San Francisco's Chinatown established downtown in 1848, is one of North America's premier destinations for authentic and delicious dim sum.
With so many Chinese restaurants to choose from, the real winners are the old-school dim sum bars where the servers walk around with a cart filled with different dim sum, giving diners the option to choose just what they want.
If you are new to dim sum, you're in for a treat. From steamed buns filled with umami-style pork to classic shrimp potstickers, the list of what you can try is endless.
It's impossible to name all the dim sum restaurants in Chinatown, but here are some of the best.
Delicious Dim Sum
This delightfully cheap and authentic spot is excellent for takeaways. Unfortunately, there isn't much room to sit down — only a tiny table at the back — but you can take your to-go meal to the Transamerica Redwood Park nearby. There's usually a long line around lunchtime, but this dim sum is worth the wait. The fried shrimp dumplings are highly recommended.
Good to know: This spot is one of the most popular but small. Cards are only accepted on orders over $10.
Location: 752 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Hours: Thurs - Tues 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Wed - Closed
Contact: (415) 781-0721
Tucked away in a small alleyway in Chinatown, the Hang Ah Tea Room is America's oldest continuously operating dim sum restaurant. The dim sum is divine, and this friendly place is perfect for sitting down, relaxing, and enjoying the authentic fragrant teas available.
Good to know: A full menu of Chinese dishes is also available, including all-day dim sum. You can order the dim sum separately or as combination plates.
Location: 1 Pagoda Pl, San Francisco, CA 94108
Hours: Wed - Mon 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Tues - 10:30 a.m. to - 3:00 p.m.
Contact: (415) 982-5686
This traditional dim sum restaurant located on the border of Chinatown is a hot spot for locals and tourists alike. It's one of the best-kept secrets in Chinatown, and it's tucked away in a side alley you would walk right past it weren't in the know.
Good to know: City View has two hours of validated parking at the nearby Portsmouth Garage and takes reservations, unlike many other Chinatown dim sum restaurants.
Location: 662 Commercial St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Hours: Open daily! Wed - Mon 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tues - Closed
Contact: (415) 398 2838.
With Chinatown just a short stroll away from the San Francisco apartments for rent at Soma, living here is delicious. You can satisfy your dim sum craving at any time.
Image by Jessica Ruscello