As a San Jose native, I’ve been accustomed to eating diverse Asian cuisines. As I became a part of our “Raft,” I quickly realized these sorts of delicacies are hidden gems in the Marina and Seaside area.
After my year-long exploration, a few have become my go-to-spots to satisfy my cravings. If you’re looking for authentic flavorful places to frequent, these are my prime recommendations:
Baan Thai Restaurant
This Thai restaurant offers reasonably priced, family style entrees—perfect for students on a budget, but miss a home-cooked meal.
If you’re used to eating similar ethnic dishes that have spice and tanginess, Baan Thai guarantees this experience 100%. Their menu includes an assortment of entrees: soups, curries, noodle dishes (like my favorite, Pad See Ew) and more. Even if you’re not familiar with that sort of palette, this is one of the best places to appreciate and try genuine, traditional cuisine.
Besides providing a sense of comfort in taste, customers also feel that in its warm aesthetic. Its homey, cozy interior simulates what it feels like stepping into a grandmother’s home. Plants line the store-front, wooden tables fill the dining area, dainty curtains frame the windows and a cultural altar that adds a personal touch to the space.
My first impression of this place was how immediately comfortable it felt. From the flavors to the welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant creates a sense of home that makes you want to stay a while. So for anyone looking for more than just a meal, Baan Thai gives Thai food with a side of comfort.
1760 Fremont Boulevard Suite #F1, Seaside, CA 93955
Maido Sushi Cafe
If you’re a connoisseur of Japanese snacks and beverages, this is the place for you. Maido has a wide selection of sushi, matcha, hojicha, onigiris and more on the go Japanese treats.
And for students, location is everything. With Maido being in Marina, this means the complex is only a 10-minute drive or a short bus ride away for some umami goodness.
I especially love their limited specials like chashu, shredded pork belly bowls when I need a savory, fulfilling meal. Or their seaweed salads that leave you feeling healthy and refreshed.
And as an avid matcha lover, I thoroughly suggest trying their mango matcha latte or their birthday cake matchas for a real sweet treat; keeping you energetic and productive for the rest of the day.
265 Reservation Road Unit U, Marina, CA 93933
New Korea Restaurant
A hole-in-the-wall restaurant that I celebrate for its generous portions and customary homestyle Korean food.
When Korean food is mentioned, many typically think of the expensive Korean barbeque experience. However, with New Korea they cater more toward comfort food within the cuisine.
As a student mindful of her finances, I most especially love how New Korea keeps the traditional standard of unlimited banchan, with no extra fees. Banchan are the small side dishes that include: fermented vegetables, fishcakes, potatoes and seasoned vegetables. In my experience, charging extra for multiple servings of banchan has become the norm among many Korean restaurants, so it’s nice to encounter a spot that has not adopted this practice.
If you’re interested in a hearty meal, I highly recommend their bibimbap. It’s a sizable bowl of mixed ingredients: rice, fried egg, gochujang (spicy red chili paste), meat and various vegetables. While it is a simple dish, it packs a punch with flavor and texture—leaving you full, but not feeling overly heavy.
Like Baan Thai, this restaurant welcomes sharing entrees with up to three people because of their large portion sizes, making you feel more full and your wallet less empty.
300-D Carmel Avenue, Marina, CA 93933
Hong’s Oriental Market
Conveniently right across from the New Korea Restaurant is this Asian-based market, where you’re able to purchase almost anything for your everyday cooking needs.
Despite not being a dine-in place like the rest of the suggested venues, I find this shop to be important when I want to take a break from the same food offered at school and cook meals that satisfy my needs.
Since 1979, this family business has specialized in making homemade banchans and giving those interested in Asian groceries a haven to find familiar ingredients and recreate the comforting flavors of home.
302 Carmel Avenue Suite B, Marina, CA 93933