Flaming Ox
Taiwanese restaurant · Fox-Ridder Park ·

Flaming Ox

Taiwanese restaurant · Fox-Ridder Park ·

Authentic Taiwanese beef noodle soup, rice bowls, popcorn chicken

Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by Eater - Lists + Maps
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null
Flaming Ox by null

Information

1085 E Brokaw Rd #40, San Jose, CA 95131 Get directions

$$

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1085 E Brokaw Rd #40, San Jose, CA 95131 Get directions

+1 669 629 0559
theflamingox.com
@theflamingox

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Last updated

Oct 26, 2025

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Exciting Restaurants to Try in San Jose 2025 | Eater

"At Flaming Ox, founder Eric Chung shows off the Taiwanese cuisine of his heritage in a fast-casual format. First, choose either thin or thick noodles for beef noodle soup. Then, for the broth, pick which spice level you’re into: mid spice, mala numbing spice, or non-spicy. A few items, like popcorn chicken and vegan zhajiangmian (which swaps out the pork for Impossible ground beef), adds modern flair to a traditional menu." - Christina Marie Mueller

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Flaming Ox

Victoria P.

Google
The mala beef soup I ordered was pretty good, full of flavor, not too spicy to me though. The thick noodle string is chewy which is what I like. My friend ordered the bone broth soup, not the traditional one though but it’s not so good, the broth was kinda bland. The meat portion is quite small, if you want more meat, you need to order extra. I still think it’s worth trying though

Kimberly I.

Google
I have been in Taiwan for several years, so I am very picky about Taiwanese beef noodles. This may not be my cup of tea, but my other Taiwanese friends think it is very good. But noodles texture was pretty good , soup base needs more flavor. They have happy hour .

G L.

Google
Flaming Ox is a solid local restaurant and you should try it. We had a bowl of beef noodle soup, a rice bowl, and an appetizer. Plenty of food for two of us. The noodle soup broth was tasty. Big chunks of meat were nice and soft, meaning well-cooked. The noodles could have been a little softer but they were ok. The pork belly rice bowl was also quite tasty but kind of salty for me. The egg was really hard boiled and would have been better a little yolky to mix and subdue the saltiness. Plus make it a little more moist. I was not a fan of the fried pork chop appetizer. It was meaty enough but the taste and texture wasn’t my thing. Next time I’ll try the green onion pancake or popcorn chicken. They have very good service though. You order via QR code which is a little impersonal but they bring water and food quickly. It feels very clean inside and is brightly lit with natural light. Comfortable enough.

K D

Google
Found this place from BILT neighborhood dining. We got the popcorn chicken, mala noodles, and the regular noodles. The popcorn chicken is not bad but portion is kind of small for the price. Bowl is a good size but I felt the mala is way too salty. The broth does taste good but that may be due to the special ingredient which I don’t mind. The thick noodles taste fresh and good. However it’s only one type of meat unless you pay extra. This lacks value compared to pho which I would take over Taiwanese noodles any time.

Tom M.

Google
Really delicious soup and pork belly rice. I would definitely come back. The spicy Mala Vida bone broth soup had a unique heat that burned both the back and front of my tongue. It was so delicious I could barely stop to breathe. The beef was fall apart tender, and the veggies were cooked but still crunchy and refreshing. Everything comes out from the kitchen very quickly due to the smaller menu, so there wasn't much wait. Thanks for a great meal!

James W.

Google
Great food - I have been here multiple times! To start the popcorn chicken or the crispy green onion pancake are amazing! The Mala beef noodles are the bomb and fantastic in any order combination.

HAI C.

Google
This Taiwanese restaurant is pretty good. The vibe is like a casual café, nothing fancy, but very comfortable. The staff are very nice and friendly. We ordered traditional beef noodles with half tendon and half beef. The tendon and beef were very very tender and delicious. We ordered the thick noodles option but felt they tasted like they started as boxed dry noodles. They didn't seem chewy or starchy enough like the really good beef noodles in Taipei. The soup was pretty tasty but was simple in flavor and lacked the delicious complexity of aromatics I remember from Taiwan. We also ordered the cold tofu with century egg side dish. That was spot on, really delicious. If you want to save a couple bucks, check out their happy hour times on their web site.

Kien L.

Google
Careful - the "mala" beef noodle is spicy. The menu is quite limited, so know that you want to eat Taiwanese noodles going in. But otherwise, the noodlesl bowls are as you would expect.
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Peter Y.

Yelp
I've been here many times. I've had : - traditional beef noodle soup - very good. Noodles are fresh and chewy. Broth is flavorful and rich. Be sure to try their chili oil too. It's very good. Fragrant and a little sweet. Different from other chili oils. They also sell you a big jar to go for less than $10. -spicy mala beef noodle soup - same as above but packs some heat ! - pork chop rice - this was just average. The pork chop didn't have much flavor. Maybe I came on the bad day?
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Kenny N.

