Bò bía — Vietnamese jicama spring rolls with peanut sauce — is a Little Saigon specialty. Unlike the common gỏi cuốn, bò bía is specifically defined by its jicama filling and hoisin-peanut dip, and San Jose's Central Vietnamese restaurants serve some of the best versions in America.
Nem Restaurant top-pick
Mon-Sun 11AM-9PM
Named for the Vietnamese word for taste, this elevated Vietnamese kitchen takes fresh rolls seriously. Their rice paper expertise shows in their bo bia — tightly rolled with crisp jicama, herbs, and balanced peanut sauce.
HUE Restaurant best-value
Mon-Sun 10AM-9PM
Central Vietnamese specialists whose fresh rolls are a staple of Hue dining. Their bun bo Hue is celebrated, but their traditional fresh rolls with jicama, herbs, and pork are exactly what bo bia calls for. The most authentic source for this dish.
Champa Kitchen hidden-gem
Mon-Sun 11AM-9PM
One of San Jose's highest-rated Vietnamese restaurants, with spring rolls among customer favorites. Their central Vietnamese and Lao-influenced kitchen means traditional jicama and herb fillings done right.