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"On a recent food tour of San Jose I was taken to a gem tucked into a corner of the Lion Plaza food court on Tully Road, where the Bò Né arrives blistering hot on a cow-shaped cast-iron platter: beef under a layer of red onion slivers and cilantro, a pork meatball, two eggs, and a smear of pâté. Tearing off fluffy pieces of bánh mì, I built bites with pâté, marinated beef and onion, a just-set egg, and a hit of hot chile oil—each messy, drippy mouthful balanced by deep, earthy pâté and savory umami from the beef and utterly satisfying for lunch. Note that the counter is cash only, and if you’re exploring the food court a delightful second dish to try is the Bánh Khọt at Quan Hue nearby." - Lauren Saria