While in San Francisco I was able to visit their Chinatown and had an amazing time sampling delicious Chinese cuisine at Hang Ah Tea Room (a Chinese restaurant specializing in dim sum and other delectable options). I did some research beforehand and learned all about Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. Visiting Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory was a must for me because I love fortune cookies. A delicious crunchy cookie that comes with a fortune? I mean what’s not to love? Read more about this experience below.
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).
Fortune Cookie History
The history surrounding fortune cookies is actually pretty muddled. There are theories which point to a Japanese immigrant creating the cookie in California, and other theories which suggest it was actually a Chinese immigrant in California. It is also believed that fortune cookies can be dated all the way back to the 19th century. Although we may never truly know who, what, how, when, or where they originated, one thing is for certain: they are succulent.
What Are Fortune Cookies?
A fortune cookie is typically made from flour, eggs, sugar, sesame seed oil, and vanilla. The cookies are usually crunchy or crackly but some places offer a softer version of the cookie as well. The cookies have a distinctive crescent shape and have a message inside. The messages usually have a quote or saying with lottery numbers.
A Little About Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
Golden Gate Cookie Factory was founded in 1962 and is actually a landmark in San Francisco’s Chinatown. The location is as follows: 56 Ross Alley, San Francisco, CA 94108 and the hours of operation are Monday-Wednesday from 9am-5pm and Thursday-Sunday 9am-6pm. The factory presents with a friendly atmosphere and excellent service.
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Fortune Cookies at Golden Gate Cookie Factory
Now that we covered the history behind fortune cookies and Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory let’s talk about the pièce de résistance the cookies! This factory offers delicious tasting fortune cookies made from fresh ingredients. It’s a natural choice to want to try their original vanilla flavor, but it’s important to note that the menu items offer different flavor choices for the rest of the cookies.
If you’re feeling adventurous like me, make sure to try their strawberry, and green tea flavors you won’t be disappointed. I really enjoyed their green tea flavor pictured below. They also have chocolate or strawberry dipped cookies and cookies with sprinkles as well. I was thrilled to see there were different varieties because I had normally only encountered the vanilla version.
In the event you’re unable to make it to San Francisco directly, you can also order online. However, you can only pick up the cookies in-store. This is subject to change so keep an eye out. You can order a custom pack of 50 cookies for $17.50 or a pack of 100 for $35.00. The cookies sold in the stores have different prices as well to fit any budget. With affordable prices like these, there’s just no excuse not to try them out.
Experience at Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
Now I know what you’re thinking, what makes this site worth visiting? Well for one, you actually get to see the fortune cookies being made on premises and in my opinion that’s one of the coolest parts. I mean what’s not to like about freshly baked cookies? If that doesn’t entice you then seeing the cookies made in a copper rotating griddle wheel right in front of your eyes will. This machine helps make 10,000 cookies per day depending on the time of the year. Video below.
Not sure if you’re going to like the cookies? No worries. Upon entering the factory you will be presented with a free sample of warm cookies which are sure to whet your appetite. Last but not least, you can also create your own fortune cookie message to your liking. This goes for custom orders as well.
San Francisco Chinatown and Other Site Suggestions
In case you’re looking for suggestions on things to do in this area or San Francisco in general, you can also visit the Japanese Tea Garden which I’ve mentioned before in a guest post here. The fortune cookie’s convenient location allows you to be within walking distance of many shops and some of the best Chinese food San Francisco has to offer in the United States. Need some more ideas? Check out Alcatraz and Little Italy.
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Final Thoughts
That concludes my experience sampling fortune cookies at The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. If you’re in the San Francisco area I’d highly recommend visiting this timeless treasure. If you’re able to visit, write me back and let me know how it went! 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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Thank you Meritt Thomas for the Pinterest photo on fortune cookies. I discovered his work from Unsplash.com. Please check him out!
Blog Disclaimer
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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Oh so cool! I had no idea how the fortune cookies were made! This is such an original and cool experience to do in San Francisco! Would love to taste some! Thanks for sharing
You’re welcome and I know! I loved seeing how they’re made and learning about their origin. They were tasty and fresh. Can’t wait to return. Thank you for reading!
Woah, I’d have never guessed how fortune cookies are actually made – let alone visit a factory. Thanks for (virtually) taking us along this journey – loved this post!
You’re welcome! Thank you for reading and watching too.
I never thought about where fortune cookies are made. Love the video, it’s interesting.
Glad you loved it, thanks for reading and watching!
I would love to try the green tea flavor – that sounds so cool! (And definitely not available in my hometown!)
I hope you can try it soon, it was my favorite!
It’s so cool that you got to see them being made! It’s funny, fortune cookies are such a cool bit of American Chinese culture. I love the idea of doing this in SF!
How many cookies did you end up bringing home?
I agree, it’s so ingrained in all of our lives. I’m not sure how many came in the pack I purchased but I wish I had more lol.
What a fun thing to do in San Francisco. We would love to visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory the next time we get back. I would certainly want to sample other flavours. And hubby would want the chocolate dipped cookies!
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts if you’re able to visit. The chocolate cookies looked delicious too so good choice! I’ll try them the next time I’m there.