Lee’s Kitchen in Santa Clara stands out as a culinary gem, offering an extraordinary fusion of traditional Asian flavors with a modern twist. The restaurant has crafted a menu that balances authentic recipes with innovative dishes, appealing to both longtime fans of Asian cuisine and newcomers eager to explore bold tastes.
Known for its warm ambiance and attentive service, Lee’s Kitchen delights guests with an array of choices that satisfy diverse palates, from savory appetizers to hearty entrees and delectable desserts.
Whether you’re craving the comforting warmth of a classic noodle soup or the vibrant zest of a freshly prepared stir-fry, the menu promises a memorable dining experience.
Beyond just food, Lee’s Kitchen emphasizes quality ingredients and meticulous preparation, ensuring each dish bursts with flavor and freshness. The menu is thoughtfully categorized to guide diners effortlessly through their options, highlighting specialties that showcase the chef’s expertise and the cultural heritage behind each recipe.
This commitment to excellence makes Lee’s Kitchen a must-visit spot in Santa Clara for food enthusiasts eager to indulge in authentic yet inventive Asian cuisine.
Appetizers: A Flavorful Beginning
The appetizers at Lee’s Kitchen Santa Clara set the tone for an exciting meal. These small plates are crafted to tease the palate with a variety of textures and flavors, offering a perfect introduction to the restaurant’s culinary style.
From crispy spring rolls to savory dumplings, the starters emphasize freshness and balanced seasoning.
Among the popular choices, the Vietnamese Spring Rolls are a standout, filled with fresh herbs, shrimp, and vermicelli noodles wrapped in rice paper. The accompanying dipping sauce adds a tangy and slightly sweet complement, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.
Another favorite is the Pan-fried Pork Dumplings, which feature a crispy bottom and tender, juicy filling made from a blend of seasoned pork and vegetables.
Vegetarian options are thoughtfully included, such as the Tofu Satay Skewers, marinated in a rich peanut sauce that brings out an earthy, nutty flavor. These dishes not only cater to diverse dietary preferences but also showcase Lee’s Kitchen’s dedication to quality and authenticity.
Appetizer Highlights
- Vietnamese Spring Rolls: Fresh, light, and served with a house-made dipping sauce
- Pan-fried Pork Dumplings: Crispy texture with savory pork filling
- Tofu Satay Skewers: Perfect for vegetarians, infused with peanut sauce
- Golden Crab Rangoon: Creamy crab filling wrapped in crispy wonton
“A perfect appetizer prepares your taste buds for the journey ahead, and Lee’s Kitchen’s starters do just that—with flavors that excite and textures that satisfy.”
Soups and Salads: Fresh and Nourishing
Lee’s Kitchen offers a range of soups and salads designed to refresh and comfort. These dishes are crafted with fresh ingredients and traditional broths, often featuring herbs and spices that enhance their warming and cleansing qualities.
They provide excellent options for lighter meals or as complements to heartier dishes.
The Pho Bo, a classic Vietnamese beef noodle soup, stands out with its rich broth simmered for hours using beef bones and aromatic spices. The bowl is generously garnished with fresh basil, lime, bean sprouts, and jalapeños, inviting diners to customize the flavor to their liking.
For those seeking a lighter alternative, the Green Papaya Salad offers a crisp, tangy experience, combining shredded papaya, peanuts, and a zesty lime dressing.
Another notable item is the Hot and Sour Soup, a harmonious balance of spicy, sour, and savory notes, packed with mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots. These wholesome options demonstrate Lee’s Kitchen’s mastery of creating dishes that nourish the body while exciting the senses.
Comparative Soup Options
| Soup | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Spice Level |
| Pho Bo | Beef, rice noodles, herbs | Rich, aromatic, savory | Mild |
| Hot and Sour Soup | Mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots | Spicy, tangy, umami | Medium |
| Tom Yum Soup | Shrimp, lemongrass, lime | Spicy, sour, fragrant | High |
Main Courses: Signature Dishes
The main course offerings at Lee’s Kitchen represent the heart of the menu, showcasing a diverse array of protein choices and cooking styles. These dishes are made with fresh ingredients and authentic spices, designed to deliver satisfying and memorable meals.
