Tong Soon Garden

- 3240 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95051

For those living and dining in California's vibrant Bay Area, **Tong Soon Garden** in Santa Clara stands out as a unique and long-standing fixture on El Camino Real. While simply classified as a **Chinese restaurant**, Tong Soon Garden specializes in a fascinating and highly popular culinary genre known as **Korean-Chinese cuisine**, or Sino-Korean food. This hybrid cooking style was developed by the Chinese community in Korea, blending the bold flavors of Chinese cooking, often from the Shandong province, with distinctly Korean ingredients and palates.

The essence of the Tong Soon Garden experience is built around iconic Korean-Chinese dishes that have garnered a loyal following among **Locals** and **Groups**. Chief among these are the rich, savory, and comforting noodle dishes. The **Jajang Mein** (짜장면), noodles smothered in a thick, savory black bean sauce, is a particular point of pride and is frequently cited by patrons as the best in the area. Equally popular is the spicy counterpoint, **Jjampong** (짬뽕), a fiery seafood noodle soup that warms the soul.

The menu is extensive, offering a comprehensive journey through this unique cuisine. From classic stir-fries to elaborate **Special Dish** preparations, the focus is on generous portions of high-quality **Comfort food**. The welcoming and **Casual** atmosphere, coupled with **Fast service**, makes it an excellent choice for a quick **Lunch**, a substantial **Dinner**, or even **Solo dining** when a craving for robust, flavorful noodles strikes.

Having served the Santa Clara community for many years, the restaurant maintains a strong reputation for consistency and hospitality, offering complimentary Korean side dishes like kimchi and pickled radish (danmuji) to enhance the dining experience, a signature element of Korean-Chinese restaurants. While prices reflect the substantial size and quality of the dishes—which are notably large and often meant for sharing—the value is clear in the amount of food provided, making it a favorite **Family-friendly** destination in the region.

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**Tong Soon Garden** is conveniently located in the heart of Santa Clara, California, making it easily accessible for residents across the South Bay:

Address: 3240 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95051, USA

• **Parking:** The restaurant is situated in a location that offers both a **Free parking lot** and availability of **Free street parking**. Customers have noted that the on-site parking can be tight during peak hours, but alternate parking on El Camino Real or in adjacent strip plazas can be utilized.
• **Wheelchair Accessibility:** The venue is fully equipped to accommodate all guests, offering a **Wheelchair accessible entrance**, **Wheelchair accessible parking lot**, **Wheelchair accessible restroom**, and **Wheelchair accessible seating**.
• **Dining Environment:** The atmosphere is described as **Casual**, providing a comfortable, no-frills environment that is ideal for a relaxed meal. The setting is welcoming to all types of **Crowd**s, including **Groups**, **Locals**, and the **Family-friendly** market.
• **Area Context:** Being on the well-trafficked El Camino Real, it is easy to find and serves as a major culinary landmark in the Santa Clara area.

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**Tong Soon Garden** is dedicated to providing efficient and versatile service options to the California community:

• **Comprehensive Dining:** The restaurant provides full **Dine-in** service with ample **Seating** and traditional **Table service**. The dining room is open for both **Lunch** and **Dinner**.
• **Reservation Acceptance:** To assist with planning, particularly for **Groups** during busy times, the restaurant **Accepts reservations**, a useful feature given its popularity.
• **Convenient Off-Site Options:** For those who prefer to eat at home or work, the full menu is available for **Takeout**. Furthermore, the restaurant utilizes **Delivery** services, ensuring the comforting dishes can be enjoyed across the Santa Clara area.
• **Speed and Efficiency:** A major highlight noted by customers is the **Fast service**. The staff is known for being welcoming and quick, which is excellent for those looking for a **Quick bite** or during a tight lunch break.
• **Group Accommodations:** Recognized as **Good for kids**, the restaurant offers **High chairs** and the **Family-friendly** atmosphere makes it an easy choice for multi-generational dining.
• **Special Events:** The menu extends to specialized services, as **Catering** options are available for those looking to bring the unique flavors of Tong Soon Garden to a larger event or party.
• **Beverage Selection:** The establishment offers a selection of beverages including **Alcohol** and **Beer** to complement the rich flavors of the food.
• **Payment Flexibility:** All major modern payment methods are accepted, including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.

