Experience the bold taste of Indo-Pak Culture. Where the fire of the Lahori Wok meets the tradition of the Indian Clay Oven. Strictly Zabiha Halal. Always Fresh.
Welcome to Pepper Tales (formerly Swaad). We have evolved our menu to bring San Jose a complete Indo-Pak experience. We believe you shouldn’t have to choose between rich, creamy North Indian curries and sizzling, wok-cooked Pakistani spice.
At Pepper Tales, we master both. Our chefs command the Clay Oven (Tandoor) for smoky Tandoori Chicken and fresh Naan, while simultaneously firing up the Karahi for our signature Lamb & Chicken specialties.
Strictly 100% Zabiha Halal. Always Fresh. Never Compromised.
Quality isn’t just a buzzword at Pepper Tales; it is our vow to you. We take pride in sourcing our meat exclusively from Farmers Fresh, ensuring that what we serve in our Japantown kitchen is exactly what we would feed our own families. Every cut is Zabiha Halal, 100% organic, and raised without antibiotics or hormones. Whether you are visiting from nearby San Jose State University (SJSU) or ordering a family dinner, you can taste the difference of mindful sourcing. We don’t just bring you the highest quality Indo-Pak cuisine in San Jose; we contribute to sustainable farming practices with every plate. Pure. Fresh. Ethical.
Basic basmati rice cooked with cumin seeds, bay leaf and butter
Assorted veggies cooked in tikka creamy sauce.
Andreas NikolaiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Favorite local place for any cuisine, the spice is a little inconsistent but the food is always so delicious regardless, never disappointed, had everything on the menu at least twice Ahmed KhanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very tasty and yummy food fernando solorioTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great tasting Food! Rana SultanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great food A SaleemTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is hands down the best zabhiha halal food in the Bay Area. We absolutely love their Chennai-style chicken biryani and chicken tikka masala. The service was warm and friendly, and their chai was also delicious. Highly recommend! Muslim RaziTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were a group of 6, and the service and seating were fantastic. The naan was good quality, and the seafood curry was tasty. The spice level was a little on the milder side but you can request more spicy. We had gulab jamun for dessert and it was warm, fresh, and tasted superbly.Google rating score: 4.1 of 5, based on 799 reviews
From the Clay Oven to the Karahi. We serve 100% Zabiha Halal, organic meats and fresh vegetables. The perfect authentic lunch or dinner for our Japantown and SJSU neighbors.
Experience the true hospitality of Pepper Tales beyond our Japantown dining room. We specialize in bringing hot, fresh Indo-Pak cuisine to offices near the Santa Clara County Civic Center, campus events at SJSU, and family gatherings across the South Bay. Whether it’s a corporate box lunch or a full wedding banquet, we handle it with precision. Skip the third-party markups—ordering directly supports our kitchen and guarantees you the best price.
Allergy Disclaimer Update “Allergy Assurance: We take food safety seriously. From Gluten-Free curries to Nut-Free preparation, please inform our team of your dietary needs so we can serve you safely.
We are known for Tawa Masala Fish, DilSe Bread Pakora (4 Pcs), Chicken Soup, Indian Salad, Tandoori Chicken (1 Pc), Chicken Tikka Kebab, Creamy Afghani Chicken, Jeera Rice, Murg Prada Biryani, Lamb Biryani, Seafood Biryani, Chicken Fried rice, Veg Fried Rice, Chicken Hakka Noodles, Veg Hakka Noodles, Chana Dhal, Maa Ki Dal Makhani, Saag Paneer, Saag Aloo, Aloo Gobi, Veggie Masala, Malai Kofta, Veggie Bhindi, Garlic Chili Fish, Karahi Murgh, Chicken Saag, Chicken Vindaloo, Karahi Lamb, Lamb Saag, Lamb Vindaloo, Lamb Korma, Lamb Tikka Masala.
We serve our delicious lunch menu and our exquisite dinner menu
Yes, we offer convenient delivery service and quick takeout service