As early as the 1860’s, San Francisco’s Chinatown became a destination for tourists. San Francisco was the first city to introduce Chinese Cuisine to Americans. The large Cantonese population in the city brought recipes for Dim Sum with them. Dim Sum are delightful little appetizers meant to be consumed with tea. They include steamed and pan fried dumplings, BBQ’s Pork Buns, Fried Wontons, and a variety of other steamed, pan fried and fried bites that go well with tea. In the early years Dim Sum was traditionally served off of a cart that would be pushed around the dining room. Today, only a hand full of places still serve Dim Sum from carts, but many restaurants offer a wide selection to be ordered off the menu.
San Francisco has the second largest Chinatown in the United States, after New York. And the city has the largest Chinese population, in one enclave, outside of Asia. When tourists come to San Francisco, they often ask for recommendations on Chinese restaurants, especially restaurants known for good Dim Sum. Below are five places that we highly recommend.
Hang Ah Tea Room
Dim Sum for the History Lover
The Hang Ah Tea Room is a historical spot that has stood the test of time. Hang Ah is off the beaten path. It is just west of Waverly Pl., one of Chinatowns well known alleys. It is tucked away, behind the Willie ‘Woo Woo’ Wong Playground. This tea room has been in Business since 1920. The place has simple decor, with a wall full of historical photos. The tables are comfortable and it is reasonably clean. The service is friendly. They have a full menu, including entrees, street foods and soups but it is definitely a destination for Dim Sum. All Dim Sum is made in house, by hand. There are no Dim Sum carts. You order off the menu. They have the option of ordering Dim Sum a la carte or in combo plates. The prices are reasonable and the portions are fairly large. It is best to go with a couple of others, if you want to enjoy a wide array of options. They also have a nice selection of specialty teas from China. This a a great option for dining on a budget…