Tai Er Sichuan Cuisine Opens at Valley Fair Bringing Signature Wok Magic to Silicon Valley

Food lovers throughout the South Bay eagerly anticipate the grand opening of Tai Er Sichuan Cuisine at Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara. This marks the brand's second Bay Area location following its successful debut in San Mateo, and it promises to elevate the already thriving dining options right in the backyard of San Jose.

Since launching in 2015, Tai Er has built a global reputation with over 500 locations by obsessing over details like its hallmark 23-day house-fermented sauerkraut fish. The new Valley Fair outpost will deliver that same commitment to bold, nuanced flavors in a modern setting designed for sharing.

The spacious restaurant features an open kitchen where skilled chefs execute high-heat wok dishes that capture authentic smokiness and aroma. Standouts on the expanded menu include location-exclusive creations such as lime-glazed sweet and sour shrimp and truffle vegetarian fried rice with mushrooms and seasonal vegetables. Diners will also savor wok-seared black pepper beef, house special beef fried rice, fresh appetizers, and desserts like fried mochi cubes served with ice cream.

The grand opening is currently slated for the weekend of May 1st. I'm planning to do a full review around mid-May.

San Jose’s Hot Pot Scene Heats Up with Mumu’s Arrival

San Jose just gained a new reason to gather around the table with the opening of Mumu Hot Pot at Westfield Oakridge. The new restaurant already started welcoming guests this week at 925 Blossom Hill Road, Suite 1515. This is Mumu’s sixth Bay Area location—joining spots in San Francisco, Foster City, Sunnyvale, Pleasanton, and Emeryville.

Mumu stands out with its hands-on approach to dining. You start by picking a soup base—maybe the fiery Sichuan, the earthy mushroom miso, or the warm tomato option—then layer in premium ingredients like Angus beef short rib, sliced lamb shoulder, or shrimp paste. Add Napa cabbage, enoki mushrooms, or winter melon, and you’ve got a meal tailored to your taste. Vegetarians and halal diners aren’t left out either, with plenty of options to keep everyone satisfied. The modern space, decked out with natural materials and seating that works for solo lunches or big groups, makes it a spot worth lingering in.

Beyond the food, Mumu nails the details. An easy-to-use ordering system keeps things moving, while a drink menu with tea-based beverages, draft beer, and cocktails pairs perfectly with the bold flavors simmering in your pot. With over 200 seats, it’s ready for anything from a quiet dinner to a full-on celebration. Alex Hu, the Director of Operations, shared that San Jose’s diverse community and lively energy made it an ideal fit for Mumu’s next chapter. It’s a place designed to bring people together, and it’s landing right where it belongs.

Ready to check it out? Mumu Hot Pot at Westfield Oakridge opens daily from 11:30am–2:30pm and 5:00pm–9:30pm. Swing by 925 Blossom Hill Road, Suite 1515, and keep an eye out for launch promotions dropping soon. For more details, head to www.mumuhotpot.com.