Yelp
Food:3.5/5 I tried the Traditional Beef Noodle Soup, Bone Brother Beef Noodle Soup, Dry Beef Noodles, and Popcorn Chicken w/ Basil. All were pretty decent. My favorite was probably the popcorn chicken with black pepper sauce on the side. The beef soup could be beefier but the portion size was pretty good. The noodles were not the best but it did the job. Service:4/5 Pretty good service. Staff checked in to see how everything was. We asked to take our leftovers home which they gave us containers for and asked us if we wanted a bag which we said yea. They forgot but it was not a big deal. Ambiance:3.5/5 A simple restaurant, not much decoration but clean.
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Curtis K.

Yelp
Haven't been to flaming ox in a while, when i am craving some taiwanese beef noodle soup, this is where i go. They have a nice online yelp waitlist that you can join. I recommend checking the waittime as the restaurant is not too big. Nice qr code ordering and the food came out pretty quick. Great for a quick lunch as long as you get in. The green onion pancake, portion wise could be a-little more. It was also a-little too fried for my liking. The beef noodle soup was great, and the highlight. They have a chili spicy sauce on the side, that you can add in as needed to adjust your spice level. The meat is really tender, you have an option to have half tendon and half meat for extra cost as well. Really balanced in my opinion. If you are in the area and want some nice taiwanese beef noodle soup, this is a great place to go.
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Grace F.

Yelp
I came here with a friend and we both ordered the Mala Beef Noodle Soup (I got thick noodles, he got thin) and shared the popcorn chicken with sweet & sour sauce. The Mala Beef Noodle Soup was the star -- it comes with 1/4 lb of beef shank cooked to a perfectly tender texture that paired beautifully with the flavorful, spicy broth. I went with medium spice and it was just right. The thick noodles were bouncy and chewy, soaking up the broth without getting soggy. 4.5/5 for me. My friend preferred the thin noodles, though I found them a little too soft. The popcorn chicken was also tasty. Not quite as crispy as the versions I used to get from boba shops, but the chicken itself was juicy and tender, and the sweet & sour sauce worked well with it. I'd definitely order it again. 4/5. The restaurant itself is on the smaller side. I forgot to check the Yelp waitlist on a Friday night, but luckily there were only two parties ahead of us. Ordering is done by scanning a QR code at your table -- convenient, though I personally prefer talking to a server when I have menu questions. I'll definitely be back to try the regular Beef Noodle Soup, but the Mala version is already a winner. Highly recommend if you're craving Taiwanese beef noodle soup -- it hits the spot whether you're sick, hungover, or just want something comforting and full of flavor.
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Sue L.

Yelp
I can't believe it took me this long to come here after I've had this spot bookmarked for the longest time. My family and I decided to stop by for dinner before heading home. It's hard to find a good Taiwanese restaurant, so I'm glad I finally found one that I enjoy. We arrived at 7:45pm on a Sunday and were immediately seated. You order on your phone by scanning the QR code that's on the table. I loved the mural of all the Taiwanese food stands. We order a variety of dishes, but my favorite were the noodle soups/dry noodles. Loved the chewiness of the noodles, the tenderness of the beef, and the broth was the perfect flavor and consistency. Also, you can't go wrong with their popcorn chicken - my dad loved it! Overall, we were all very satisfied with their dishes. I can't wait to come back again. The servers were friendly and attentive. There is also plenty of parking available in the lot!
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Julie T.

Yelp
I'm always on the lookout for places that serves fresh noodles since fresh is always usually the best. However, the noodles here was so thicccc that I couldn't really enjoy it. Like they didnt roll it thin enough too? I don't know if I got a bad batch or what? I ordered the traditional beef noodle soup which was $17.50. It comes with 3 really thiccc, I mean super thick, pieces of shank meat. The meat was super tender, came with small pieces of bok choy, and green onions. Overall, I did not like this. The soup was also pretty salty and I think they use a lot of msg. I had to drink a lot of water. I also didn't even finish my bowl as it was just not appetizing. I also ordered the popcorn chicken appetizer for $8.50. In hindsight I probably should have ordered the rice plate with the popcorn chicken instead. The popcorn chicken was nicely seasoned inside, juicy, and had a nice crunchy exterior topped with fried basil. This came with a nice dipping sauce on the side. They also have Family packs to go which I think is a good deal. Pack A: Chose 3 entrees, 2 appetizers for $58 Pack B: Chose 4 entrees and 3 appetizers for $78 Since I like the popcorn chicken and I know my kids will too, I would come back to order that and try the other appetizers and rice dishes (fried pork chop, or braised pork belly). They also have Happy Hour deals too! I hope they're just having an off day for noodles and maybe if you go the noodles will be much better for you.
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Amanda U.

