Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Lam Hoa Thuan – San Francisco
Lam Hoa Thuan - San Francisco
Photo from Lam Hoa Thuan
Lam Hoa Thuan at a glance
San Francisco Sunset District
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 53 of the guests
#2198 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#253 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Average
5.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
290
Reviews
50.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- BBQ meats
- Generous portions
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Cash only
- Rude service
- Poor cleanliness
The restaurant Lam Hoa Thuan invites you to experience authentic Chinese cuisine right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Sunset District. This casual Chinese restaurant is a perfect spot when you’re looking for a quick bite or delicious small plates.
Whether you’re dining in for lunch or dinner, or grabbing convenient takeout, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere.
Overview: Introducting Lam Hoa Thuan
Lam Hoa Thuan offers a taste of local cuisine, particularly noted for its flavorful roast duck and roast pork. While many appreciate the generous portions and the quality of the main dishes, some experiences suggest inconsistencies, particularly with the freshness of certain items.
This establishment is often praised for its value, making it a popular choice for an affordable meal. However, guests should be aware of a cash only policy and occasional reports of an unwelcoming atmosphere or issues with cleanliness, which can detract from the overall visit.
Average
5.8
out of 10
290
Reviews
50.3%
Satisfaction
107
negative
37
neutral
146
positive
Overall, Lam Hoa Thuan earns an average Restaurant Score of 5.8, with Customer Satisfaction sitting at a mixed 50.3%. This reflects a place with clear strengths but also notable areas for improvement.
Based on 290 customer remarks, with 146 positive and 107 negative, the feedback paints a balanced picture. The Food (6.6) stands out as the strongest aspect, frequently praised for its quality and generous portions.
However, Ambience (5.3) is merely average, and both Value (4.7) and Service (4.6) fall below expectations for many. The lower scores in these areas significantly pull down the overall perception, indicating a need for attention beyond the kitchen.
What people like
- Excellent BBQ meats
- Generous food portions
- Good overall value
What people don't like
- Cash-only policy
- Rude, inattentive service
- Cleanliness concerns
With a Recommendation Score of 6.1, Lam Hoa Thuan presents a mixed proposition. If you prioritize flavorful roast duck or roast pork and appreciate a budget-friendly meal, it could be a worthwhile stop.
Be prepared for a no-frills experience focused squarely on the food. However, potential visitors should manage expectations regarding service and the ambience.
The cash only policy and reports of inconsistent customer interactions mean it might not be the ideal choice for those seeking a polished dining experience or expecting seamless transactions.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Lam Hoa Thuan
Food (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
Based on 98 positive remarks out of 159 total, many diners rave about the delicious Chinese and Vietnamese dishes here. The food scores an average 6.6, with many praising the tasty food, large portions, and especially the excellent roast duck and BBQ pork. Youll find plenty of choices, often made to order, ensuring a satisfying meal.
However, with 44 negative comments and a mixed 61.6% customer satisfaction, some experiences werent as stellar. Concerns include dishes being oily, cold, or too salty. There were also complaints about a porky meat smell in some BBQ items and issues with freshness, suggesting inconsistency in quality.
Food
159
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
44
negative
17
neutral
98
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Best roast duck
- Delicious BBQ pork
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Food can be cold
- Dishes can be oily
- Porky meat smell
Often praised
- foodyou WILL, however, get excellent food
- roast duckIt's all about the fresh out of the oven roast duck
- duckThe roasted pork and duck are delicious here.
- roast porkThe moment you walk in, the inviting aroma of char from the counter and the chefs expertly slicing the meats fills the air. They are renowned for their roast duck, chicken, chau siu, and roast pork, among other specialties. The dine-in menu also features a variety of Chinese and Vietnamese dishes, with everything made to order, which is always a plus.
- bbq itemsI ordered the orange peel duck and unfortunately, it was dry and disappointing. However, the noodle soup was tasty, and their bbq duck and other bbq items are definitely delicious. I also enjoyed their soy milk.
