TK Noodle #1

There used to be quite a few TK Noodle restaurants around. Most of them faded away during the years. I was pretty excited when I found this one close by the San Jose State University. I brought my Mom to this restaurant on a Sunday. Street parking was easy and I understand there is also parking behind the buildings. The restaurant was clean and the service was okay. We ordered two noodles and a Taro Egg cake. What a disappointment! The noodles were lukewarm, bland and tasteless. We will not return to this restaurant again.

I had the worst dining experience ever😵 First, we don’t have any water we were eating for 20 mins until we asked for water. Second, the food doesn’t have much soup and was oily and soggy Last but the worst! Their is no sign in front of the restaurant about cash only. We offered to pay Zelle or Venmo but they said no and obliviously left us handing it ourselves. They even put an ATM in the restaurant. However, we only brought one card and needed a PIN code that we can’t get cash out. I went to Chase but it is a Saturday and the banks are all closed, then I came back home to find the only cash I have. It took us an hour just to pay the bill and they don’t care at all! What a terrible customer service. Plus: my family is also a small restaurant owner. I totally understand how the small business try to avoid taxes, but their service and attitude is extremely terrible. They could at least show some care for the customers. We eat at your restaurant but we are not your enemy. At least don’t try to ruin our days.

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 deals If 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.

We got the #9 and #15, Ill go into detail for each one The combination wonton soup (#9): -Soup was mid, ground pork was dry like I forgot my washed clothes under the sun during summer, chicken meat was so-so, the wonton was a little bit dry inside and do not talk about the shrimp as they still left the dirty string on the spine which it takes you a few seconds to take it out with a toothpick. Beef stew Vermicelli (#15): I feel thankful for having a couple good Beef stew vermicelli before. Because this is NOT good at all. They did not use the correct vermicelli for it, the carrots were chopped in weirdly shape (but okay??) and tastes sour (??), the broth was lack of flavor, tastes very bland like they forgot to season it, more importantly, there were little to no herbs. At the end, we left the bowl the same like in the picture because it was all bad to be able to finish it.

Haven’t been here for years. Easy to park behind the building. Not busy at all. Cash only. Pork skin charged $0.5 extra. No dipping sauce dishes at each table . Soup is so blend. Not the same TK I used to know.