A Hidden Gem: Cherimoya Yogurt & Cafe

We all hear plenty about the new and notable, the hot spots, the celebrity chefs, the see-and-be-seen, but the places we frequent the most seem to fly under the radar, written about in the invisible ink of casual conversation. The holes-in-the-wall, the mom-and-pops, the casual walk-ups, the grab-and-gos-- these are the places that make the world go 'round, yet our attention is frequently diverted to the latest trends coming out of the kitchen.

With Burlingame's culinary scene growing more diverse day by day, the main avenues stretch out like pages of an atlas: Italian, French, Indian, Japanese, Danish, American, Afghan, Burmese, the list goes on. Perhaps one of the most delightful international and off the beaten path additions to downtown Burlingame, is the Vietnamese walk-up, Cherimoya Yogurt & Cafe.

 The cherimoya is native to South America, and has become extremely popular in Asian cuisine. The seeded fruit looks like a cross between an artichoke and a green apple. It is sweetly acidic, with a taste reminiscent of passion fruit and the texture of a banana. Quite appropriately named, Cherimoya Yogurt & Cafe is sweet and unassuming.

 A small storefront on Lorton Avenue houses a kitchen and a free-standing counter big enough only for the cash register. The menu on the wall is both varied and extensive, offering a range of small bites to full, generously portioned combination meals. Shrimp spring rolls, butter garlic noodles and traditional Vietnamese sandwiches – made with grilled marinated pork, bean sprouts, pickled carrots, cilantro and jalapenos - are made fresh to order. With no interior tables, the curb outside provides ample seating while waiting the usual 15 minutes for your order to be prepared.

 Need something to cool down after those jalapenos? Also on the menu is an interesting variety of smoothies and yogurts, with flavors like the namesake cherimoya fruit, coconut, lychee and even avocado, to the more traditional strawberry and banana. If you're in the mood for something just a bit lighter than a smoothie, the cafe also has tall cans of coconut water, with pulp, naturally.

Everything about Cherimoya Yogurt & Cafe is refreshing from the tiny and spotless interior, to the adorably friendly service, to the menu and the prices. This is truly a hidden gem worthy of the spotlight.