Finding good Chinese food has become quite common in the United States, especially where there are larger populations of Chinese residents, mostly in larger metropolitan areas. However, finding good authentic Chinese food is a bit more difficult. This is because many Chinese restaurants have watered down their food to appeal to American palates, losing much of their authenticity in the process. For some truly amazing Chinese cuisine, head to Chinatown in San Francisco, where you can find some of the best you’ve ever had, as well as shop at fun boutiques and shops with fun things to buy, like Chinese fans or Chinese kites. This article will explore some of those recommended restaurants in Chinatown in San Francisco.
The first place is the Hang Ah Rea Room, which is located in Pagoda Place and is said to be the oldest dim sum house in San Francisco. Dim sum is a fun way to eat with servers with carts of smaller plates going around giving you what you want from the cart. You can keep trying as many things as you like or have room for the pork buns and dumplings. Don’t expect to leave this restaurant quickly, as eating dim sum can sometimes take hours, but the fact that the place is packed with mostly Chinese customers is a great testament to the authenticity of the food.
Another restaurant in Chinatown is Jai Yun and it is ranked as one of the best restaurants in San Francisco and is located on Pacific Street. The location and ambience of the restaurant itself is nothing special, and in fact one food critic compared it to a homeless shelter, but the food served there is receiving the highest praise. The chef doesn’t speak English and has no menu, so you tell him how much you’d like to spend and he then serves you various dishes to fit that budget. It’s a fun way to order and full of big, delicious surprises.
Another place to eat is Utopia Café in Waverly Place, which is a great place to get away from the more touristy restaurants in Chinatown. This place is usually full of Chinese families and locals and they are known for their clay pot dishes. All the prices are very reasonable and the food is out of this world. The staff there are very friendly and the service is much better and faster than most other places in Chinatown.
Gold Mountain is another great place to get dim sum in Chinatown. This place has great dim sum and no one really speaks English so you have to use the nod method whether you want what’s in the cart or not. Once you’re totally stuffed with food, chances are you only spent $15 including tip. It is a favorite place to go and take your time on a Saturday or Sunday to enjoy authentic Asian cuisine.