If you live in San Jose and you’ve been telling yourself the South Bay has everything you need, Millbrae would like a word. A 35-mile drive up 101 lands you in one of the densest Chinese-restaurant clusters on the Peninsula — Cantonese dim sum, Hunan noodles, Sichuan banquet plates, Shanghai dumplings, Lanzhou hand-pulled beef noodles, all walkable between Broadway and El Camino Real. Foster City is the easier 25-mile stop on the way back, with two anchors that more than justify the detour. Here’s the day-trip shortlist.
1. Wonderful (Millbrae) — 270 Broadway.
The Michelin Guide-listed Hunan spot. Hand-rolled noodles stir-fried with jalapeños, scrambled eggs, and black bean sauce. Smoked pork belly. Thick green onion pancakes. Closed Tuesdays — plan around it.
2. Royal Feast (Millbrae) — 148 El Camino Real.
Michelin Bib Gourmand for Sichuan. Reserve the Peking duck, or call 24 hours ahead for the Eight Treasure Duck. The fish fillet poached in chili oil is the move if you’re sharing…