Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Asian Express

    3.7 (410 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Asian Express Photos

    Business Info

    ASIAN EXPRESS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids

    You might also consider

    More like Asian Express

    Recommended Reviews - Asian Express

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Pad Thai
    Rebecca X.

    New to town and this was my first meal. I come from SoCal and our Vietnamese food, I will say in some bias, is a lot more flavorful. But, I prefer clean flavors compared to something that stays in my mouth long after. This place hit exactly that spot, if you're looking for a quick, tasty, hot meal! Staff is friendly and fast. I have been told to try their Bahn Mi though.

    Tri-color dessert
    Sokna S.

    Food: 3/5 Pho was ok, nice portion, flavor was mediocre. Always great during a cold day. The trip color dessert was also ok, a bit too much coconut milk for my liking. Service: 4/5 Gentleman at register was very quick and accommodating. Very nice service. Ambiance: 2/5 Not the greatest, needs a little care, seats had holes and tape. Definitely needs some minor upgrades.

    Thai tea (no boba, my preference today) & #8 beef noodle soup (comes with bean sprouts, lime, jalapeños, basil and cilantro on the side).
    Paulina D.

    I always get the #8 beef ball noodle soup. If there's no line, it literally comes out in 5 mins. I really appreciate the staff, always so kind. Lots of to-go business here so order ahead if you think you're short on time. Otherwise, dine in in one of their booths or tables. There are two outdoor picnic tables outside. They have pho, fried rice, stir fry, bahn mi sandwiches, and more! And they have boba. I'm always comfortable eating here even when dining alone. Delicious!

    Just got my noodles in a big pool of sauce which is supposed to be on the side.

    I ordered a Vietnamese tofu with vegetables vermicelli dish and was given something completely different. Usually these come with sauce on side, fresh carrots and cucumber, etc. but what I got was some a slop of noodles and sauce mixed with essentially a bad American stir fry. I called the restaurant 2x about a refund or resolving this and was told the manager Ahn would call me back. Not only did they not call me back (they "forgot"), they refused to speak to me on the phone. No offer of new food or anything! I had to call the online platform that processed the order before the manager acknowledged the call and finally offered to replace the food. Below is picture of what I got vs what the restaurant might typically serve for a fried vermicelli bowl (from their customers' picture). The cost of this was $17+ just after tax!

    Melissa P.

    Thr real deal. Fantastic flavors at this surprisingly fast and authentic hole-in-the wall establishment. The facade, signage and interior belay a nondescript Asian fast food joint bit the food and service are golden! We had Pho Ga, the traditional Chicken noodle soups and it was served within minutes piping hot from the bustling open kitchen. The "small" was generously portioned for 2 with an flavorful authentic broth and generous chicken pieces. The Shrimp Fresh Rice Paper Rolls were delicious with 3 rolls included in 1 order. Good value for money! The service was quick, welcoming and helpful, even offering to package leftovers for takeaway.

    Lollipop wonton soup

    I usually pick up a banh mi sandwich their bread is crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. With the cold weather I was craving something different so I got the lollipop wonton soup the person I was ordering from made sure to tell me it was spicy, yum! I picked it up to go. The liquid was in a plastic container and bagged to prevent spillage, the noodles and veggies were in a foldable container. Everything was bagged and ready when I got there. The portion was big enough to split into two servings!! 10/10 recommend, will definitely be going back!

    Sesame chicken chow mein and strawberry smoothie
    Andre M.

    Smoothie was good , I got the sesame chicken chow mein. Interesting sesame chicken sauce not your traditional flavor, I personally wouldn't get it again, but it wasn't horrible. Chow mein cost extra and it was overcooked mushy, and barely had any veggies in it.

    strawberry milk tea with jelly and mango iced tea with jelly
    Beth O.

    After coming here multiple times per week for months on end I have decided that they have the best pho in santa cruz/capitola. Their noodles are soft and the texture of the food is spot on. They have a great selection of boba drinks and entrees and I never leave here with an empty or unsatisfied belly. The staff is consistently pleasant and the turn around time for food is very quick. This is my go to lunch/dinner spot and I love supporting their business. p.s. beef pho with extra lime makes it soooo yummy!

    Pho, and bambi pork sandwhich

    The service was amazing!! the workers are so funny, nice, and overall really welcoming not only that the food is amazing the flavors are soo good and I didn't even wait for more than 3 minutes till my food came out I really recommend this place if you're looking to try something new!

    Egg rolls
    Mark F.

