Visiting San Francisco for the first time and wondering where you should go for delicious dim sum? Look no further, this blog post will tell you where to go, what to order, and why you should check out Hang Ah Tea room which is the oldest dim sum restaurant in San Francisco.
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.
Covid-19 Disclaimer: The recommendations listed are based on my own suggestions and in no way endorses or condemns travel at this time. There is a current U.S. Travel Advisory and in some cases U.S. Travel Restrictions. The U.S. is now allowing Non-U.S. citizens and Non-U.S. immigrants to enter the U.S. (if vaccinated). However use your best judgment if you choose to travel (or you can simply hold off for now and save this guide for later).
Dim Sum History/Origin
I visited San Francisco in the Spring and checking out Chinatown was an absolute must for me. I’m from New York City (Queens specifically) and NYC is home to the largest Chinatown in the United States. However, San Francisco is home to the oldest Chinatown in North America. I make it a point to visit Chinatown whenever I visit a new place to immerse myself in the culture, and to learn about Chinese people and their history. I even visited Chinatown during my trip to Toronto as well.
You may be wondering what Dim Sum is. Dim Sum are small Chinese dishes that are associated with Cantonese cuisine, but it is also present in other Chinese cuisines as well. Some popular dim sum dishes include 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, and soup dumplings 小籠包 to name a few. You can also order green beans in most restaurants as well.
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Hang Ah Tea Room Origin
While visiting it was a must that I check out Hang Ah Tea Room (located at 1 Pagoda Place, San Francisco, CA 94108) to sample some of their delicious and affordable eats. This staple has been around since 1920 and serves awesome food in an unpretentious setting.
Hang Ah is well known amongst San Francisco locals, tourists, and Chinese families alike as it is the oldest dim sum restaurant. Dining here is reminiscent of a taste of home. The current owners of the restaurant is Billy Lai and co-owner Frank Chui who are maintaining the charm and Chinese character that everyone has come to love of this old school gem.
Hang Ah Tea Room 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, keep in mind there are plenty of dim sum items for you to choose from. Ready to book your Chinatown experience? Book this tour or take this one. Interested in showcasing your cooking skills? How about making your own Dim Sum with this.
I honestly loved my experience here and what makes it worth checking out is that you’re literally a part of history. This restaurant existed decades before and is still in operation today. This tells you that they must be doing something right. In addition not only is the food delicious, it is also super affordable. I went during midday and it wasn’t too crowded. The restaurant takes credit cards and cash to pay for your meal, but I would suggest carrying cash. You’ll 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 on Hang Ah Tea Room
That concludes my experience dining at Hang Ah Tea Room, the oldest dim sum restaurant in San Francisco. I hope I piqued your interest and you get to visit yourself. If you do, write me back and let me know how it went! Keep in mind San Francisco offers many tours of Chinatown, here’s a great one to start your trip. As always, thank you for reading. Did you learn anything new or have any feedback? Let me know. Please comment below and don’t forget to subscribe here.
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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.
Covid-19 Disclaimer: The recommendations listed are based on my own suggestions and in no way endorses or condemns travel at this time. There is a current U.S. Travel Advisory and in some cases U.S. Travel Restrictions. The U.S. is now allowing Non-U.S. citizens and Non-U.S. immigrants to enter the U.S. (if vaccinated). However use your best judgment if you choose to travel (or you can simply hold off for now and save this guide for later). If you decide to take a trip, follow national and state guidelines, and of course the CDC when traveling.
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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!