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The unique appeal of **Tong Soon Garden** lies in its specialized Korean-Chinese menu and the high quality of its key offerings:

• **Korean-Chinese Specialty:** The restaurant's core identity is its focus on Sino-Korean cuisine, which is distinct from typical Cantonese or Sichuan food found elsewhere in California. This fusion offers dishes that are unique to this tradition, such as **Jajang Mein** and **Jjampong**.
• **The Best Jajang Mein:** The black bean noodles (**Jajang Mein** and **Kan Jajang Mein**) are frequently touted in customer reviews as being the best in the valley. They are praised for having a savory, not overly greasy or sweet sauce, which is packed with chopped onion and chunks of meat and seafood.
• **Tangsuyuk Excellence:** The sweet & sour pork (**Tang Su Yuk**) and its variation, **Gou Bau Rou** (a crispy, thick-cut sweet and sour pork dish), are highlighted as must-try items. The crispiness of the batter and the quality of the Korean-style sweet and sour sauce make this dish a standout and is listed as the #1 most liked item.
• **Flavorful Seafood Noodle Soup:** The **Jjampong** (spicy seafood noodle soup) and the **Special Jjampong** are sought after for their fiery, complex broth and generous inclusion of seafood. The **Jjampong Tang** (seafood noodle soup served without noodles) is also available.
• **Exotic and Premium Dishes:** The menu features high-end, traditional Korean-Chinese celebratory dishes under the **Special Dish** category, such as **Jean Ja Bu** (a royal platter featuring expensive ingredients), **Yang Jang Pi** (a spicy seafood salad with hot mustard sauce), and **Braised Sea Cucumber**, catering to adventurous and appreciative diners.
• **Popular Side Entrees:** Other highly recommended items include the savory and slightly spicy **Egg Plant With Garlic Sauce** (어향가지) and the **Walnut Prawns** (호두새우), which offer a perfect blend of sweet and crunchy textures. The **Kan Pung Gi** (spicy garlic fried chicken) is another popular choice.

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To contact **Tong Soon Garden** for reservations, takeout, or general inquiries:

Address: 3240 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95051, USA

Phone: (408) 615-9988

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For California residents new to **Tong Soon Garden** or seeking the best of Korean-Chinese cuisine, there are a few items that consistently earn high praise and represent the restaurant’s core strengths. Given the generous portion sizes, it is highly recommended to visit with a **Group** to share and experience multiple dishes.

• **The Iconic Duo:** Start with the **Jajang Mein** ($18.75) and a pork dish. Many customers believe the Jajang Mein here is unrivaled in the South Bay, making it an essential order. Pair this with the crispy **Tang Su Yuk** ($30.75) or the even crunchier **Gou Bau Rou** ($33.50). The contrast between the savory black bean noodles and the sweet and sour meat is the ultimate Korean-Chinese comfort experience.
• **The Seafood & Spice Option:** If you enjoy heat, the **Jjampong** ($21.50) is a must-try. This large bowl of spicy seafood noodle soup is packed with vegetables and a flavorful broth. For a richer, more premium experience, the **Special Jjampong** ($26.75) offers an even greater seafood bounty.
• **The Savory Entrees:** To round out a shared meal, choose one of the highly recommended main dishes. The **Egg Plant With Garlic Sauce** ($24.00) is a celebrated dish for its sweet, savory, and slightly spicy complexity. Alternatively, the **Walnut Prawns** ($34.75) or the spicy **Kan Pung Gi** (Boneless) ($30.75) are excellent choices for protein.
• **For the Adventurous Group:** If dining with a large party and seeking a lavish experience, ordering one of the large **Special Dish** items like the **Yang Jang Pi** ($46.75) or the exquisite **Jean Ja Bu** ($93.50) will provide an authentic taste of Korean-Chinese celebratory cuisine.

Tong Soon Garden is more than just a place to eat; it's a cultural culinary landmark on El Camino Real, offering an authentic taste of Sino-Korean flavors that are deeply valued by the local community. The combination of classic noodle dishes and expertly prepared entrees, all served in a friendly, comfortable setting, makes it a highly worthwhile destination in Santa Clara, California.

Tong Soon Garden

3240 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95051, USA