From stir-fries to grilled specialties, the menu caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
The Five-Spice Crispy Duck is a signature dish, featuring tender duck with a perfectly crispy skin, glazed in a five-spice sauce that balances sweetness and savory depth. Another highlight is the Garlic Chili Basil Chicken, a fiery and aromatic stir-fry that pairs tender chicken with fresh basil leaves and a punchy chili sauce.
Seafood lovers will appreciate the Thai Green Curry with Shrimp, a creamy and fragrant curry made with coconut milk, fresh herbs, and just the right amount of heat. Vegetarians are not left behind, as dishes like the Stir-fried Tofu with Mixed Vegetables are packed with flavor and texture, making them equally satisfying.
Main Course Features
- Five-Spice Crispy Duck: Crispy skin with aromatic five-spice glaze
- Garlic Chili Basil Chicken: Spicy, fragrant stir-fry with fresh basil
- Thai Green Curry with Shrimp: Creamy and spicy coconut curry
- Stir-fried Tofu with Mixed Vegetables: Flavorful vegetarian option
“The main courses at Lee’s Kitchen are a celebration of authentic Asian flavors, crafted with passion and precision to delight every diner.”
Noodle and Rice Dishes: Comfort in Every Bite
Noodles and rice form the backbone of many Asian cuisines, and Lee’s Kitchen elevates these staples with creative and flavorful preparations. These dishes are hearty and comforting, perfect for sharing or enjoying as a fulfilling solo meal.
Each plate is carefully balanced with proteins, vegetables, and sauces that complement the base ingredients.
The Pad Thai is a crowd favorite, featuring stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, tofu, eggs, and crushed peanuts, all tossed in a tangy tamarind sauce. The dish strikes a perfect harmony between sweet, sour, and savory notes.
For a more robust option, the Beef Chow Fun offers wide rice noodles stir-fried with tender beef slices, bean sprouts, and scallions.
Lee’s Kitchen also offers a selection of fried rice dishes, including the Yang Chow Fried Rice, which combines shrimp, char siu pork, peas, and scrambled eggs. These dishes reflect the restaurant’s commitment to tradition while adding subtle innovations that enhance flavor and texture.
Noodle and Rice Menu Highlights
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Notes | Recommended Pairing |
| Pad Thai | Rice noodles, shrimp, tofu, peanuts | Sweet, sour, savory | Light beer or jasmine tea |
| Beef Chow Fun | Wide rice noodles, beef, bean sprouts | Umami, smoky, slightly sweet | Red wine or iced tea |
| Yang Chow Fried Rice | Shrimp, char siu, peas, eggs | Savory, aromatic | Green tea or lager |
Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Thoughtful and Delicious
Understanding the importance of catering to all dietary preferences, Lee’s Kitchen boasts an impressive selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. These options are crafted to ensure that plant-based diners enjoy meals as flavorful and satisfying as their meat-eating counterparts.
The use of fresh vegetables, tofu, and carefully balanced sauces is a hallmark of this section.
The Vegan Stir-fried Eggplant is a popular choice, featuring tender eggplant cooked with garlic, chili, and a rich soy-based sauce. Another standout is the Vegetarian Pho, which substitutes traditional beef broth with a flavorful mushroom and vegetable stock, accompanied by a bounty of fresh herbs and rice noodles.
Salads such as the Mango Avocado Salad provide a refreshing and light option, combining sweet mango, creamy avocado, and crunchy greens with a tangy citrus dressing. These dishes highlight how Lee’s Kitchen elevates vegetarian and vegan cuisine beyond the ordinary.