Yelp
This review has been long overdue since it's been my favorite go-to spot now for beef noodle soup for some time now. Everything from their hand-pulled noodles to their thick cut beef and tendon has been consistently on point each time I've come. My go-to items were the mala beef noodle soup (since spice is life) and basil popcorn chicken. I was delighted to find out that they recently added the dry mala noodles so that is now my entree of choice, of course with beef and tendon. I'm a sucker for thick cut noodles so that's the only type I get here. Here are my reviews of everything that I've tried: Mala Beef and Tendon Noodle Soup (5/5): Broth is very well balanced, not overly salty. It has the perfect amount of spice- not too much, not too little. Beef is thick cut consistently soft, and I'm surprised to find out it's not even sous vide, just simply cooked out of a labor of love. The tendon is also nice and soft, not chewy at all like a lot of other places that serve it. The noodles were nicely thick cut and cooked enough to have that nice light chew to it. Dry Mala Beef and Tendon Noodles (5/5): I actually prefer dry noodles over soup so them offering this option made me so excited to try. They had the perfect amount of sauce that didn't make the dish overwhelming. Again, the beef, tendon and noodles are on point. Basil Popcorn Chicken (5/5): Great flavor and spices, was tender and juicy. I HATE dried, overcooked anything. Basil had a nice light crisp to it and added a balanced aromatic flavor. Pork chop appetizer (4/5): Had good flavor and a nice crisp breadcrumb coating without being too overwhelming. I think I would prefer for it be thicker cut rather than thin cut to bring out the pork flavor more and juicy texture. Service here has been attentive the past few times that I've went. They started doing a happy hr here since April and has extended it to Tues-Fri from 1:30-2:30 and 5-6:30pm. $15.50 for all entrees which is great and such a steal considering the portion sizes are decent. Highly recommend to those who love noodz!
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Yuki K.

Yelp
It looked a bit crowded on Tuesday when I walked in a little before 1:30 pm but there were still a few tables available. Very few parking spaces were left in the plaza though (with all the other stores around). I ordered takeout with the time set to 1:30 pm for the happy hour promo but it was ready by 1:15 pm. Inevitably, the drive home made the popcorn chicken (rice plate) and fried pork chop a little soggy but nothing an air fryer couldn't fix. It looks like even reviewers who dined in had the same issue. Everything tasted great (pickled cabbage, minced pork belly rice, and the delicious black pepper garlic sauce) although the popcorn chicken isn't seasoned the same as what you'd find at other places selling "Taiwanese popcorn chicken." I ordered medium spicy but it wasn't spicy at all to either of us. Pork chop was okay. Decent texture and seasoning but not too memorable.
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Alex L.

Yelp
Came here after making an online reservation on Yelp. This was such a time saver! The server sat us down immediately upon our arrival. I ordered the Mala Beef Noodle, wife ordered the non-spicy Bone broth to share with the kids, and we also got the Popcorn chicken w/ Basil. I enjoyed my Mala soup very much...it was spicy but not too spicy. The thick pieces of beef was super tender which is impressive since most places nowadays makes them tough or contains chewy pieces you have to spit out. The wide noodles were nicely cooked as well. My only complaint was the popcorn chicken could have used more basil flavor but the batter was not bad.
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Alex V.

Yelp
I came here on the weekend to have a nice outside soup day (since I was sick). They have 3 outside tables and a ton of tables inside (there was a 5-15 minute wait for inside), but the outside has a parasol / sunshade for each table, which was kinda nice! It's a strip mall, so parking was super easy as well, adding to the experience. That said, I tried the mild soup with chili oil on the side and it was super tasty! Really, really good broth and it was nice to still get the chili oil on the side. I also got the fresh noodles, which were wide and a little bit thicker than expected, which gave a really nice chew. It honestly wasn't even a long wait to get the soup and they had some other apps as well as bone broth soup that looked sooo good, so I'll be back very soon.
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Allison N.

Yelp
I came back because Flaming Ox was pretty good, affordable, and I was in the area. I came in around like 25 minutes before closing on a Sunday evening and they still allowed dine in -- Thank you Flaming Ox staff! The service was good, the food came out and fast, and I was out the door fairly quick. * Popcorn Chicken Rice Plate with Minced Pork Belly - 5/5 stars. The portion on this plate was huge. Popcorn chicken was extremely crunchy and flavorful and the pickled vegetables were refreshing. Overall 5/5 stars again. Definitely will be returning to try the century egg and tofu dish since that caught my eye.
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Kevin S.

Yelp
Didn't feel like cooking and wanted some yummy and hearty food. Ordered the family 3 meal special with my roommate and girlfriend and it was perfect. The noodle soup had a ton of flavor and was a massive portion. I got double beef because the meat is super tender and delicious. The other 2 got the fried Chicken, so much flavor! We ordered online and it was ready when we got there, super quick and easy. Glad I came back here and will definitely be back again.
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Janey L.

