HEALTHY ETHNIC
HOM KOREAN
KITCHEN
With Korean food having become
trendy recently, it was inevitable that a
fast casual, build-your-own spot would
emerge, with HOM in San Jose being
the first of what will likely become
a chain of freshness-focused, wellpriced
dining spots. Korean cuisine is
famous for its grilled meats and spicy
fermented kimchi, with both well represented
here. Choices of rice, grains
or veggies are topped with proteins
like firecracker pork, braised beef or
barbecued chicken, then three banchan
are added, which translates to
“side dishes” but here includes various
kimchees and prepared vegetables.
Naturally, vegan and gluten-intolerant
diners can find plenty to enjoy. Guests
rave about the soft, flavorful braised
beef, short ribs and Korean steak, with
the banchan adding extra flavor to a
bowl full of healthy, filling food. Try the
homemade ginger ale or for the adventurous,
mix it with soju, a potent, vodkalike
liquor. San Jose, 408/703-4777. hom
koreankitchen.com
August/September 2017 89
HEALTHY ETHNIC
ASIAN BOX
Another build-your-own-in-a-bowl concept,
this little chain launched in 2011 in
Palo Alto and has met with great success,
serving sort of Vietnamese but
actually pan-Asian food featuring lots
of fresh ingredients. Guests pick a base
(rice, noodles or greens), a protein, toppings—
all seven can be included—that
range from pickled vegetables to scallion
oil and crispy shallots, then select
a sauce. Scrupulously sourced ingredients
and compostable packaging resonate
with the usually young patrons,
who can opt for combinations chosen
by the chef, such as the filling “ox box,”
layering rice, two scoops of garlicglazed
beef, tossed veggies, all the toppings,
caramel egg, sriracha and “Asian
street dust,” a fiery, sweet, well-spiced
concoction. Visitors marvel at the restaurant’s
ability to cook meats to such
a perfect level of doneness and like the
Vietnamese iced coffee that’s available,
although the guava kombucha gets the
biggest nods. San Jose, 408/441-0442;
Palo Alto, 650/391-9305; Mountain View,
650/584-3947; Burlingame, 650/315-
2582. asianbox.com
FROM TOP: COURTESY OF ASIAN BOX; ALBERT LAW
The Ox
Box
Korean
BBQ Bowl