Key Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes
- Vegan Stir-fried Eggplant: Bold flavors with garlic and chili
- Vegetarian Pho: Hearty broth with fresh herbs and rice noodles
- Mango Avocado Salad: Refreshing and light with citrus dressing
- Tofu Satay: Grilled tofu with peanut sauce
“Lee’s Kitchen proves that vegetarian and vegan dishes can be just as vibrant and indulgent as any other, showcasing the true versatility of Asian cuisine.”
Desserts: Sweet Endings to Savor
To conclude the meal on a delightful note, Lee’s Kitchen offers a variety of desserts that balance sweetness with traditional Asian flavors. These treats are thoughtfully prepared to provide a satisfying finish without overwhelming the palate.
From creamy coconut-based sweets to light and refreshing fruit dishes, the dessert menu caters to diverse tastes.
The Mango Sticky Rice is a beloved classic, featuring sweet sticky rice paired with ripe mango slices and drizzled with rich coconut milk. Another tempting choice is the Fried Banana with Honey, which offers a crispy exterior and soft, warm interior, enhanced by a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
For those who prefer something lighter, the Chilled Lychee Jelly provides a refreshing and subtly sweet option, perfect for cleansing the palate after a flavorful meal. These desserts reflect Lee’s Kitchen’s dedication to authenticity and quality through every course.
Popular Desserts
- Mango Sticky Rice: Sweet and creamy with fresh mango
- Fried Banana with Honey: Crispy and warm with honey drizzle
- Chilled Lychee Jelly: Light, refreshing, and subtly sweet
- Green Tea Ice Cream: Smooth, slightly bitter, perfect balance
Beverages: Complementary and Refreshing Options
Lee’s Kitchen’s beverage menu is carefully curated to complement the rich and varied flavors of the food. Offering a range of traditional Asian drinks alongside modern favorites, the selection enhances the dining experience by balancing or accentuating the dishes.
The Thai Iced Tea is a popular choice, with its sweet, creamy texture and distinctive orange hue. It pairs beautifully with the spicy and savory elements of the menu.
For those seeking something more refreshing, Jasmine Green Tea offers a delicate floral note and cleansing properties that prepare the palate for each course.
Alcoholic options include a selection of Asian beers, sake, and carefully chosen wines that match well with various dishes. Soft drinks and fresh fruit juices round out the offerings, ensuring that every guest finds a beverage suited to their taste.
Beverage Pairing Suggestions
| Beverage | Best Paired With | Flavor Notes |
| Thai Iced Tea | Spicy dishes, stir-fries | Sweet, creamy, aromatic |
| Jasmine Green Tea | Soups, light appetizers | Floral, refreshing |
| Asian Lager | Grilled meats, fried rice | Crisp, clean, light |
| Sake | Seafood, sushi-style dishes | Subtle, smooth, fruity |
“The right beverage can elevate a meal from good to unforgettable, and Lee’s Kitchen understands this perfectly with their thoughtfully paired drinks menu.”
Conclusion
Lee’s Kitchen in Santa Clara offers a menu that is both a celebration of Asian culinary traditions and an exploration of innovative flavors and techniques. Every section of the menu—from appetizers to desserts—showcases a dedication to quality, authenticity, and customer satisfaction.
The diverse selection ensures that every diner, regardless of preference or dietary need, can find something delightful and fulfilling.
The thoughtful balance of classic dishes and unique interpretations speaks to the restaurant’s passion for food and culture. Whether indulging in the crispy textures of the Five-Spice Duck, savoring the comforting warmth of Pho, or enjoying the refreshing vibrancy of vegetarian options, patrons are treated to a culinary journey that is rich, satisfying, and authentic.
Ultimately, Lee’s Kitchen is more than just a place to eat; it is a destination for those who appreciate the art of Asian cuisine done right. The menu’s careful curation and execution make every meal here a memorable experience, inviting guests to return again and again to discover new favorites and savor beloved classics.