Yelp
Maybe I had high expectations because the reviews were good, but I thought the taste of the food was just okay? The soup for the beef noodle soup was quite bland and I chose to have both beef and tendon (add $1) but the tendon was not how I like it. They were 2 pieces of mushy tendon and doesn't have any texture at all. The pictures look good. The pork chop at Duan Chun Zhen is better for me. The veggies was probably the best dish.
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Kristine J.

Yelp
We went during weekday lunch, no wait! I wasn't in a soup mood, so I ordered dry mala spicy beef with thick noodles. The beef was incredibly tender and melted in my mouth. The mala flavor was good, but wish it was spicer. The thick noodles had a nice chew. I also ordered extra bokchoy for 50 cents. My friend ordered the soup version and really enjoyed her meal. The ordering process was super smooth: just scanned the QR code on our table, placed the order, and our food arrived pretty fast. Service was efficient and friendly.
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Wayne L.

Yelp
Was not happy to see a line of people outside the door as I walked up. Asked if there was a line and was directed inside to get on the waitlist. This was accomplished on an iPad and all handled electronically. While I was considering my options and thinking about doing takeout since I had things I needed to do later, a waiter came out and said there was no waiting if you wanted to sit outside, so I took him up on the offer. It was a bit breezy and cool so I changed my intended order from a noodle plate to a steaming bowl of noodle soup. I went with the spicy "Mala" option. It came out very quickly after navigating the order by phone requirement. Taste was very good, noodles well cooked, but the star was the tender beef. Sichuan peppercorn influence was indeed there, giving a bit of numbing sensation, especially if you accidentally get some into your sinuses. As an aside, I generally do not like places that make you order with your phone. It was not terrible here as they do have actual menus for you to look at before you have to go on the phone. Some small price inconsistencies between the printed menus and the electronic ones, but not major.
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Tim L.

Yelp
Wanted to try out a this place out after being recommended. The place is a little small but cute because the wall had painting/mural design similar to Studio Ghibli artwork with each head being an ox which I thought was pretty cool. Food wise, the rice bowl was good but a tad bit salty. Noodles were spicy but not too spicy. The chilled/pickled cucumbers were amazing. Refreshing to eat during the summer. Service was good.
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Agnes Y.

Yelp
Met up with a friend at this Taiwanese restaurant in San Jose. It's located in the Brokaw Commons with a lot of restaurants. Parking could be a bit tight around lunch time even though the parking lot is big. The restaurant is kinda small but clean and new. Service is pretty decent and efficient. We shared a Blanched Greens with Shallots, Mala Spicy Beef Thick Noodles, and a Fried Pork Chop over Rice. The Greens were very good, I think it was spinach. The Mala Spicy Beef Noodles were delicious. The beef shank slices were melt in your mouth tender. The thick noodles had really nice texture. The broth was spicy and tasty. The Fried Pork Chop over Rice was average. The pork chop was slightly dry but not too bad. Overall it was a decent meal and prices were reasonable.
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Annie T.

Yelp
Takeout family packages are offered ranging from $58-$78. Happy Hour is available Monday - Friday for lunch from 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm and dinner from 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm where entrees for dine-in or takeout is $15.50 and appetizers are half off. Food Green onion pancake - $7.00 Made with flour, green onions, and served with a side of special house sauce. Every piece was very warm, crispy, and crunchy. Beef Bone Broth Soup with thick noodles - $17.00 Chinese inspired, 12 hours bone broth base, and light delicate spice with a side of the chili oil. I ordered non spicy, half tendon, half meat with thick noodles, and had a nice chewy bite. Popcorn chicken - $8.50 Served with marinated chicken, basil, garlic, soy, and spices. I ordered medium spice and it was a perfect level with a light kick. The pieces were substantial chunks of chicken meat and not overly coated in batter. Braised Pork Belly Rice - $16.00 Pork belly slow-cooked in a flavorful soy based broth with a blend of spices and aromatics, a boiled egg, and rice. It was a very comforting dish that felt homemade. Chilled eggplant - $6.00 The eggplant was served cold with a soy glaze, cilantro, and topped with green onions. This plate is unique and definitely worth a try. Customer Service I added my name to the Yelp waitlist and was seated after 10 minutes of waiting in the front small area. Excellent customer service was provided during the dining experience. The staff was attentive with my needs. Ambiance There is a small waiting area near the front entrance by the Yelp waitlist kiosk stand. There's plenty of tables inside ranging from booths and chairs with modern pendant light fixtures and an open concept kitchen. Location Nested in the plaza next door to Taiwanese mini grocery store in the same plaza as Chase, City Sports gym, Noah's Bagels, and UPS. Parking was a bit tricky during the lunch hour.
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Gerald L.

