A Beginner’s Guide to Discovering Chinatown in San Francisco
Chinatown in San Francisco is one of the city's most dynamic and cultural areas. Discover everything you need to know about this lively community in the City by the Bay.
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I just returned from my 4th trip to San Francisco in the past six months. I spent an entire weekend there for the Chinese New Year celebration. And let me tell you, I certainly got my fill of sesame balls and other Chinese treats. There’s just something about the Bay area that keeps me returning time and time again.
Having a designed home base ready and available on the border of Chinatown, I have had a lot of time to explore during my 7-week time frame of living there and various other visits to the city as well. So, I have combined all of my first-hand knowledge and a little background research to provide you with the ultimate beginner's guide to discovering Chinatown in San Francisco.
The Best Guide to Chinatown in San Francisco
As you wander through the streets of Chinatown, you'll find yourself in a world of sensory delights. Every corner offers a new adventure for the senses, from the enticing aromas of traditional bakeries to the colors of fresh produce spilling out onto the sidewalks. Whether you're craving dim sum, exploring hidden alleyways, or soaking in the energy of the streets, Chinatown never fails to inspire.
For me, Chinatown holds a special place in my heart. Not only was I here for a seven-week time span, but it also reminds me of being back in Asia—the energy, the shops, the smells, definitely the smells. I haven't been to Asia since before the pandemic, and it's long overdue to have a proper plate of mango sticky rice. So, this has been my small escape in recent years, and I found my love for sesame balls.
During my time here, I discovered the hospitality of the local community, sampled countless delicious snacks, and gained a deeper appreciation for the traditions that define Chinatown's identity. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, Chinatown welcomes you with open arms and invites you to experience the magic.
History of Chinatown in San Francisco
To begin our journey, we must go back to the beginning to understand the significance of Chinatown itself. Chinatown in San Francisco, California, traces its roots to the mid-19th century during the California Gold Rush when Chinese immigrants arrived seeking opportunities in gold mining.
However, they faced discrimination and prejudice, resulting in the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which severely restricted immigration. Despite these challenges, Chinatown thrived as a close-knit community, especially after the rebuilding after the 1906 earthquake and fire. It then experienced a cultural boom, becoming a center for Chinese-American art, cuisine, and traditions.
Today, San Francisco's Chinatown is one of the oldest and most prominent in the United States. It attracts visitors with its shops, markets, restaurants, and landmarks while still preserving its heritage in an ever-evolving world. It’s now a symbol of resilience and pride for the Chinese-American community and is home to some of the best Chinese food in the country; trust me, I would know.
Getting to Chinatown in San Francisco
Getting to Chinatown in San Francisco is rather easy, especially with public transportation. The BART or Cal train can take you directly into the city if you arrive at any of the surrounding three airports, including San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose. Get off at Montgomery Street, take a left of Post, and a right on Grant, and the Chinatown Gate will welcome you.
If you are coming from somewhere else in the city, hop on bus eight towards Kearny or bus one towards Clay.
ITH Pacific Tradewinds: Accommodations
When it comes to accommodation, ITH Pacific Tradewinds Hostel is a standout accommodation option when visiting Chinatown due to its combination of affordability, welcoming atmosphere, and prime location. Situated one street over Chinatown, this hostel offers prime access to the neighborhood. Beyond its convenient location, Pacific Tradewinds stands out for its friendly and communal atmosphere, making it the perfect place for solo travelers or those looking to meet fellow explorers. The hostel provides both dormitory-style and private rooms, ensuring there's an option for every budget and preference.
Best Places to Eat in Chinatown
One of my favorite parts about traveling is getting to eat a wide variety of different types of food, and boy does Chinatown have a lot of good spots! Whether you're craving classic Cantonese fare, Chinese cuisine, or freshly baked pastries, Chinatown in San Francisco offers diverse dining options to satisfy every palate.
P.S. - If you have never tried a sesame ball before, now is the time. It will change your life.
Anyway, here are my top picks for places to eat in Chinatown in San Francisco:
Restaurants
House of Nanking: A popular spot for authentic Chinese food, House of Nanking serves flavorful dishes focusing on fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Plus, it's right around the corner from the hostel.
Gourmet Kitchen: The BEST place for sesame balls, and a place I frequent several times a week, is Gourmet Kitchen. They also have a huge selection of Cantonese and Hong Kong-style dishes and super affordable prices,
Good Mong Kok Bakery: Be prepared to wait, as this place always has a line down the sidewalk. Good Mong Kok on Stockton Street is famous for its freshly baked pastries and savory buns.
