Spice Island is definitely a hidden gem in Oakland. I had never heard of it before and a colleague suggested we all grab lunch there. Little fact this place does offer gluten free options.
I was surprised by its variety of Southeast Asian options on one menu. I personally tried the Burmese pork and coconut rice and added a side salad. The salad was phenomenal and I was taken back by the complexity of flavors within such a simple dish. But the pork was everything! It was absolutely one of the best dishes I've had in a long time. The meat was so tender and full of flavor. The spice of the pork alongside the sweetness of he rice was perfect.
I also sampled the three veggie curry that my colleague had and it was amazing. I do not not travel to Oakland much but when I am there this is a place high on my priority list to visit. This is definitely a must try if you already haven't.