Yelp
Flaming Ox is a solid local restaurant and you should try it. We had a bowl of beef noodle soup, a rice bowl, and an appetizer. Plenty of food for two of us. The noodle soup broth was tasty. Big chunks of meat were nice and soft, meaning well-cooked. The noodles could have been a little softer but they were ok. The pork belly rice bowl was also quite tasty but kind of salty for me. The egg was really hard boiled and would have been better a little yolky to mix and subdue the saltiness. Plus make it a little more moist. I was not a fan of the fried pork chop appetizer. It was meaty enough but the taste and texture wasn't my thing. Next time I'll try the green onion pancake or popcorn chicken. They have very good service though. You order via QR code which is a little impersonal but they bring water and food quickly. It feels very clean inside and is brightly lit with natural light. Comfortable enough.
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Brenda D.

Yelp
This was was my first time here during Yelp's AANHPI week and came with a lunch buddy who confirmed this is a good place to eat. The place is clean and very small; and, of course, it filled up quickly. To place your order, you can scan the QR code on your table or traditionally with a server. I contemplated between the Traditional Beef Noodle soup which is "mild spicy" and the Mala which is "spicy and numbing." I wanted to try mild spicy first as a baseline. We each ordered the Traditional Beef Noodle soup which come with what seems to be chopped pickle on the spoon and a side of chili oil. I stirred everything together. The broth was very mild and yummy. But the beef...oh the beef...was soooo tender, OMG! We also ordered the Crisp Green Onion Pancake appetizer. Very good! I really like the sauce. My friend is Korean and says it's authentically Korean. I'm definitely coming back to try the Mala with more heat.
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Jessica M.

Yelp
Amazing food and service! We showed up at 8:06 PM and got seated promptly. The original beef soup was not spicy in my opinion, but it was perfect with the chili provided at the table. The meat was actually melt in your mouth! I will definitely return. Bathrooms were clean and parking was available as well.
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Kevin D.

Yelp
Found this place from BILT neighborhood dining. We got the popcorn chicken, mala noodles, and the regular noodles. The popcorn chicken is not bad but portion is kind of small for the price. Bowl is a good size but I felt the mala is way too salty. The broth does taste good but that may be due to the special ingredient which I don't mind. The thick noodles taste fresh and good. However it's only one type of meat unless you pay extra. This lacks value compared to pho which I would take over Taiwanese noodles any time.
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Kevin T.

Yelp
Wow! I honestly can't express how much I enjoyed this place, for someone who's never had Taiwanese beef noodle soup. I've always drooled over videos online, but finally had my first experience today and let me tell you, the noodle soups were sooo beefy and flavorful while the actual beef and tendon were like butter! Here are my ratings: - traditional beef noodle soup : 10/10!!! (Recommend) -mala beef noodle soup: 8.7/10 (better if u want a sichuan numbing experience) -chilled cucumbers : 10/10 again! A must for appetizer or side I didn't get the egg plant, but saw a few tables for this so it must've been good. For location, they chose the right plaza because it's in such a great area with tons of other restaurants. I wouldn't consider them competition, but just a nice area in general. The server who helped us was super polite so it def helped with the overall experience. They also have an open kitchen which is nice to see + a cool animated wall which I posted a picture. I actually go to the gym that's in the same plaza so I will 100% be back. I couldn't recommend a place more!
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Alexia H.

Yelp
I actually wasn't planning on coming here for lunch, I wanted a sandwich but that place was closed. Stumbled on flaming ox near by, and since there was a line I knew it had to be good. 10/10 highly recommend. My friend and I shared the chilled cucumber to start. Super refreshing and the perfect amount of chili oil. I can't remember which soup dish she had but I had the pork belly rice plate, and it was one of those dishes that you keep eating well after you're full because it's soo good and you just don't want it to end. I can't wait to go back. I don't even want to try anything else, that pork belly rice plate has immediately become my "usual" and I have been craving it ever since. Please check them out.
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Sam Q.

Yelp
This was actually my second visit to Flaming Ox. When I first opened, I tried the noodle soup; and to be honest, I was a little underwhelmed. i thought the soup flavor was alright, but the beef was a little tough. This time, however, the soup was more flavorful and the beef was super super tender. I also tried the popcorn chicken and it was okay but it was actually hard and not crispy.And the portion size wasn't great, either. Coupled with the fact that it was like nine dollars, I don't think it was worth it. But the real soup was definitely a highlight and I'd go here again if I was in the area.
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Shirley F.

