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Few pleasures are as sweet and as abundant as dim sum in San Francisco. It can be cheap or upscale, but either way It’s a crowd pleaser whether the crowd is family, friends, or feral cats. Long story short, it’s impossible to be mad while staring down the barrel of steaming bamboo baskets.
Someone could probably run the numbers on how many dim sum restaurants there are in the city, but I’m not that somebody. Instead, we’ll cut right to the good stuff:
🥢 HK Lounge Bistro / hkloungebistro.com
Shrimp toast // image credit: me
The location isn’t winning any awards, but HK Lounge Bistro is getting looks from the Michelin guide four years after its predecessor on Geary was destroyed by a fire.
It’s rare to find a dim sum restaurant where everything on the menu sets an example for what that item should taste like. From delicate soup dumplings to rich congee, you’ll be leaving with the best leftovers in the city.
Order This ⬇️
Pork XLB
Pork siu mai
Steamed pork buns
Shrimp rice roll
Shrimp har gow
Shrimp toast
Congee
Eat Here 🔗 Reservations | Order online: N/A | Map
🐲 Dragon Beaux / dragonbeaux.com
Five guys XLB // image credit: me
On the opposite side of the city, Dragon Beaux is an easy call for exemplary dim sum and the fact that they take reservations means you won’t be stuck waiting around (for too long).
If you’re so inclined after eating your body weight in dumplings, baos, and rice rolls, Baker Beach is a 20-minute stroll north.
Order This ⬇️
Five guys XLB
Shrimp dumpling
XO spinach dumpling
Steamed BBQ pork bao
BBQ pork rice roll
Egg yolk lava bao
Eat Here 🔗 Reservations | Order online | Map
🧧 City View Restaurant / cityviewdimsum.com
Shrimp siu mai // image credit: me
Long the king of the Chinatown dim sum scene, City View made some major upgrades when it moved to its new location on Portsmouth Square. Although they dropped the traditional dim sum parlor vibe in favor of a modern refresh, the menu (and the prices) remain the same.
Now you can take in some of the Chinatown sights while you wait, just don’t wander too far because you’re still at the mercy of the matriarchal hostess who stands between you and the meal you so desperately need.
Order This ⬇️
Pork XLB
Pork siu mai
Peking duck
Sticky rice in lotus leaf
Chili oil wonton
Shrimp egg roll
BBQ pork rice roll
Steamed custard lava bun
Eat Here 🔗 Reservations: N/A | Order online: N/A | Map
👀 ps: wondering about non-dim sum picks? Hit the Richmond.