Brian, the owner, was hospitable and funny... he ensured the water kept flowing! It was a bit hot outside so, no lights were on and the fan was blowing, which kept the place cool. The food was de.lic.ous. We ordered: 1. Four beef kabob skewers 10/10 The lemongrass was esp tasty. This was my fave dish. 2. Amok: basa fish in coconut milk 10/10 6. Chicken yellow curry 10/10 12. Stir fried eggplant with tofu 10/10 13. Stir fried noodles with shrimp 10/10 1 bowl of steamed rice 10/10! Can't go wrong with any of the above. Every dish was flavorful!! Lastly, the soda (thankfully Coke products) was ONLY $1.50!!! $1.50!!! Unheard of nowadays. Take my word - this is a MUST visit restaurant. Tip: Can get busy, parking is tricky, hours are limited. read more

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One of my favorite places ever! Everything tastes amazing, the owner is so friendly & suggests the best things, the service is fast, & there's a homey vibe that always makes you feel like family. My personal favorites to get is the fish amok, shrimp salad, the skewers, & soup!!!! Highly suggest going early to get everything before they sell out/ close for the day! read more

Great food, super fast service, and the best, a server who's a smart philosopher Ordered the amok and cabbage salad, it all came out within 5 mins read more

Chez Sovan - Menu - Cambodian Near Me - San Jose, California

From the outside, it's easy to miss. No flashy sign, no trendy decor, just a modest storefront that looks like it's been there forever. Inside, it's even simpler: a handful of tables, a slightly worn menu board, and the kind of atmosphere that feels genuinely lived-in rather than designed. But the food? That's where everything changes. Every dish tastes like it's been perfected over years. Nothing is overcomplicated--just bold, honest flavors done right. You can tell the ingredients are fresh, the recipes are personal, and the portions are generous without being wasteful. It's the kind of cooking that reminds you why simple food can be the most satisfying. Service is warm and unpretentious. You're not treated like a customer passing through, but like someone they're genuinely happy to see. It might not be the fastest place in the world, but that's part of the charm--everything feels intentional, not rushed. read more

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I stopped into Chez Sovan to pick up some Amok and Beef Kabob Skewers. They changed the way, they do takeout for the Amok. It's steamed in it's own container like a frozen food dinner vs before in the nicely wrapped leaf. I didn't notice as much green curry in it like before. But, it was still delicious! Also the Beef Kabob Skewers were just as flavorful and tender like always. read more

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Nice homey meals with good pricing. It's definitely a hole in the wall but nice flavors and the owner is super nice and friendly.

This place has a warm, welcoming staff and serves great food. It's a smaller, more unassuming spot in terms of ambiance, but it has the comforting feel of eating with family. I stopped by for a weekday lunch with a friend and ordered the chicken curry. The portion was generous--perfect for sharing! read more

The best Cambodian food around! Only open from 11:30 to 1:30 Monday thru Friday so get there early. Usually all tables are filled. Brian (the owner) is a great host!!!! read more

I love this place. Unpretentious and unyielding on quality. The owners are just great - personable, welcoming, fun. Best banter in the Bay Area. The food is just so good. Fresh and expertly prepared. Arrives quickly but is still clearly made to order with all the veggies bright and crisp. Every item makes a statement. A friend introduced me to the Amok which I understand goes quickly. Its fantastic. So good I look for it when traveling. read more

If you're needing a nice home cooked meal served by the sweetest staff you need to make your way here! They have their own small parking lot right across the street, when you walk in you'll notice it's a simple/no frills restaurant. The best type of restaurant to be honest. They're only open for a few hours a day but they get BUSY! We were seated right away but there's just a constant flow of people in and out. I enjoyed the curry, ginger fish, and fish amok. Everything came out piping hot and fresh. The curry was nice and smooth with just a hint of spice. My favorite was the ginger fish. Such good flavor with the ginger, cilantro, and a bit of sweetness. Fish was nice and light. I also had the Cambodian iced coffee. Nice and strong. Most things priced at about 17 dollars a plate. Would def come back again and again! read more

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I love the food and I love that this spot is close distance to Japantown. I usually go to Sacramento for Cambodian food. I am fortunate to have a day off to make it to eat here. The Skewers reminded me of the ones I would eat at Angel Park in Stockton. The man working is awesome and I feel like I am eating at a friend's house when I am here. read more

