    ice lemonade tea

  • Tra Sua da

    ice milk tea

  • Tra Sua Nong

    hot milk tea

  • Da Chanh

    fresh ice lemonade

  • Chanh Xi Mui

    salted plum lemonade

  • Soda Chanh

    soda lemonade

  • Soda Xi Mui

    soda salted plum lemonade

  • Soda Sua Hot Ga

    soda egg milk

  • Cam Vat

    fresh orange juice

  • Nhan Nhuc

    long nhan

  • Sua Dau Nanh

    soy bean drink

  • Three Color Bean Drink
  • Jelly Tapioca Seed
  • Coconut Juice
  • Coke
  • Seven Up
  • Simply Orange
  • Root Beer
  • Apple Juice
  • Snapple
  • Tamarindo
  • Fresha/Fruit Punch
  • Sangria
  • Mandarina
  • Budweiser
  • Michelob
  • Heineken
  • Tsingtao
  • Strawberry Shake
  • Thai Ice Tea
  • Pearl Thai Tea
  • Pearl Taro
  • Pearl Honeydew

TK Noodle #1 Details

  • Service options

  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Popular for

  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Dining options

  • Seating
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Restroom
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Payments

  • Cash-only
  • Children

  • High chairs
  • Parking

  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Parking

TK Noodle #1 Photos

TK Noodle #1 Picture 1TK Noodle #1 Picture 2TK Noodle #1 Picture 3TK Noodle #1 Picture 4TK Noodle #1 Picture 5TK Noodle #1 Picture 6TK Noodle #1 Picture 7TK Noodle #1 Picture 8TK Noodle #1 Picture 9TK Noodle #1 Picture 10

TK Noodle #1 Location

TK Noodle #1

261 E William St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA

TK Noodle #1 Reviews

An average rating of ★3.6 from 269 user reviews.

cashpricequick servicehousenoodle souphu tieurice noodlesbrothcampuschow fun

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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