    Yes! This place is awesome! Great blend of primarily Vietnamese food and some Chinese with counter service and a few tables to eat at. Lot's of Togo orders leave this place but we usually sit down and eat there. Although they cater to the Togo crowd, each dish is prepared to order, not scooped out of a pre-made pile. Always hot and fresh! Pho! Yes they have it and it's pretty damn good! My wife is Vietnamese and she says it the best this side of the hill. I love their fresh spring rolls with shrimp, very tasty. A tip though is don't order just one, they charge you $5.50 when an order of 3 is $8! I usually get a lunch or dinner plate. I have tried the Mongolian and broccoli beef and they were both great with fried rice. They also have boba tea! I usually get the Thai tea with boba to compliment my meal. This place has really impressed me for a bit divey looking place in a strip mall. I would have expected pre-made meh but got hot and fresh yes!

    Boba

    See all

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of E P.
    2
    163
    91

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J.H. K.
    15
    55
    7

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Excellent Pho and pork sandwiches. Fast service. Food very fresh. Spring rolls excellent.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Staff is always friendly. Wide variety of Asian food. I get the pad Thai, spring rolls and the pho. It's all really good. I highly recommend

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Casey N.
    57
    172
    3

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Their food and soup is so good! I love their lychee tea w/ lychee jelly & sesame balls!! The people who work there are so sweet too :)

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tom S.
    369
    2488
    4214

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Uriah M.
    103
    11
    4

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Marc M.
    59
    242
    401

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chautia B.
    191
    54
    31

    2 years ago

    Food is amazing, drinks are great and hospitality is always on point. Definitely come by and try number 15.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    I love their food! The service is excellent and the spring rolls and sandwiches are delicious.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J C T.
    120
    45
    4

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    They actually answer the phone. Food is good, as are prices, and yes, ready quickly. Try the Thai milk boba, can request less sugar.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of D W.
    2
    83
    40

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sarah W.
    40
    66
    43

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jenn Y.
    16
    36
    4

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of T T.
    4
    70
    3

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tram N.
    901
    3343
    12605

    12 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 2 of 11

    Ask the Community - Asian Express

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Vietnamese 1,630 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Ming's Palace - Chicken Chow Mein

    Ming's Palace

    3.9(184 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $

    Beef String beans has a flavorful black bean sauce and lots of wok cooked string beans that were…read moreperfectly cooked. I might try the Asparagus Beef next time. I also ordered their pork potstickers and they are always delicious. My other favorite dish of theirs is the Mushu prawns and also the Barbecue pork steamed buns. I haven't had a bad dish yet! They are great and friendly. Underrated for sure. It's all about their delicious and fresh food.

    this review is two years in the making I have been meaning to review Ming's ever since we…read morediscovered them two years ago. We were staying in Aptos for a family reunion and after extending our trip, my husband and I were looking for a good Chinese restaurant. There were many reviews that were mixed and after I read the review reviews for Ming's,I decided that we should try it. I didn't feel like getting ready so we parked in the parking lot and my husband went to go pick up the order. When he came back, I couldn't believe how much food there was and how little we spent. We are from San Jose but every time we get a craving for Chinese food, we literally want to drive up the hill! The reason I'm finally writing this review is because I wanted to make sure they were still open and went onto Yelp to check the hours and decided I should write the review so everyone knows how delicious it is. We've had everything from the fried wontons to chicken salad, barbecued pork, fried rice, beef, and broccoli, lemon, chicken, sweet-and-sour pork and chicken chow mein. We are coming back to the Santa Cruz area tomorrow and you can bet we will be enjoying Ming's!

    Photos
    Ming's Palace - Dining room

    Dining room

    Ming's Palace - Chicken Chow Mein

    Chicken Chow Mein

    Ming's Palace - Dining room

    See all

    Dining room

    Four Streams Kitchen

    Four Streams Kitchen

    4.1(138 reviews)
    3.3 mi

    The best Chinese spot on this side of the hill! If you live…read morein Aptos or anywhere in Santa Cruz County, you need to check out Four Streams Kitchen. I've been looking for a solid go-to Chinese takeout spot for a while, and this place absolutely knocks it out of the park. Do yourself a favor and order the Szechuan Boiled Fish (Sichuan Shui Zhu Yu). It is insanely flavorful, perfectly spicy, and easily one of the most legit, authentic Chinese dishes I've had in the area. If you prefer the classic American-Chinese comfort staples, those hit the spot too. The Kung Pao has the perfect balance, the potstickers taste completely house-made, and my family is obsessed with their chow mein.  The ingredients are always fresh (especially the veggies and seafood, try the fried prawns!), and the staff is incredibly kind and accommodating. Great portions, amazing value (especially the lunch combos).

