FRIDAY FIVE
TBI’s 5 Best: Chinese Restaurants for Christmas Dinner
Not cooking on Christmas? No problem.
If we’ve learned anything from A Christmas Story (aside from never to lick a frozen pole), it’s that Chinese restaurants can save Christmas Day, no matter what the dinner debacle is. If your old San Francisco oven catches on fire, or you’re throwing in your cooking mitts because you’re tired, or you don’t celebrate Christmas, don’t fret—you’ll still eat well. San Francisco is home to some seriously delicious Chinese restaurants, and Christmas Day is the perfect day to try one out.
1. Shanghai Dumpling King
When the Outer Richmond location closed, it was a tragedy (to put it simply). Its xiao long bao attracted people from all over the city. Fortunately, Shanghainese dumplings still exist at this Outer Mission location — pork dumplings, vegetarian dumplings, shrimp dumplings, you name it they’ve (probably) got it. If you’re looking to celebrate Christmas with dumplings, this is your spot. Pan-fried pork buns are also delicious here and make for a great appetizer.
696 Monterey Boulevard (Mission) | shanghaidumplingkingsf.com
2. San Tung Chinese Restaurant
The dry-fried chicken wings are a common go-to item at this restaurant, and for good reason. They absolutely live up to the hype and will keep you returning every so often for more. But that’s not all San Tung has to offer. Its garlicky string beans and black bean sauce noodles are also drool-worthy. Oh, and the pot stickers are the things dreams are made of. Who needs a Christmas roast when you pot stickers?
1031 Irving Street (Inner Sunset) | santung.net
3. Chili House
Ok, if you are looking for an alternative to a traditional Christmas Day roast, Chili House can provide. Indeed, it’s known for its incredible Peking duck that is carved table side. This iconic “Peking duck home” has an interesting historic background: Chef Han served two Chinese Presidents. He was also an executive chef in the office of the Consulate General of China in San Francisco. The restaurants pot stickers and dumplings are known to be impeccable, too.
726 Clement Street (Inner Richmond) | chilihousesf.com
4. Z & Y Restaurant
Recognized by some very famous people (ahem, former President Barack Obama), this restaurant is ready to make your Christmas dinner one for the books. From its garlic crab specialty to pea sprouts with ham to sweet sticky rice soup, this Sichuan cuisine joint knows how to add a little spice to your life as nearly every dish is adorned with chilies. Z & Y is a Chinatown staple, and won’t disappoint.
655 Jackson Street (Chinatown) | zandyrestaurant.com
5. Hunan’s Home
Another Chinatown establishment that won’t disappoint. Hunan’s Home has been praised for many dishes, but most frequently its wonton soup, fried shrimp, sizzling chicken and shrimp fried rice. Its carved Peking Duck is also a must-try. Hunan’s Home has been around since 1983, and was once named “Best Bay Area Chinese Restaurant” in the Chinese World Journal.
622 Jackson Street (Chinatown) |hunanhomerestaurant.com