This place has been open forever. I have been going here for the past 5 years and enjoy it every time. It was my first experience for Cambodian cuisine and I love it. It's hole in the wall, open for lunch only, Monday - Friday and it's very casual. The staff is super friendly and they love to joke around with customers. My go-to dishes are the Amok and Chicken Cabbage salad. The flavor and aromatics of the dishes are delicious and flavorful. Give this place a try! read more

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Solid food. The food was tasty and the portions for the curry were large! The amok was on the smaller side but I'd enjoyed the flavor as it was really sweet and creamy, similar to curry. I wish the dishes came with rice or that the waiter mentioned it would be extra. We didn't know that and did not ask for rice but it was brought out anyway, so we assumed that it was part of the meal. We only realized it wasn't when we got the check and saw charges for it. Not a big deal but the lack of transparency was odd. read more

Chez Sovan - Amok - Cambodian Near Me - San Jose, California

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Brian is so welcoming and warm every time we come here. Food tastes so homey and delicious. The best amok I've had and I've tried several in NY and CA. Ask for the spicy fish sauce on the side. Parking might be difficult as they don't have a designated lot. read more

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The food quality and taste were amazing! I always drove past this restaurant, but little did I know it's a gem. I knew about this place sooner, I don't even know where to start off with the dishes. They were all so delicious 10/10 food! The owner Brian is a kind man, he gave us a complimentary curry because it was our first time at his shop :'-). I'll be coming back very soon! read more

Chez Sovan - Shrimp noodles - Cambodian Near Me - San Jose, California

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This place is fire! The food, service, and vibes are on point. Get there when they open to skip the line. I got everything the owner suggested and loved it all - especially the salad and fish amok. Plus, the owner is super friendly and funny. You'll def have a good time, just like I did. read more

Chez Sovan - Fish amok - Cambodian Near Me - San Jose, California

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Love all their food. Worth the visit. Fresh and delicious. Wish they had longer hours! read more

The food is awesome for the hole in the wall. The pricing is rather expensive, but I assume everything is expensive. These days parking is a pain, but the food is amazing. read more

Chez Sovan - Best comfort Cambodian food. The owner is a hoot Pricing is expensive for a hole in the wall Parking is a pain. Food is awesome !!! - Cambodian Near Me - San Jose, California

We have been eating there from the time they opened almost 20 years ago. family owned and run. loved all dishes specially the Amois and bbq.

The sweetest family owned restaurant I've ever been to! I have an annual tradition to celebrate my birthday here every year. Uncle Brian's service & hospitality is unmatched!! Every dish is made with love and every time I come here- it reminds me of a family meal!! So comforting, simple, and bursting with a multitude of flavors. If you're familiar with southeast Asian cuisine, you know that ever dish has its' aromatics, sweet, salty, & umami profiles that create the most balanced dish. Some of my favorites: Amok, beef & chicken skewers, chicken curry, ginger fish, cabbage chicken salad, and stir fried green beans with shrimp. Don't forget to try the Cambodian iced coffee as well hehe. read more

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No pretense, no fancy stuff, but pure good food! We had the curry chicken. It was perfectly flavored with a little kick of hot/spiciness to it. A bit soupy but it's good as we ordered our second bowl of rice! The amok fish was delicious and tasty along with the beef and chicken kebab. As a first-timer into this Cambodian restaurant, I'd say the food here is pretty much authentic. The service is prompt considering the owner was the "one man band" at the time we were there. He's pretty humorous and friendly too which made us feel like we've known him for years! The price and portion are just right. I pay for good food. Ambiance is pretty modest. Sits in a corner within a busy intersection of Old Oakland Rd. Make sure to be there on time since they're only open for lunch from 11-1:30, Monday - Friday. Closed on the weekends. I will go back there again once my cravings kick in. read more

I grew up in this area 50+ years ago. There used to be a coffee shop back in the day. This place is a 100% improvement. I tried the Amok. I was not ready for the texture and taste. The fish is in a light mousse that soaks up the sauce and leaves a nice mouth feel. I added a little bit of chili and that just took the dish over the edge. It comes with rice that makes a great bite. I don't know if I will try the other dishes because the Amok blew my mind read more

This was our first time to Chez Sovan Cambodian Cuisine on Oakland Rd. We had the Amok fish, Yellow Curry, and chicken and beef skewers. Everything was very tasty. The yellow curry was delicious. Overall, an enjoyable lunch. read more

