Kingdom of DumplingĪ truly epic selection of handmade dumplings awaits at this all-day restaurant. But don’t miss the dandan noodles and the Szechuan fish filets bobbing in a chile-red broth. The name of the game here is hand-pleated dumplings with all kinds of fillings, boiled up and served by the dozen. You can’t miss the colorful steamed milk buns flavored with green tea, beet, and taro. Think shrimp toast made with lengths of Chinese cruller, shrimp balls fried in bird’s nest pastry, and crispy truffled peanuts along with a nice selection of bao and siu mai. Dumpling TimeĪs befits the Design District locale, the food at Dumpling Time is stylish and bright with modern touches. But whatever temptations they throw your way, do not miss the spicy garlic noodles. This North Beach restaurant takes a Pan-Asian approach to its broad menu, making room for Korean pork tacos, Hawaiian poke, and pho. If there’s one can’t-miss, it’s the scallop siu mai. Order all your favorites, from glutinous rice lotus leaf bundles to feathery taro puffs to the translucent shrimp dumplings. This spot offers the classic San Francisco dim sum experience with an incredible array of dumplings and other items. Look for regional classics like tender Lion’sHhead meatballs and roast duck. Pan-fried Shanghai pork buns and soup dumplings in both pork and seafood varieties are the headliners, but the Shanghainese menu is worth exploring beyond dim sum. This modest Parkside restaurant does its neighbors right with a menu of well-prepared classics. But don’t neglect the crispy salt-and-pepper lollipop chicken wings either. Look for pleated Chaozhou dumplings with their sheer, see-through wrappers and coarse fillings.
Steamed Cantonese dumplings are the specialty at this sleek, modern restaurant. Don’t miss the cold salads made with cucumbers, shredded potatoes, and slivered, addictively crunchy-chewy pigs’ ears. soup dumplings - come with regular or hot and numbing pork fillings, and there are exemplary wontons in chili oil.
Fans know to look for the shiitake and fish dumplings, the shrimp and three delicacies dumplings, and the red oil-slicked tofu skin stick salad. This tiny cafe at the edge of Golden Gate Park in Sunset attracts lines for its snack-friendly menu. Vegans take note: There’s a lot for you on this menu.
This pleasant Castro District spot offers dim sum alongside a full menu of Sichuan favorites, such as Chongqing Chicken, hot and numbing fish fillets, and “Ants Climbing a Tree” - a dish so named for the way ground pork bits cling to bean thread noodles. Order the flaky Portuguese egg tarts and lava buns with a creamy, eggy coffee center. If you’re a fan of dim sum sweets, this is your destination. Baked buns sport a crunchy sugar crust, while soup dumplings feature a filling made with premium kurobuta pork. This spot is all about the classics, gently updated and well-priced. The sauteed pea leaves with whole cloves of garlic are also a top pick. The restaurant specializes in fresh seafood, so if a preparation grabs your eye, give it a try. It's a great place to try braised chicken feet along with all the dumplings. Prized abalone is also served in several different preparations.This is the kind of old-school dim sum that made San Francisco’s Chinatown into a food capitol.
Seafood fans will enjoy the plump steamed shrimp dumplings topped with a salty and spicy XO sauce.
The popular Shanghai steamed dumpling sampler features a colorful collection of steamed pork dumplings in flavors ranging from fresh beets to a luxurious black truffle. Arrive for brunch on the weekend and be prepared to wait for up to an hour to be seated at this bustling, elegant dim sum restaurant. (Jeff Cianci)Ī visit to Koi Palace is a must for any proclaimed Bay Area dim sum fan. If we missed your favorite, please be sure to let us know in the comments. Here is our list of 5 favorite dim sum restaurants South of San Francisco. While Chinatown in San Francisco may seem like the obvious place to visit, there are several excellent dim sum restaurants in the South Bay Area and along the peninsula. The hustle and bustle of servers pushing carts full of steamer baskets past your table can be overwhelming, but the hunt for your favorite dishes makes it a delicious adventure. A special Cantonese cuisine characterized by small plates of steamed, fried, or baked specialties served alongside hot tea, dim sum is a unique dining experience and a delicious way to celebrate the Chinese New Year.