    I would give this 3 1/2 stars. It was the first time ordering last night through DoorDash. First, I…read morewill say that in the Aptos area this is far better than anything in this town, and way better than Panda Inn. I probably should have just picked up the order because $80 for Chinese food for two people is a bit steep and honestly ridiculous. The first negative thing is the fact that we ordered pork fried rice and ended up getting the fried rice but with chicken instead so OK, edible, but there is something about pork fried rice that I really like so that was disappointing. Also ordered their vegetable green bean with garlic sauce dish, and the green beans were cooked nicely although a side order of green beans for $16? Yes, I made the decision to order simply because I wanted a veggie with the rest of the meal. I ordered a chicken breast dish that was coated in some sort of a Panko-ish crunch. That was good although I wasn't expecting it to be fried. When you're hungry, you just eat it anyway... Truth. also had the potstickers which were typical nothing special, although they did serve it with some sort of a hot pepper sauce, which was good although the seeds in it were quite tough. They also pack a little container of what looked like white vinegar weird not at all like what you would normally have. We will probably try again as we explore the menu, but I will definitely pick up next time. Oh and finally with an order that clearly served two people they throw in one fortune cookie. How cheap is that? Jury is still majorly out on this place, but just wanted to share for now.

    Photos
    Four Streams Kitchen - Interior

    Interior

    Four Streams Kitchen
    Four Streams Kitchen

    See all

    Shun Feng - 水煮魚,又麻又辣。

    Shun Feng

    3.5(372 reviews)
    3.5 mi
    $$

    We stopped for lunch today after doing a little post holiday shopping and returns. We were greeted…read moreand seated immediately. Shun Feng has a large lunch menu with items ranging from $12 to $15. We had the Prawn Chow Mien and Hot & Sour Chicken. The food was fresh and delicious. I love how the staff is consistently friendly and helpful. They check in on you often and keep things moving. They have a computer set up by the register to make take out orders easy and efficient. It's easy to use and our orders always come out in a timely manner. If you need to place an order to go, it's fast and effective. It's a great place to grab lunch or take out!

    Special Noodle is widely regarded as the most popular Chinese restaurant in the city but we wanted…read moreto try another area that would serve authentic Chinese food. We decided to give Shun Feng a chance and were not disappointed! It's a nice cozy restaurant with traditional feel and decor. We were seated at the round table and had an amazing family style Chinese dinner. The owners and managers are all from China so it makes sense the food was authentic. We ordered a full slate of items including chicken feet, mapo tofu, beef cold cuts, and much more! Food was good and came out fast. Owners were very kind and provided great service. Pro tip: Traditional Chinese folks can look at the menu by the register for a more authentic menu

    Photos
    Shun Feng - Food sitting out, exposed. Next to an open back door.

    Food sitting out, exposed. Next to an open back door.

    Shun Feng - Sweet and sour pork lunch special

    Sweet and sour pork lunch special

    Shun Feng - Por stickers

    See all

    Por stickers

    Fuji Sushi - Fuji Volcano Roll

    Fuji Sushi

    4.4(48 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    Amazing delicious sashimi and Dinner Bento Box. Sashimi was…read moresuper fresh and tasty loved it. I will definitely come back again and Highly recommended. Definitely 5 Star Appetizers-BBQ Pork was delicious. Looking forward to come back again

    Pros: The combo tempura was piping hot and just *perfect*,…read morewith a fun assortment of veggies (crunchy green bean? almost creamy Japanese eggplant? Super cool.) I honestly haven't stopped thinking about it. The chow mein was also piping hot and extremely fragrant of garlic as the plate was set in front of me. I haven't stopped thinking of that succulent steam facial, either. I also had a root beer. Life should always be perfect tempura and your favorite soda. The service was great as well. They replied with a genuine "enjoy" to each of my "thank-you's", and also spoke very kindly and gave great service to the considerably under-spoken guy at the booth next to mine. Con: The place is old as dirt and needs to be gutted. I don't think it was 'sticky' tablecloth dirty, but I was pleasantly surprised that the bathroom was very clean and tidied. The smell when I entered the restaurant quickly let me know that something was wrong with the sewer lines, or something. Like, I almost left before anyone saw me stroll into the empty place, ok? There was a gal who was walking in to scope the place out for she and her friends as I was leaving. She didn't stay. I was waiting for an Uber as she hightailed it back to her car declaring "Well, I guess I haven't been there in a while..." into her phone. Overall, I'm glad I stayed to give an old place a new try for the first time in... 15 years? Not surprised that all of the orders were being picked up by DoorDash, etc, but also not surprised at how many orders were being pickup up, one after another. I need tempura and rooty beer this week. Not sure if I'd ever be brave enough to give their sushi menu a try, though.

    Photos
    Fuji Sushi - Interior

    Interior

    Fuji Sushi - Tiger Rolls (with added spicy mayo)

    Tiger Rolls (with added spicy mayo)

    Fuji Sushi - Japanese and Chinese menus

    See all

    Japanese and Chinese menus

    Asian Express - vietnamese - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...