For over 25 years, living in the San Francisco Bay Area, I must confess, my exploration of the legendary Chinatown has been…limited. Quick dim sum runs or visits to a specific eatery were the extent of it. Wandering through its historic streets, truly absorbing the rich tapestry of culture and, most importantly, its food scene? That was uncharted territory for me, until recently. Filming a show episode became the perfect catalyst to finally dive deep into the heart of Food Chinatown San Francisco, an experience made unforgettable by the company of culinary icon, Chef Martin Yan.
Martin Yan is pure joy. Having known him for over a decade, his presence is always a guarantee of smiles and hearty laughter. Beyond his infectious personality, his culinary knowledge is astounding. When Martin generously offered to guide me through “his” Chinatown, it sparked the inspiration for an entire episode dedicated to this vibrant neighborhood and its incredible food offerings. His renowned tagline, “Yan Can Cook, So Can You,” perfectly encapsulates his mission, familiar to many from his award-winning PBS shows. Born in Southern China and trained in Hong Kong before immigrating to Canada, Martin has been a cornerstone of the Bay Area culinary scene for decades. In Chinatown, he is treated with the highest respect, almost like royalty.
As Martin and I meandered through the bustling streets, ducking into tiny shops and food stalls, we were met with warm welcomes at every turn. The culinary experiences were diverse; some bites were heavenly, others, less so. Among the standouts were the bao pork buns at Wing Sing Dim Sum. These were exceptional – fresh, light, and bursting with flavor. I genuinely considered getting a box to take home, as if they were the most delectable donuts imaginable. Wing Sing Dim Sum is a must-visit for anyone exploring food Chinatown and seeking authentic, mouthwatering dim sum.
Another first for me was tasting Dragon Beard candy. Watching Derek meticulously craft this ancient dessert was truly captivating. A small crowd of onlookers gathered on the sidewalk as we filmed, all eager to try and master the art of eating this delicate confection. The candy must be pulled and manipulated until the cornstarch filaments resemble a dragon’s beard, a visual spectacle before it melts in your mouth, offering a unique sweet experience deeply rooted in Chinese tradition and readily found in food Chinatown.
Sharing dim sum lunch with Martin was a culinary education in itself. Despite my previous dim sum experiences in San Francisco, this was different. We ordered plate after plate, a seemingly endless stream of dishes, as Martin shared captivating stories about the history and evolution of dim sum. He provided insights into the cultural significance of each dish, enhancing the entire dining experience. And, in a moment of personal triumph, I finally managed to eat chicken feet with chopsticks – a small victory, but a testament to embracing new culinary adventures in food Chinatown.
After a day filled with shopping for unique ingredients, sampling countless dishes, sharing laughter, and strolling through the vibrant streets with Martin, I felt both culturally enriched and delightfully full. Chinatown is undeniably steeped in history, but it’s also a place of constant evolution and innovation, spearheaded by chefs like George Chen.
George Chen is a visionary chef with a clear mission: to elevate American perceptions of Chinese cuisine. With decades of experience owning popular Asian-style eateries in the area, George set his sights on making a significant statement. He achieved this with China Live, an expansive culinary destination that encompasses various dining experiences under one roof, quickly becoming a sensation in San Francisco’s food Chinatown scene.
However, his crowning achievement is Eight Tables by George Chen. Celebrated for its innovative yet respectful approach to traditional “shi fan tsai,” or private chateau-style dining, an evening at Eight Tables was truly one of the most exceptional culinary experiences of my life. The focus on refined, private dining within a bustling urban environment offers a unique contrast and showcases the sophisticated side of food Chinatown.
I sincerely hope you are inspired to explore – and more importantly, to taste – the wonders of San Francisco’s Chinatown. Gānbēi!