- chickenBut that chicken is so good
- portionsthe food and portions are fantastic
- vermicelli bowlsMy experience at this restaurant was defined by its roast pork and duck, which are renowned. I also come here for the best bang-for-your-buck vermicelli bowls in the Bay.
- BBQ itemsBbq items are great
- BBQ meattheir BBQ meat, which had people lining up
Frequently criticized
- duckThe rice was perfectly cooked, which was expected. The duck itself was good, but it was mostly bones and fat. The accompanying sauce was extremely salty; I recommend using only a third of it to flavor the rice, as the duck tastes fine without it.
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative. The food was cold, and our drinks were unappetizing with black stuff floating around. To make matters worse, the soda cans had crossed-off expiration dates and were rusted.
- roast duckThe roast duck was a little too fatty and salty for me
- BBQ porkThe roast pork and BBQ pork both have a porky meat smell
- BBQ pork and roast pork plateThe roast pork and BBQ pork both have a porky meat smell, indicating they are not very fresh. I got the BBQ pork and roast pork plate, and the flavor just isn't authentic. I will not go back.
- Beef Noodle SoupBeef Noodle Soup was all msg. It didn't taste like your typical pho
- Pork Feet Special Rice NoodlePork Feet Special Rice Noodle was super bland
- barbecue' I found this practice to be dishonest. Furthermore, the owner's service attitude was very poor, and the barbecue itself was not delicious. I will definitely not be returning to this restaurant.
- brothThe broth just tasted like chicken broth and msg. Not to mention, the broth smelled old.
- carcassgave us a carcass
If you're craving classic Chinese and Vietnamese BBQ, especially roast duck or pork, this spot could be a hit. Just be aware that some dishes might be inconsistent in temperature or freshness, so manage your expectations for a truly stellar experience.
Service (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
While the service scores an average 4.6, with customer satisfaction at a poor 32.9%, there are still some shining moments. Many of the 24 positive comments praise the welcoming staff for being well trained and understanding, often providing quick service and making it easy to get a seat. However, the service isn't always smooth sailing.
With 35 negative comments, issues like rude staff, slow service, and excessive waiting time frequently pop up. Some customers even reported being forced to give a tip or experiencing poor customer service from cashiers and owners.
Service
73
Reviews
32%
Satisfaction
35
negative
14
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming staff
- Quick service
- Understanding staff
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Slow service
- Forced tipping
Often praised
- serviceI had the best char siu (bbq pork) I've had in a while and highly recommend it over other places in the area. The service was incredibly fast and friendly, and the food was simply amazing. They serve the char siu over rice with a steamed veggie side and sauce, which was a perfect combination.
- customer servicecustomer service at Lam Hoa Thuan is pretty good
- staffthe staff has gotten better
- ServiceGood Service
- carry-outlong line for the carry-out Cantonese BBQ cut meats
- dine-inYou don't need to stand in que for dine-in
- dine-in serviceyou can also partake in dine-in service
- get a seatYou'll often see lines out the door for hot food takeout, but they also offer dine-in service. Even during peak times, it's fairly quick and easy to get a seat. My favorite dish on the dine-in menu is the bun bo hue, a specially prepared spicy beef soup with pig trotters, cubed pork blood, and round bun noodles.
- service speedquick, easy
- staff membersthe staff members are very nice
Frequently criticized
- servicehave to ask for more napkins, have to wave my hands in the air like a psycho hoping a waiter will notice me.
- customer serviceI found the customer service to be subpar
- tipThe place was dirty, and the service was terrible, slow, and rude. To top it all off, the staff begged us for a $10 tip.
- waiterrude waiter demanded a tip
- 10% tiptips de 10% nous a été extorqué de manière agressive
- accueilThe accueil and cold dish
- cashierwhen I reached the cashier to pay
- cashier ladyThe cashier lady has a mean attitude
- forced to give a tipon vous force à donner un pourboire même quand vous êtes insatisfaits
- harassing usstarted harassing us
If consistent, top-notch service is your priority, this spot might be a bit of a gamble. While some enjoy quick and friendly interactions, be prepared for potential rudeness or slow service. Your experience could truly vary.
