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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