Finding good Chinese food has become quite common in the United States, especially where larger populations of Chinese residents are, mainly in bigger metropolitan areas.
Finding, great authentic Chinese food, however, is a bit more difficult.
This is because many Chinese restaurants have watered down their food to appeal to the American palates losing much of their authenticity in the process.
To find some really amazing Chinese cuisine, head to Chinatown in San Francisco where you can find some of the best you have ever tasted in addition to shopping in fun boutiques and shops with fun things to purchase like Chinese fans or Chinese kites.
This article will explore some of those recommended restaurants in Chinatown in San Francisco.
The first place is Hang Ah Rea Room which is located on Pagoda Place and is said to be the oldest dim sum house in San Francisco.
Dim sum is a fun way to eat with servers with carts of smaller plates going around and giving you whatever you want from the cart.
You can continue to try as many things as you want or have room for like the pork buns and dumplings.
Do not expect to get out of this restaurant quickly, as eating dim sum can sometimes takes hours but the fact that the place is filled with mostly Chinese customers is a great testament to the authenticity of the food.
Another restaurant in Chinatown is Jai Yun and is rated as one of the top restaurants in San Francisco and is located on Pacific Street.
The location and the ambience of the restaurant itself are nothing special and in fact, one food critic compared it to a homeless shelter but the food served there is receiving the highest of accolades.
The chef does not speak English and does not have a menu so you tell him how much you would like to spend, and then he will serve you several courses to fit that budget.
It is a fun way to order and full of great, delicious surprises.
Another place to eat is the Utopia Café on Waverly place which is a great place to go away from the more touristy restaurants in Chinatown.
This place is usually packed with Chinese families and locals and they are known for their clay pot cooking dishes.
All of the prices are very reasonable and the food is out of this world.
The staff there is very friendly and the service is much better and quicker than most of the other places in Chinatown.
Gold Mountain is another great place to get dim sum in Chinatown.
This place has excellent dim sum and no one really speaks English so you have to use the nodding method if you want what is on the cart or not.
After you are totally full of food, you most likely will have only spent $15 including the tip.
It is a favorite place to go and take your time on a Saturday or Sunday for authentic Asian cuisine.