R&G Lounge: Known for its Cantonese cuisine and famous salt and pepper crab, R&G Lounge is a favorite among locals and tourists.
City View Restaurant: Located on the second floor of a Chinatown building, City View Restaurant is known for its dim sum and panoramic neighborhood views.
Z & Y Restaurant: Specializing in Szechuan cuisine, Z & Y Restaurant is best known for flavorful and spicy dishes, especially its spicy fish.
Click here for my complete guide on where to eat in Chinatown. Or, to book a complete food tour during your visit, click here to book now.
Of course, I had to include some nearby coffee shops as well.
Coffee Shops
Chinatown Coffee Co.: This small, no-frills café on Broadway Street serves up strong, flavorful, and affordable coffee. It's a favorite among locals for a quick pick-me-up.
Eastern Bakery: While famous for its traditional pastries, Eastern Bakery also serves coffee, making it a great spot to grab a caffeine boost along with a tasty treat.
Coffee Cultures: Located on Grant Avenue, this cozy spot offers a range of coffee drinks and pastries in a relaxed atmosphere.
Click here for other popular coffee shops in San Francisco.
Cultural Landmarks in Landmarks
Chinatown is full of culture and history, so it's no surprise that this part of the city is loaded with important landmarks. If you like learning and exploring, be sure to check out these top cultural attractions in Chinatown in San Francisco:
Dragon Gate: This iconic gate marks the entrance to San Francisco's Chinatown at the intersection of Grant Avenue and Bush Street. Adorned with intricate dragon sculptures, it symbolizes the neighborhood's identity.
Tin How Temple: Also known as the Temple of the Queen of Heaven, Tin How Temple is one of the oldest Taoist temples in the United States.
Old Saint Mary's Cathedral: Located on the edge of Chinatown, this Roman Catholic cathedral is one of the oldest churches in San Francisco.
Chinese Historical Society of America Museum: Explore the history and heritage of Chinese Americans at this museum, which showcases artifacts, photographs, and exhibits documenting the contributions of Chinese immigrants in the United States.
Bank of Canton Building: This building served as the headquarters of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, which provided support and services to the Chinese community in San Francisco.
Chinese Culture Center: Located in the heart of Chinatown, the Chinese Culture Center promotes understanding and appreciation of Chinese and Chinese American art, history, and culture through exhibitions, events, and educational programs.
To experience a full walking tour of Chinatown during your trip, click here to book now!
Unique Things to Do in Chinatown
Besides historical buildings and spiritual temples, Chinatown is full of a lot of unique sights and experiences as well. Here are some of the more unique things to do while visiting Chinatown in San Francisco:
Waverly Place: This historic street is lined with shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks, including the Tin How Temple and the Bank of Canton Building.
Attend the Chinese New Year Parade: If you are traveling in February, be sure to join in on the festivities during the annual Chinese New Year Parade, one of the largest celebrations of its kind outside of Asia. Enjoy the floats, traditional lion and dragon dances, martial arts demonstrations, and firecrackers that light up the streets.
If you want to start planning your trip for next year's celebration, check out my guide here.
Visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory: Visit this small factory on Ross Alley to see how fortune cookies are made by hand. You can watch the process and even purchase freshly made cookies with custom fortunes inside.
Explore the Winding Alleys: Explore the winding alleys of Chinatown, such as Ross Alley and Waverly Place, which are filled with historic buildings, hidden courtyards, and colorful murals depicting scenes from Chinese folklore.
Experience a Tea Tasting: Dive into the world of Chinese tea by participating in a tea-tasting session at one of Chinatown's tea shops. Learn about different tea varieties, brewing techniques, and the significance of tea in Chinese society.
Attend a Traditional Chinese Opera: Experience the art of traditional Chinese opera by attending a performance at the Chinese Culture Center or other venues in Chinatown.
Remember, before setting off on any adventure, be sure you have reliable travel insurance readily available during your trip. No matter how hard I prepare, sometimes the unexpected happens, and I have to be ready. That’s why I recommend Nomad Insurance by SafetyWing for anyone considering a life of travel. Their flexible policies cover incidents in over 185 countries, and I don’t need to provide a travel itinerary in advance. In fact, you can sign up for SafetyWing even if you’re already on the go.
I hope this guide has inspired you to explore Chinatown the next time you are in San Francisco. It’s one of the most underrated spots in the city and undoubtedly one of the coolest.