Yelp
I was on a very specific craving for Braised Pork Belly over rice. I searched and searched all over help and finally landed on this location. Braised Pork Belly over rice - Flavor and portion size was absolutely PERFECT, it was the melt in your mouth type of pork belly They serve during lunch hour so they expect you to leave as soon as you finish your meal (1 hr cap) Anyways, I definitely recommend y'all stop by and try them out when you're on a tight lunch schedule
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lucy c.

Yelp
Mala beef noodle soup is super delicious. Prob the best in South Bay. Soup is flavorful with a spicy kick. Beef is huge thick chuck and three pieces of them. Very addictive. Fried pork chop rice is also decent. Love it.
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Kelly N.

Yelp
We came here on a Friday afternoon. The restaurant is small, but the wait was not that long. We like that the food came out quick. The noodle was chewy and fresh. The traditional broth was a little strong with the spices, but overall, the food was really good. The popcorn chicken was soft and crunchy. Not dry like other places. The onion pancake was not greasy and the sauce was good. The pork was soft and well marinated. Overall, the service was quick, courteous, and the food was great! Definitely will come back next time!
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Alex L.

Yelp
Found this place from Instagram post and did not disappoint. Got the braised beef noodle and it was very flavorful and rich flavors. The meat was very tender. The soup was flavorful. The noodles here are hand pulled which makes it nice and chewy and fresh. The beef pancakes were great. Tender beef slices and flavorful. Parking is ample as the shopping center has nice size lot. The service was ok. We are outside since it was a nice day and the restaurant was full and hot/stuffy inside. The waiter rarely came out to check on us. We asked for extra napkins/utensils but never got them. We ended up going inside to get them ourself. Wasn't a fan of the Taiwan Apple cider. Will come back for the noodles next time in the area
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Ruth T.

Yelp
If 2 for 1 at $8.50 (each) gets charged $17 for half sized portions... forget it. Seriously unimpressed. I don't expect to still be hungry after a $30 meal. Sure it's tasty, but what's the point?
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Robert V.

Yelp
After running in the cold for awhile, coming to Flaming Ox was def the move. Parking straight up sucks so good luck finding someone who's leaving. With this plaza so packed with other businesses and a gym... it's just chaos. In the chance you do find parking and manage to get into the restaurant, you'll be impressed at how packed it can get. We went on a Tuesday night and there was a crowd right after we got seated so consider us lucky. Their bowls are quite huge so I do recommend sharing a bowl with another person that way you can also share appetizers. We had gotten the Traditional Beef Noodle with Thin Noodles and Popcorn Chicken. When our bowl arrived, we noticed they had gave us Thick Noodles so we called a server over and he was able to change that out for us which was very appreciated since my girlfriend likes it thin. I don't know what kind of beef they use but one bite into it and it instantly melted in your mouth. Very tender and flavorful, the amount of beef too was generous. POPCORN CHICKEN..... HOLY S#*T, I'm coming back and ordering this FOREVER. SUPER CRISPY, like EVERY SINGLE BITE CRISPY. They even lightly crisp the basil so there's a nice crunch to it. More places need to get on this level.
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James Y.

Yelp
We finally got to try Flaming Ox, later than we wanted to. Visited for a lunch and it was pretty busy. The food, mostly noodle soup, was good. It was a bit better than you'd expect. Portion sizes are a bit smaller than what you'd expect for at the price. Moreover, extra couple of dollars for some tendon is rather messed up. Beef noodle soup should always have aome tendon. Still, the food was nonetheless, quite good and the beef was very soft. Service was non-existent. Didn't even feel like they tried. Green onion pancake was good to get. Tasty, crunchy, a bit over fried but overall, pretty good. The mala beef noodle soup was solid. The beef was very tender and each bite was very good. The mala was uniquely spicy, and I liked how they amped it up. The normal beef noodle soup was good and the flavor profile was rich. Visit was enjoyable. Dislike the pricing, but good food here.
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Ben B.

Yelp
What stood out was the texture of the beef, I could "cut" through it with my chopsticks. I got the spicy Mala pho, and it was great. Ordering is done through thier web site. A line started to build to get in as seating is limited to the size of the room.
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Jennifer X.

Yelp
We came here on a Friday evening and it was not too busy -- wait was around 10 minutes. For our appetizer, we got the chilled cucumbers which were pretty good. I got the dry mala beef noodles with thin noodles. The dish was pretty well balanced, not too oily and pretty flavorful from the mala sauce. The noodles were good but nothing special, however I thought the beef and beef tendon were very good. They give such thick slices of beef and the meat is super tender and delicious. My boyfriend got the traditional beef noodle soup with thin noodles as well, and also thought it was good. The soup is fairly light and drinkable, and not too salty. The inside is not very big, probably would have a harder time seating large parties. Overall a very solid place for classic beef noodles!
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May G.

