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    Boriqua Kitchen

    4.6 (159 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 7:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    Stacie J.

    ********Blacked Owned Business Alert************************* I was finally able to catch them at their published location before the food was SOLD OUT!! I was winning that day. I was out running errands and saw where they were going to be for lunch and the times. The Universe was working with me that day because I found a park and was 4th in line before they were taking orders. Please be mindful that there was only one person taking the orders and cooking/prepping the food. I don't know if it is always the case, but he got it done. Of course, there was somewhat of a wait. Now that I am thinking, maybe I was just ready to tear into the food and that there wasn't a wait. LMFAO. This is what I ordered: #21 Roberto Clemente and some Empanadas Carne. Need I say more..... If you see someone running behind the truck for a plate of food, that's me. Lol

    Dameon S.

    Fantastic! One of the best empanadas I've ever had. Chicken was moist and crisp. Garlic plantains totally hit the spot. Excellent price as well! Get some extra hot sauce. You'll drink it up!

    Chicharrones de pollo plate
    Nadav M.

    I enjoyed it a lot. The only con is the portion size. I was able to get a plate in Alameda. Nice area to just walk across and enjoy food in the park and find some tables around. The grass is nice too. The menu is pretty straight forward, either a plate or a la carte items. I went with chicharrones de pollo. Very nice and crispy. The inside of the chicken very tender. The rice and beans are in good flavour as well as the plantains. Plenty of plantains which were yum. The rice had nice seasoning; tangy and flavourful. Very chill staff, there was no wait around 4pm on a Sunday. No cash or cards accepted. There's vegetarian plates as well. Next time I'll get the chuleta.

    Maduros
    Dan B.

    Chef Darren continues to deliver some of the best (arguably in California) PR food. This trip, I had the Roberto Clemente and side orders of maduros and garlic tostones. Everything was nicely seasoned and the portions were generous. I'm a longstanding fan of Boricua Kitchen and will continue to support the Bay's tastiest PR food spot.

    The ground beef empanadas.
    Jennifer G.

    Just recently tried Puerto Rican for the first time and let me tell you... It was AMAZING! I ordered the (chefs special) which was the deep fried pork shoulder with a side of arroz con gandules, maduros, and habichuelas. Also ordered the ground beef empanadas, and the BK wings. Everything was so flavorful and deeelicious! Service was great and efficient. Presentation was very nice as well. Location was cool, had some places to sit and enjoy the food. Can't wait til they come back to San Jose! Craving all of this now.

    #21
    Lo P.

    Finally got to try Boricua Kitchen and it did not disappoint. Got the Chicharonnes De Pollo which was fried perfectly- tender but crispy and so flavorful! Apparently this is also Bad Bunny's favorite place to order from when he's in The Bay. The portions they give is good enough for two meals. I'm looking forward to trying the fried rockfish meal next. I'm sure it'll be smackin.

    Ron B.

    Holy delicious treats Batman!!!!!! This place is bomb. The empanadias are delicious the tostones are amazing and OMFG they had Alcapurrias. IYKYK listen up east bay you need to track this food truck down and get yourself some while they have them and they run out fast. Alcapurrias are as Puerto Rican as you get and it's so worth the time to get one. The prices are great and you won't leave wanting. In past visits I've had chicharonnes as well and the whole menu is fire. I can't recommend this place enough. I'm so lucky they park minutes from my place so I can eat there often. Get down here now. WEPA!!!!!!!!!!

    parked at hayward heritage plaza
    Anjelica C.

    i've had them bookmarked for years and finally saw from their instagram stories that they were in hayward last weekend so we stopped by heritage plaza park and gave them a try! was lucky that there was no wait cuz even with only one person ahead of us, the food still took maybe 20 min to come out. the meal overall was satisfying, but the meat was a little dry so nothing to rave about. the thing i did love were the maduros. those i would definitely come back for and maybe try new entrees next time. i got the carne frita special and my husband tried the empanada which he liked.

    Roberto Clemente plate with tostones.

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    Darrem L.

    Thank you for the support.

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    1 year ago

    Delicious food and always friendly service. Happy to have good PR food on the west coast.

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    5 months ago

    Everything here is excellent. My favorite is either the carne frita or empanada. Can't go wrong ordering from here.

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    Boriqua Kitchen Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Boriqua Kitchen

    Do you have gluten free options?

