Looking for the best dim sum in San Francisco’s Chinatown?
Tucked away on a quiet alley, the Hang Ah Tea Room is a true hidden gem.
And it just so happens to be the oldest dim sum restaurant in America!
Whether you’re a foodie on the hunt for the most authentic flavors or a history buff intrigued by century-old culinary institutions, this legendary spot is a must-visit.
When I decided to visit San Francisco, taking a day to visit Chinatown was a non-negotiable for me. I love visiting Chinatown in my home city (NYC) and have also been to the one in Toronto! I love learning about and immersing myself in Chinese culture, as well as exploring their history.
So, after having an incredible experience eating here myself, I’ll quickly share everything you need to know—and everything you should order—at Hang Ah Tea Room.
Here’s why it’s worth adding to your San Francisco itinerary!
Disclosure: This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products I love and use. Read the full disclosure here.
Where is Hang Ah Tea Room?
Official Address: 1 Pagoda Place, San Francisco, CA 94108
Hang At Tea Room is right at the center of San Francisco’s Chinatown, which encompasses about 20 blocks in Eastern SF near the Oakland Bay Bridge and Ferry Port.
You can get here via public transportation from anywhere in San Francisco in about 30-45 minutes.
If you’re renting a car in SF and driving, then it should be less than 30 minutes from any of the major neighborhoods and iconic attractions like Mile-Rock Beach or Golden Gate Park.
Hang Ah Tea Room Origin
San Francisco is home to the oldest Chinatown in North America, and Hang Ah Tea Room was established in 1920, making it the oldest dim sum restaurant in the country!
While visiting, it was a must that I check out Hang Ah Tea Room to sample some of their delicious and affordable eats.
I did some research and discovered that Hang Ah is well known amongst San Francisco locals, tourists, and Chinese families alike for serving awesome food in an unpretentious setting.
The current owners of the restaurant (Billy Lai and Frank Chui) continue to maintain the charm and Chinese character that everyone has come to love about this old-school gem.
What is Dim Sum?
‘Dim sum‘ is a term that encompasses small Chinese dishes. Some people compare it to a tapas restaurant, where instead of one large dish, you order a handful of smaller plates to make a full meal.
Some of the most popular dim sum dishes on the Hang Ah Tea Room Menu are:
- Sesame balls
- Shu mai
- Barbecue pork buns
- Char siu bao
- Har gow / ha gow
- Chicken feet
- Bok choy
- Gin cha siu bow
- Pork pot stickers
- Shrimp dumpling 蝦餃
- Soup dumplings 小籠包
- Green beans
Dim sum is typically associated with Cantonese cuisine, but you’ll find dim sum dishes in other Chinese cuisines as well.
Hang Ah Dim Sum Tea Room: My Experience
When I ate at Hang Ah Tea Room, I decided to order the shrimp dumplings, scallion pancakes, Chinese tea, and fried egg rolls. I was full and delighted with the delectable tastes and aromas after eating these items.
Feel free to dip your dim sum in chili oil or soy sauce to amplify the tasting experience.
If what I ordered doesn’t entice your taste buds, there are plenty of dim sum items for you to choose from.
I honestly loved my experience here, and what makes it worth checking out is that you’re literally a part of history.
This restaurant has existed for over a century, which tells you that they must be doing something right.
Not only is the food delicious, but it is also super affordable.
I went during midday, and it wasn’t too crowded.
You’ll only need about an hour or so to enjoy this restaurant, as the food is served fast and piping hot.
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Final Thoughts
I hope I piqued your interest, and you get to visit yourself.
Hang Ah Dim Sum in San Francisco is one of the oldest dim sum restaurants in North America, which makes it an excellent way to have a fantastic culinary and cultural experience in one activity!
And if you’re looking for more cultural things to do around the city, I’d encourage you to check out the Japanese Tea Garden or take a trip to the fortune cookie factory!
You can also get an even more immersive experience with this SF Chinatown Guided Tour!
As always, thank you for reading, and if you end up visiting Hang Ah Tea Room, let me know what you think in the comments!
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Disclosure: This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products/experiences I love and use. Read the full disclosure here.
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Ooooh I’d love to try! Next time in the city I know where to go first. Thanks!
You’re welcome! You’re going to love it.
We do love Dim Sum. So will have to plan to have this treat at Hang Ah Tea Room the next time we are in San Francisco. Great to be part of history when you eat at this place. A bonus that this is a super affordable dining option too!
Yes! So many great things about visiting this restaurant. I hope you’re able to check it out.
Wish I had discovered this post before my trip to San Francisco! I will definitely be getting some Dim Sum from here on my next visit, great guide babe!
Thank you so much! Definitely check it out on your next trip.
This dim sum looks great! I loved that SF had such a variety of cultures in food/restaurant choices. There was so much to choose from! We loved walking through Chinatown, too.
I agree! It’s one of the things I loved about it as well.
Wow, that food looks amazing! I will definitely be visiting China Town if I ever go to San Francisco, I loved the one in New York and go to London’s all the time. Thanks for the recommendation!
Yes, they’re amazing. I can’t wait for you to visit!
The dim sum looks delicious. I love trying new places to eat when we travel. I will put this place on my list of places to try in San Francisco.
It was so good! I hope you visit soon.
Yum! I found some great food on here I had to pin. I am now craving some crispy egg rolls.
They were so yummy! Definitely try to visit in person if you can.
We were just in San Fran and my husband wanted to stop for dim sum. Unfortunately, we were doing a scavenger hunt and it took us further away from China Town. We will have to go back, just to try the dim sum.
Sorry you weren’t able to go, but the scavenger hunt sounds fun. I’d like to do that on my next trip there.
Ooh this place sounds delicious! I will definitely check it out if I’m ever in the area. Thanks for the recommendation! Xx Sara
You’re welcome! Thanks for reading.
YES PLEASE – these all look SO GOOD. I’m suddenly craving a trip to Try all of these 🙂 thanks for the insight!!
Everything was delicious! You’re welcome.
I had a fantastic experience in a Dim Sum restaurant in Lisbon (Macau Dim Sum) and I haven’t found easily this type of restaurant elsewhere! I would love to try again this experience! The food looks so yummy! Excellent guide
Wow, that restaurant in Lisbon sounds amazing. I hope I can check it out. I’ve only been to Portugal during a layover. Thanks for reading!