Yelp
Came in on a Saturday morning at opening and was seated quickly. We ordered the traditional beef noodle soup, minced pork belly rice bowl, and popcorn chicken with basil through the QR code on the table. The food came out fast and it was all delicious! The restaurant is clean, including the bathroom, and there is seating both indoors and outdoors. The staff was promptly and friendly. Would be happy to eat here again if I'm in the area. Recommend giving it a try!
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Monica H.

Yelp
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Flaming Ox with delicious food and special perks during their promo! the service is quick and the place is small and cozy. @theflamingox keeps it simple with a short, focused menu that delivers big on flavor. Indulge in signature Taiwanese beef noodle soups, comforting rice plates, and appetizers like the tofu and century egg. Plus, don't forget to grab a jar of their irresistible chili crisp to enjoy at home! Some additional information: CNY promo will last from 1/29 to 2/12 or until supplies are gone. Flaming Ox CNY Promotion: Spend $30 and get a red envelope gift where you can randomly win a discount or freebie with purchase! Limit one red envelope per person. Chili crisp by the jar is on sale 20% off until 1/29 with all proceeds going to @tapsf to support our local Taiwanese community - -- -- - Chilled Cucumber Tofu & Century Egg Mala Beef Noodle Soup Braised Pork Belly Rice Plate
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Theresa B.

Yelp
I tried the popcorn chicken rice plate here the other day and was pleasantly surprised! Even though Flaming Ox is a Taiwanese spot, I feel like it's more known for beef noodle dishes, so I wasn't sure what to expect with the Taiwanese popcorn chicken. After trying it, I probably would come back just for the chicken. The coating is super crispy and nicely seasoned, and the meat didn't feel too dry. Portion size was also good for the price. Service was very friendly and welcoming. Ambiance is akin to what you'd find in another fast casual spot. The only thing I don't like is that parking in this crowded plaza can be hard to find depending on the day, but not impossible. Overall, not sure if it's a place I'd crave all the time, but I'd definitely come back! Curious to try their beef noodle dishes as well :)
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Quynh A.

Yelp
I love a great beef noodle soup and this is by far the best one! Their soup is incredibly flavorful and rich, with a bold, beefy taste. I ordered the Mala Beef and thick noodles and you can really savor the spices, and it has just the right amount of kick--a perfectly balanced combo. The noodles were perfectly bouncy, and the thick beef slices were braised to tender perfection while still retaining a good bite. They've truly nailed every element of a great beef noodle soup, and this has officially become my go-to spot! I also tried the popcorn chicken as an appetizer, and it didn't disappoint. The chicken was perfectly crispy, well-seasoned, and came in a generous portion for $8.50--a much better value than what you'd typically find at most milk tea shops. Service was great and the decor is modern & clean. Overall, Flaming Ox is a must try if you love Taiwanese dishes!
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Lloyd C.

Yelp
Flaming Ox is located in the Brokaw Commons. The parking can be challenging during peak hours because of all the popular businesses, including City Sports Club, Noah's Bagels, Dave's Angry Chicken, Yoshi's, etc. The decor is cozy and welcoming. The staff is friendly and nice. Order via QR code or paper menu. Each table has its own condiments (salt, white pepper, soy sauce, black vinegar, & freshly minced chili peppers). cold water carafe provided too. Beef Noodle Soup: Choice of thin or wide noodles. All noodle soups are served with pickled mustard Greens, blanched green veggies, & sliced green onions. *Traditional: Taiwanese inspired, soy sauce based, meat broth, beefy flavor, spices (4/5). Served with signature chili oil. The broth just warms you up on a chilly day. Hey Song Soda (Taiwanese Dr Pepper). Milder, less sweet, and more sarsparilla flavor. Support your local business!
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Anna P.

Yelp
I came here for lunch on a Friday and we were seated right away. The service is really great and we ended up all ordering the Mala Beef Noodle Soup. I love these noodle texture, and the mala spice had that signature slightly numbing spice in the perfect amount! The meat was also cooked perfectly and was coming apart as I ate it. I'd say this broth was more spicy than savory, and I'm not sure how I felt about the pickle side in the soup. Overall this place was pretty good and I can definitely see myself coming here when I am craving a noodle soup.
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Kartika H.

Yelp
place is not that big. ambiance is good. staffs are nice, polite, and attentive. first time trying here and i will say absolutely recommended place for chinese beef noodle. the broth is so good, rich, and flavorful. i order all with tendons and they are so soft. my daughter orders with the beef and they are so tender and juicy though quite thick the cutting. i, for sure, will come again for satisfying my tummy...
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Melissa L.

Yelp
Great spot for quick, authentic Taiwanese food! Ordered a braise pork belly bowl, beef noodle soup, and a popcorn chicken appetizer to try. Everything was delicious and well portioned. The popcorn chicken came with a sweet soy glaze that was very unique. I preferred the pork belly bowl over the beef noodle soup however both were very good. Would definitely recommend this spot if you're in the area and in the mood for something home cooked!
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Michelle A.