    Yes the #5. Mi Corazon. Rice , stewed kidney beans and sweet plantains

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    Puerto Rican Street Cuisine

    Puerto Rican Street Cuisine

    4.6
    (51 reviews)
    3.4 km

    I had the pleasure of meeting Chef Erick to discuss his management approach and culinary…read morephilosophy. We also discussed his upbringing in NYC and his long history in the Bay Area's challenging culinary scene. This conversation happened before I had the opportunity to taste the succulent Puerto Rican dishes on his menu. Chef Erick is a truly humble and professional culinary artist. He lets his cooking do the talking, allowing his ingredients and timely combinations to showcase his superb culinary skills. From our conversation, I learned that he genuinely cares about the quality of his ingredients. While we talked about his experiences cooking for all kinds of tables in the Bay Area, from VIPs and celebrities to daily blue-collar San Franciscans seeking standout meals, Chef Erick answered at least five phone calls. He diligently coordinated with his local suppliers to ensure he, and in turn his customers, would have access to nothing but the best ingredients during the upcoming weekend rush. Most Puerto Ricans, including those adopted (see Chef Anthony Bourdain's memoirs), know a Puerto Rican restaurant is truly judged by the quality and flavor of its Pernil. This slow-roasted pork shoulder or leg is marinated in a robust herb paste. Many Puerto Rican families guard their herb paste recipes as closely as The Coca-Cola Company guards its Coca-Cola recipe. Pernil is the centerpiece of holiday feasts and family celebrations. That's why I chose this menu to celebrate meeting Chef Erick. Without hesitation, he prepared for me--someone born and raised in Puerto Rico--his masterfully concocted pernil with arroz con gandules and a side of maduros fritos. I have to say, this was the best Puerto Rican food I have tasted in all of California, from Santa Rosa to San Diego. I have visited all the restaurants in the Bay Area: El Coqui, both Sol Foods locations, Parada 22, and Lola's Lounge in Sacramento. I admit, this is the best and most authentic plate of Puerto Rican cuisine I have enjoyed in 16 years exploring Latin Cuisine Restaurants in Northern California. If you like Puerto Rican cuisine and have not tried Puerto Rican Street Cuisine, you must add this restaurant to your "must-visit" places in California. Thank you to Ceci, all the cooks, and Chef Erick for helping me relive the experience of proper, authentic pernil y arroz con gandules like my abuelita used to make for us on "la lomita" in Hormigueros, Puerto Rico!

    Ordered on DoorDash WITHIN the timeframe, order was confirmed, only to have them cancel the order…read more(we think they didn't want to honor the 30% happy hour pricing) after the order was already confirmed. We were hungry. Hella ghetto. *Update: I guess they closed at 5PM today (Sunday) so they decided not to fulfill our order that came through at 4:48PM. If you stop cooking at a certain time, THAT is your closing time.

    Photos
    Pernil and yellow rice..Authentic, flavors and texture right on point! I like my pernil a little more dry and chunky.
    Pernil and yellow rice..Authentic, flavors and texture right on point! I like my pernil a little more dry and chunky.
    Puerto Rican Street Cuisine
    Chicharonnes

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    Chicharonnes
    Mama Roc's Puerto Rican & Caribbean Cuisine

    Mama Roc's Puerto Rican & Caribbean Cuisine

    4.8
    (53 reviews)
    65.1 km

    I am still dreaming about them beans! I had the pleasure of trying Mama Roc's at the Salsa Festival…read morein Downtown SJ. And when I say pleasure -- I mean it!! The line was long but thankfully my boyfriend waited in line, so I could go dance. Hehe. But the food came out fast and it was deeeeliicccious. It was so good half way through we had to see where we could find her food again. So we looked her up! The way I would follow this cute lil trailer just for her food. If you have the chance to find Mama Roc's, definitely stop. Definitely get a plate.

    I highly recommend choosing Mama Roc for your next catered event. Her food was so flavorful and…read moredelicious. I was in search of authentic Puerto Rican cuisine for a special birthday lunch at work for 15 people. I thought maybe we could try one or two dishes but the menu she put together was amazing! We had a delicious rice dish with pork belly, Pernil, fried chicken that was hands down the best fried chicken! Clearly made from the heart! The beans were like nothing I've had before, plantains and the beef empanada were cooked to perfection. Her mamagotchu sauce was a favorites by all, a fun savory condiment that complimented everything dish. Rochelle's communication from the beginning was dialed in and she responded within the day to my text and email inquiry. She met us at our budget with generous portions and every dish had so much flavor. She delivered the food with her warm bubbly personality and I'm so grateful we found her through Yelp. If you want a delicious, catered event with food that folks will be talking about for days after, call on Mama Roc! I will definitely be on the lookout for any events she will be at locally.

    Photos
    Mama Roc's Puerto Rican & Caribbean Cuisine
    Puerto Rican Food
    Puerto Rican Food
    Lechon, beef empanada, plantains Madura, beans, rice, macaroni salad, all were delicious!

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    Lechon, beef empanada, plantains Madura, beans, rice, macaroni salad, all were delicious!
    Sol Food

    Sol Food

    4.2
    (5.9k reviews)
    33.5 km
    $$

    One of the best dining experiences we've had in the area…read more There's almost always a line when we visit, but it moves surprisingly fast and never feels frustrating. The restaurant uses community-style seating with shared tables, which adds to the lively and welcoming atmosphere. The staff is consistently friendly and helpful. The ordering process is simple--you place your order at the counter when you enter, find a seat, and the food is brought out shortly after. Despite how busy the restaurant can get, the food arrived quickly. On this visit, we ordered the Mariquitas, Tostones con Mojo, Camarones a la Diabla, and the Sándwich de Pollo. Every dish was excellent. The portions were generous, the ingredients tasted fresh, and everything was packed with flavor. The Camarones a la Diabla had just the right amount of spice, while the sides and appetizers were equally enjoyable. What stands out most about Sol Food is the consistency. Great food, friendly service, reasonable wait times, and excellent value for the quality and portion sizes. This has become one of our favorite spots, and it's a place we make sure to visit whenever we're in town. Highly recommended.

