SAN JOSE’S PREMIER PAKISTANI & INDIAN RESTAURANT

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. 

THE LOCAL FAVORITE FOR: 🥘 Authentic Lahori Karahi | ✈️ Airport Travelers | 📍 SJSU Students | 🕌 Halal Diners

A TALE OF TWO KITCHENS

Bridging the royal traditions of India with the vibrant flavors of Pakistan.

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. 

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FARMERS FRESH: THE ETHICAL PROMISE

100% Zabiha Halal. Organic. Sourced right here in the Bay Area.

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. 

SIGNATURE INDO-PAK SPECIALS

Authentic Hyderabadi Biryanis & Fresh Vegetarian Curries – Serving Japantown & SJSU.

Jeera Rice

$1.99

Basic basmati rice cooked with cumin seeds, bay leaf and butter

Vege Zafran Pilaf

$6.99

Green peas, carrots, cumin seeds, turmenic with hint of spices and butter. Vegetarian

Murg Prada Biryani

$15.99

Organic Chicken Breast cooked with garlic, onion, ginger mixed with roasted nuts, biryani masala and saffron basmati rice

Lamb Biryani

$16.99

Lamb cooked with Vindaloo sauce mixed with roasted nuts, biryani masala and saffron basmati rice

Vegetable Tikka Masala

$13.99

Assorted veggies cooked in tikka creamy sauce.

Mattar Paneer

$13.99

Homemade paneer (cheese) simmered in curry sauce with green peas, ginger, garlic, herbs and spices.

Saag Paneer

$13.99

Homemade paneer (cheese) cooked in Watsonville spinach, mustard leaves slowly simmered with ginger, garlic, and onion

Malai Kofta

$13.99

Grated assorted veggie balls with homemade cheese, cashew, pistachio, raisin, bread crumbs and spices served in creamy sauce.

THE VERDICT FROM SAN JOSE

Rated the Top Zabiha Halal Spot by Locals, SJSU Students, and Travelers.

EXPLORE OUR KITCHEN

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.

VEGETARIAN SPECIALTIES

BASMATI RICE & BIRYANI

CHICKEN & KARAHI

ZABIHA HALAL, FARM-FRESH, & THE TASTE OF PAKISTAN AND INDIA

Authentic flavors served fresh daily in the heart of San Jose’s Japantown.

BEYOND THE DINE-IN EXPERIENCE

San Jose’s Trusted Choice for Zabiha Halal Catering, Delivery, and Private Events.

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

SAN JOSE'S PREMIER HALAL CATERING

From corporate lunches at the Civic Center to elegant weddings. We bring the authentic taste of the Clay Oven to your venue.