Been going to Chez Sovan for years. Fun small spot only open for lunch. Neighborhood looks rough (don't let it scare you away) and parking is a bit tight, but well worth a visit. Beef skewerz finally back on the menu! They had to cut back the menu over Covid, so hopefully they are doing better now. My gotos are the skewerz (tender, slightly sweet, smoky char), amok (soft steamed fish cake) and ginger fish (sweet sauce with ginger notes, crispy fish with ground meat). All excellent and flavorful. Freshly cooked (you can hear the sound of cooking in a wok and smell the delicious BBQ) and I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. Food never disappoints and staff is very friendly and the guy (owner) is always cracking jokes. This place is an awesome neighborhood spot that is a gem. Try them out! read more

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Satisfying my craving---The famous Amok - Basa fish fillet marinated in coconut milk , kaffir lime leaves, curry..... read more

Chez Sovan - So good that I ended up ordering Togo for dinner :) - Cambodian Near Me - San Jose, California

Chez Sovan is literally a diamond in the rough! It's located in a meh area but the food is out of this world!!! If you work nearby or are able to make the trek out, I'd highly recommend this place. I've been going here for YEARS. Everything on the menu is delicious, but if you don't have the stomach or extra mouths to get everything, I'd recommend ordering the beef skewers and fish amok. You will not be disappointed! If you're dining in, ask for the fresh chili. It has a kick so you've been forwarned. During COVID, I was really worried about this place closing down, so I hope if you're reading this and haven't been to Chez Sovan, you'll give them a chance. The food is good and the people are kind. Let's keep this place open! read more

Phenomenal hole in the wall restaurant that has never failed to bring absolute taste bud joy! Their skewers are mind blowingly amazing, but all their dishes are absolutely top notch. Amok, string beans, ginger fish, chicken curry rice, haven't had anything we don't like. We get takeout from here regularly and all our friends and family love it too! They have limited kitchen staff so recommend calling ahead to check what's on the menu that day if you have a specific dish in mind -- sometimes they only have one type of skewer or one of the stir fry dishes isn't available. read more

I'm a regular here for a reason -- The food is fresh, authentic and SO delicious (i'm addicted to the amok!). Brian, the owner, is an absolute delight. He makes you feel like family every time you walk in and there is just something so special about this small family run restaurant that I'm always craving my next visit. The ambiance is basic and the location isn't my favorite, but that never stops me from rushing in to grab a table because this has easily topped the list as one of my favorite lunch spots :) read more

Chez Sovan is one of those hidden gems that you cannot afford to miss out on. I was getting some work done on my car and wanted to grab a bite to eat while I wait. Just so happened to walk past this place and a single whiff of their elegant aroma pulled me in. Ordered their chicken curry take-out and was out the door in less than 5 minutes. It was DELICIOUS and they definitely do not skimp on the protein. Brian is a wonderful human and I was taken aback at how many jokes he can fit into a 60-second timeframe. Had me leaving the restaurant with a smile on my face. 10/10 in all aspects, if I could give more than 5 stars I would. read more

Chez Sovan - Front entrance - Cambodian Near Me - San Jose, California

I used to love this place. They had some of the best cambodian food in 20 Cambodian restaurants I had visited. Their Amok was exceptional. The atmosphere was never great but the food and service made up for it. Unfortunately their amok is now awful. Watery rather than custardy, way too sweet, and not as much herbs as previously. The menu is way shortened as well. Must have changed chefs. read more

I am so glad they survived the pandemic. Been coming here for years and the owner is always so friendly. The amok is to die for, it's always a must have. The salad with shrimp is super flavourful and perfectly tossed. Chicken skewer and chicken curry are also good dishes. Curry is on the sweeter side and not spicy. They are only open during lunch on weekdays. Heads up, street parking is usually horrible. read more

I popped in to Chez Sovan to have some curry. I ordered the tofu curry. My friend had the chicken curry. Hers was way better. Everything about the tofu curry was excellent, except the texture of the tofu was a little too firm i thought. I'll give it a 4 out of 5. The chicken curry, on the other hand, deserves a 5 out of 5. The texture of the chicken was perfect. What else was great about Chez Sovan? The unpretentious vibes and the friendly owner, who kept our water glasses full during this heatwave. I'll definitely be back to try some other menu offerings. read more