Yelp
Got the Chilled Cucumber, Mala Beef Noodle Soup, and Spicy Minced Pork Belly Rice Plate. Both plate and broth were great! The mala beef definitely has a spicy kick and it paired well with their side cucumber. We didnt have a wait time around 5:30pm but when we were seated it definitely got busy almost to 6 o'clock on a saturday and they dont have enough space for more tables so definitely recommend come earlier.
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Carson M.

Yelp
Glad I finally got around to try this place after seeing it featured in one of FeedMeiMei's YouTube video. Fast and reliable service along with super tender beef - definitely one of the top places in the Bay to get beef noodle soup. On a Sunday night around 5:20pm, only two tables were taken but things picked up around 5:45-6. - GO Pancake (4.5/5) not the best pancake by itself but they give you some sort of umami tangy dipping sauce that goes very well with the pancake. Pancakes are crispy, though! - Fried Pork Chop (4.5/5) this pork chop wasn't as crispy as I thought (although I didn't look at too many pictures of it beforehand). It was very tender though and was on the smaller side. It had good flavor and the texture reminded me of Din Tai Fung's pork chop. - Beef Noodle Soup (5/5) amazing beef. They were big circular slices and were so soft. The broth had a good level of salt to it and a very faint hint of pepper and spice. The chili oil on the side that it comes with was not very spicy - I recommend adding the chilis from the table. With the additional chilis, you can adjust the heat level to your liking. The thick noodles also had a good chew. I would be interested in returning for the noodle soup and also their rice dishes.
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Ying Xin F.

Yelp
Taiwanese beef noodle soups are like a warm hug in winter. Discover San Jose's newest gem for authentic Taiwanese cuisine- Appetizers are all under $9, so I have no guilt ordering a bunch of dishes. - Traditional Beef Noodles: robust and savory, perfectly seasoned for a deep, comforting taste. Good amount of noodles for the price! - Minced Pork Belly is richly flavored, served over rice for a satisfying meal. - Crisp Popcorn Chicken: offers a delightful crunch with every bite. - Green Onion Pancake is such a good side dish, with its flaky layers and aromatic scallions. - Tofu Century Egg, a traditional dish that combines silky tofu with preserved egg for a unique flavor experience. Definitely one of my favorites! I'm so glad that there's another casual and solid service Taiwanese spot in the Bay Area. Plenty of parking in the plaza.
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Urvi B.

Yelp
Went through a yelp experience. I loved the chilled cucumbers. The noodle dish was a little low on flavor and felt too heavy. Not a big fan. I would go back to check out the popcorn chicken. I went for lunch and it got super busy as soon as 12:05 hit. I got there at 11:45 and it was already getting busy. The inside has a great mural on one side and is fun to look at and see all the different street food images you would see.
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Lucia L.

Yelp
As someone of Taiwanese descent, I'm so glad that the Bay Area is finally getting a revitalization of Taiwanese restaurants and businesses. @theflamingox is a new welcome addition to the North San Jose food scene, specializing in Taiwanese street/comfort foods such as beef noodle soup, Lu ruo fan (braised pork rice), popcorn chicken, green onion pancakes, and more! I checked this spot out with my very picky Taiwanese family, and we all agreed that this spot carries decent (albeit not the best), no-frills Taiwanese cuisine that hits the spot when you need a quick and easy fix for your cravings. Service was very fast and friendly, although I would recommend going with groups of 4 and under for a shorter wait, especially during peak dining hours. Featured here: traditional beef noodle soup with thick and thin noodles beef bone broth noodle soup with thin noodles green onion pancakes popcorn chicken
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Amanda C.

Yelp
Casual restaurant with limited seating. Got there a bit before 12 and luckily got a table for 4 immediately. Once we left there was a line out the door though. Got to try the popcorn chicken, pork chop rice, and beef noodle soup. The popcorn chicken was crispy, flavorful, but a bit too salty. The pork chop rice was great, didn't need the extra sauce on the side. Also didn't like that you have to pay extra for some minced pork sauce over rice as other places have that on for free. Pork was very tender and soft! The beef noodle soup had tender beef and a flavorful broth which we liked. Noodles were standard. Will definitely return if I'm ever in the area!
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Leng K.

Yelp
Service: Quick and efficient, had QR code to order, got seated right away on Sunday at 1pm, and food came out within 5 mins Food: ordered beef noodle soup and Taiwanese pork chop rice plate. Both were very flavorful, good portion, meat was tender and the right texture/flavor. Felt good for what I paid for. Other: they had both outdoor and indoor seatings, restaurant was overall pretty clean looking, and the vibe inside was fun and relaxed Parking: located in big plaza so plenty of parking and other things to do nearby Bonus: they tax on subtotal rather than total amount