Since my boyfriend lives near Chinatown, I’ve spent some considerable amount playing tourist in his neighborhood backyard. Both of us are Chinese and have an affinity for dim sum, char siu pork, and unbeatable prices for delicious food. It is in Chinatown where you can find the best hole in the walls, and cheap eats—that is if you aren’t afraid of stepping into these Chinese restaurants.
If locals are eating there, it’s probably really good. If it’s frequented by tourists with no locals, then you’re probably not in the right place and you’re just being marketed to. When I was nomading in Southeast Asia, I always wanted to go to the places that were frequented and popular with the local communities. If you’re headed to a restaurant that markets to foreigners, you’re going to have to pay 2-3x more.
Here is a list of my favorite places in Chinatown to check out if you’re visiting and traveling through!
Dol Ho Restaurant $ (bring cash)
Address: 808 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
I would recommend ordering a couple of things for the table to share. When you get there, it’s similar to first come, first serve—at times, you might even be sharing a table with other elderlies, but it’s tight and cozy. I love rice wrapped in lotus leaf, chicken legs, taro cake, and shrimp shumai. They do have menus in English so be sure to ask for one. If you’re one who loves spicy, you’ll need to try their house made chili sauce. You can even buy it at the counter if you love it so much!
On Waverly $$
Address: 162 Waverly Pl, San Francisco, CA 94102
Filled with books, clothes, stationary, and knick knacks, On Waverly is a new giftstore located on Waverly Street in the heart of San Francisco. It opened late last year, with a nod to Asian American creators, artists, and writers. It’s a delightful gift shop with so many cool finds; you’ll be surprised by how many things were created by Asian Americans. I love that this bookstore opened since it instills such a deep sense of pride and community. You’ll most likely find a couple nice gifts to bring back for your friends and family too.
iCafe Bakery $
Address: 133 Waverly Pl, San Francisco, CA 94108
iCafe serves a variety of baked goods and breads, similar to a Hong Kong cafe. I like their mango mochi (though a bit expensive for $2.25 a piece), their Hong Kong milk tea, rice dumplings, and egg tarts. They have ample seating, though a lot of aunties and uncles like to hang out and chat. It’s brightly lit, clean, and comfortable. I also featured it as one of my places to visit when it’s raining in the city.
G & Y H.K. Cafe $
Address: 881 Clay St, San Francisco, CA 94108
On multiple occasions, we’ve walked past this restaurant but never went in. Each time, it was filled with Chinese people and busy. Because my boyfriend loves Hong Kong cafes, we decided to try this one out. He got the baked pork chop spaghetti and I got the claypot rice, but we ended up sharing and packing some to go. We also both got Hong Kong milk teas for the cold weather. Baked pork chop spaghetti is relatively new to me, because I’m Taiwanese. However, it reminds me of a dinner casserole, with cheesy goodness, the sweetness from the tomatoes, and balanced salt and sweetness. We got in around 11 am and then it began to become packed by noon, so go early! They take card here.
On Food Safety in San Francisco
Generally, food safety isn’t an issue in San Francisco itself, and in Chinatown. I’ve personally never had to deal with a stomach flu, as most things in Chinese restaurants are thoroughly cooked, baked, or fried. You can also do your due diligence and research certain restaurants before committing to eating there. Look at reviews or comments about anything that may question the sanitation and cleanliness of the restaurants. As a traveler, it’s also important to travel with insurance, especially if you’re a nomad or remote worker traveling through. SafetyWing has been my favorite travel insurance while being on-the-go in different countries. Their insurance covers you in over 180 countries, and it’s quite affordable, starting at $37 (you pay an extra if you want to be covered in the United States). It covers not just emergency situations, but you can visit a doctor if you have the flu, and it also includes the prescribed drugs. Happy traveling!
