Zao Noodle Bar - Bargain Bites
www.zaonoodle.com
261 University Avenue, Palo Alto
5614 Bay Street, Suite 234, Emeryville
Zao Noodle Bar is great for lunch, dinner, or takeout. They have hearty soups including pho and my personal favorite - Coconut Chicken and Lemongrass (aka Thom Kha Kai). The portions are hearty and it's pretty difficult to eat it all in one sitting so you can pack up a doggie bag and you'll have lunch for tomorrow too. I also enjoy the Zao Tofu Fries that come with 3 different sauces - spicy peanute, tamarind ginger, and chili garlic.
Be ware though, most items on the menu are pretty spicy. They rate the spicy items with either 1 or 2 firecrackers. I'd like to think I can handle a bit of a kick, but even 1 firecracker for me is pretty hot. Some items can be prepared mild, but the soup broth is made in batch so can't be altered. Just order a Thai Iced Tea and you'll be golden.