    Finally made it and I'm glad we did! A friend told me about this place. Very busy on a Sunday night…read morewith a short wait as guests did keep rolling in. They ran out of the Rotisserie chicken (which must have been very popular) but we tried other dishes. Next time I wanna the Cuban sandwich Bustling inside, Puerto Rican music filled the room and loud chatter was in the air. Loved the bright green colored building and colorful decor inside! If you go to the Bodega next door, you can see how many people are busting their tails in the kitchen, wow!

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Bistec Sandwich
    Bistec Sandwich
    Spicy shrimp with side of fry's  Hard for me to pronounce the name sorry

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    Spicy shrimp with side of fry's Hard for me to pronounce the name sorry
    Casa Borinquena

    Casa Borinquena

    4.7
    (74 reviews)
    17.9 km

    I went to Casa Borinquena the other day for the first time and WOW I've really been missing out…read more The menu is small but mighty. Everything sounds delicious but the sample plates pack the most punch. I love plantains so having those figure prominently, with delicious rice and plant based chicken, is perfect. The service is incredibly fast and easy, and being at Saluhall, you get to take advantage of other vendors and a full a bar. It felt a little quiet on a Friday night but places like Casa Borinquena definitely make it a destination for me. Go now if you've been waiting. Casa Borinquena is not to be missed.

    Wepa! Casa Borinquena is anything but boring. Puerto Rican vegan food with all the flavors is far…read morefrom your typical mall food. Saluhall has two floors of food options. Definitely go upstairs and explore Casa Borinquena. If you're wondering what Market Street has to offer, duck inside IKEA. There are many seating areas. Yes, in addition to IKEA's viral food court, there's so much more. Saluhall opened with all-vegan vendors but things have shifted back to meat and dairy. Case Borinquena is the last standing all-vegan stall. This is Caribbean soul food and it's so good. If you're looking for a salad or something light, this is not for you. This food will fill you up and leave you wanting more. Loaded Tostones is pumped up with nacho-ish toppings. Served with a thick and tasty mama sauce. I was dunking everything into that sauce. I opted for the side of tostones because I was craving the crunchy plantain. It was crisp perfection! Lulu's Famous Pastelillo filled with vegan beef or chicken was another winner for me. The dough was fried perfectly and I loved the chicken filling flavor. Chef's kiss. Coquito cake is on the menu! If you love eggnog, get this right now. I want to return for the sampler plate. At $20, it's cheaper than a flight to Puerto Rico. Pro-tip: first hour of parking is free!

    Photos
    Some of our menu favorites
    Some of our menu favorites
    Casa Borinquena
    Vegan chick'n pastelillo. Yummy!

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    Vegan chick'n pastelillo. Yummy!
    Doña Aida's Empanadas

    Doña Aida's Empanadas

    4.8
    (24 reviews)
    10.5 km
    $

    Overall subpar flavors and absolutely not worth the long wait…read more I came across this vendor through a festival unfortunately they are not equipped to meet the demands of event goers. Hopefully their catering is better. Waited over an hour for empanadas, rice and plantains. The food was sadly overcooked, skimpy and not worth the cost. I do think with some operational improvements they may be able to overcome their current obstacles.

    I tried empanadas from Dona Aida's at the Latin Food Festival in San Jose. My personal opinion is…read morethat it provides the best experience when you use them for catering and a reasonable experience when you try them at an event like a festival. I ordered both the crab and Cuban empanadas when I visited them at the San Jose Latin Food Festival. Their empanadas are made-to-order, which is great in theory as you know they are fresh but also resulted in waiting almost 30-45 minutes. The empanadas were definitely tasty but not necessarily worth the long wait. Now I should mention that the festival itself was a complete flop (if I could write a review, it would be two stars)... besides this place, there was literally one other taco truck and a Puerto Rican food stall. There were quite a few people in attendance at this festival that were literally all split in terms of waiting in line between these three places. I'll give Dona Aida's the benefit of the doubt and that they may have just been overwhelmed with the crowd hence the long wait time. However, I should note that I also caught a glimpse of this place at the Latin Food Festival in Oakland (much more successfully put together than the festival in San Jose) and they seemed to be backed up there as well. Once again, the empanadas from here were delicious and had I picked up my order immediately, I would have given a five star review, but it does seem like they are best used for pre-orders/catering rather than made-to-order at an event.

    Photos
    Doña Aida's Empanadas
    Doña Aida's Empanadas
    Doña Aida's Empanadas

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    Boriqua Kitchen - foodtrucks - Updated June 2026

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