Chez Sovan - curry - Cambodian Near Me - San Jose, California

Either I haven't been here in five years or I forgot to write a review last time. No matter, we arrived at 11:30 on Thursday morning and there was only one table in use at the time. It was like visiting a favorite cousins home. We were greeted and told to grab any table. Although I don't know my cousins name, all the other yelpers seem to call him Brian so I'll join in. Brian is a laid-back, easy-going guy with a big heart and a crazy sense of humor. He gave us set-ups, menus and plastic tumblers of his FREE WATER! ALL WE COULD DRINK AT NO CHARGE! I don't understand how anyone can possibly be so generous! The menu is a little smaller than past visits. I saw on one review that it was due to COVID. It make sense because that allows Brian to focus on fewer dishes and potentially cuts his labor and supply costs. Not to worry, we still got enough to eat. We ordered: Cabbage Salad with Prawns - 5 - A deliciously dressed salad served cold with some prawns. Curry Chicken - 5 - Very simple Chicken, Carrot, Potato Curry with Coconut Milk. A balanced heat and sweet sauce that was perfect for the rice to soak up. Ginger Fish - 4 - The fish was good but after the Amok, less than spectacular. So much so that I even forgot to take a picture of it when it came out. Amok - 5 - So long as I get Amok and Curry, I'm a happy diner. Those are my two must have dishes and he does occasionally run out of Amok. Brian's a cool guy. The restaurant has been around since 1987. If you want to eat here, I highly recommend you arrive before 11:45 to beat any lunch rush. You don't have to worry about dinner because Chez Sovan is only open from about 11:00 to about 1:00, maybe 1:30. And that's only Monday through Friday. Yes, he makes a living being open 10 to 12.5 hours a week! read more

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A friendly environment. My family really enjoyed Amok dish. The owner was fun to talk with. I would recommend this place if you're looking for delicious Cambodian foods in the area. read more

Chez Sovan - Ginger Fish & Shrimp Salad - Cambodian Near Me - San Jose, California

Food is absolutely delicious! Their cook is out but the limited menu they have has a bit of everything and was still great. We ordered the beef skewers, amok and the #6 chicken coconut curry. I want e more beef skewers but I'll be back. Service was great, food came out quick and I'm assuming he is the owner had time to talk to us and everyone else. There were only two staff members running the lunch hours. Ambiance is quite deceiving from the outside but when you go in there's plenty of spacious and plenty of seating. Limited hours and parking isn't the greatest but honestly it's worth it. read more

Ive been a frequent customer over the years and while the food is still good I feel the value has gone down. I get it times are tougher. Food prices are higher thus prices are higher. The only thing that bothers me is that when the prices increase but the portions are reduced. I always order the crispy fish dish and for paying nearly $20 the portion you get is only enough for 1 person (Its not even 1 filet side of a fish you get). Mind you the fish is not the greatest of quality. It's just a fried swai/basa filet which you can buy a bag a a local market for 12-15 bucks and it has 4-5 double filets. read more

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The location is a bit sketchy but once inside, not bad. Ordered and received food quickly. Had skewers, amok and cabbage salad. All three dishes were fabulous. Service was great, owner Brian was entertaining as well. read more

LOVE this place! First time and not the last- recommended the cabbage salad- it was delicious!! And the fish wrapped in the leaf amazing, too! Highly recommend this spot! read more

I've eaten at Chez Sovan several times now, but never wrote a review. It's a small hole in the wall, mom and pop Cambodian restaurant, but it is sooooooo cold. It might not be in the best area and from the outside it might look a little sketchy, but don't let this deter you! Chez Sovan was my first experience with Cambodian food and I love everything I've tried so far. I've tried several of their dishes and they were all good, but the one dish that changed my life and has me coming back again and again is their amok! I order it every time I come here. I like to call ahead to order their amok, pick it up, and head back to the office to eat a quick lunch. What I really love about Chez Sovan is the gentlemen that works there. He is such a charismatic person with a huge personality with the best sense of humor. He puts you in a good mood every time! read more

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What rocked my world: - chicken, pork, & beef skewers: these are crazy good flavorful and are bbq skewers done right. The kind where you only find at a family friend's backyard bbq in the hood - Amok: was so excited to undress this baby and she unveiled extremely steamy & piping hot. The fog-up-your-glasses kinda hot when you peel back each layer. She is very tasty, I recommend pairing with some rice Owned by a local couple Brian and Maggie, I love yelp for allowing me to discover & support awesome local businesses like this one. The food is delicious and affordable, the only catch is their narrow operating hours from 11AM-1:30PM M-F only. Had to ask Brian why their open hours are so short, he shared that his personal belief system is that he shouldn't work more than 2 hours a day-- this is a smart man, I admire that. Food so good, it's worth opting for a work from home day to make the hours for lunch. Marking this one as a must-return-to read more