Ambience (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot has some charm, with 10 positive remarks out of 22 total comments highlighting it as a hidden gem, especially for locals. Many appreciate the comfortable dining room and its great location. The overall score for ambience sits at an average 5.3, suggesting it's not bad, but not outstanding either.
However, there are 9 negative comments that point to some significant drawbacks. Issues like awful parking and a generally noisy or even unwelcoming atmosphere pop up. There are also concerns about cleanliness, particularly regarding the bathroom, which contributes to a mixed 45.5% customer satisfaction.
Ambience
22
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
9
negative
3
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Hidden local gem
- Comfortable dining room
- Great location
What people don't like
- Awful parking
- Noisy atmosphere
- Poor cleanliness
Often praised
- atmospherethe service and atmosphere were also rated at 4
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- dining roomdining room is comfortable
- hidden gema true hidden gem frequented by locals
- localsfrequented quite heavily by locals
- locationIt's a great location near shopping and salons
- no fluffNo fluff.
- restaurantThe restaurant itself was pretty clean
- street parkingThe food received a score of 4, and the service and atmosphere were also rated at 4. We experienced no wait time and found plenty of paid street parking available. The noise level was moderate.
Frequently criticized
- WChygiène douteuse (WC, tâches sur nos vêtements après nous être assis)
- atmospherethe atmosphere unwelcoming
- bathroomel baño estaba realmente sucio
- cleanlinessthe cleanliness and service have dropped off
- hygiène douteusehygiène douteuse (WC, tâches sur nos vêtements après nous être assis)
- parkingparking is awful on this street.
- placedirty place
- restaurant's atmosphereThe restaurant itself is noisy
- speaker phone talkingone guy tonight on his speaker phone talking the entire time in mandarin. That was annoying
If youre seeking a local spot with a comfortable dining room and a good location, this place might be worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential noise, tricky parking, and dont expect pristine cleanliness, as customer satisfaction is a bit mixed.
Value (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When considering value, this restaurant presents a bit of a mixed bag, based on 36 total opinions. Many patrons appreciate the reasonable prices and great value offered, with 14 positive comments noting it as a cheapest restaurant option for a quick meal when budgets are tight. The overall score for value is an average 4.7, suggesting some positive experiences.
However, a significant number of customers, 19 to be exact, voiced strong concerns. The Cash only policy is a frequent complaint, but more troubling are allegations of CHEATING and scam-like practices related to pricing and unexpected tips. This leads to a rather poor customer satisfaction of just 38.9%, indicating that while some find value, many feel otherwise.
Value
36
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
19
negative
3
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great value
- Quick meal
What people don't like
- Cash only policy
- Dishonest pricing
- Unexpected tips
Often praised
- priceIt was quite busy upon our arrival due to a sunset night market event, but the service was very quick, and our order arrived in no time. It's a cash only establishment, but the price is reasonable. This place is primarily a local eatery.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great food at very reasonable prices. However, the workers could be a little more friendly.
- PriceReasonable Price
- budget is tightIf budgets tight, this place is alright
- cheapest restaurantthe cheapest restaurant in San Francisco
- quick mealA reasonable quick meal
- reasonable pricesMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I found the food to be tasty, and the portions were large, offering great value for reasonable prices. The restaurant has a convenient setup with a takeout counter in the front and table service in the back.
- valueOne of the best values in the city.
Frequently criticized
- Cash onlyCash only!
- cash onlyBeware! This place is cash only!
- pricecheating the weight and price
- +20% tiptook + 20% tip without asking
- CHEATINGway of CHEAT
- billthey took me $41
- cash-only policythe restaurant only accepted cash
- chargeAnd get charge
- dishonestWhen I inquired about the discrepancy, the owner stated it was for 'taxi. ' I found this practice to be dishonest. Furthermore, the owner's service attitude was very poor, and the barbecue itself was not delicious.
- incomplete ticketbrought an incomplete ticket
If youre looking for a potentially budget-friendly option and dont mind a Cash only establishment, you might find some value here. However, be wary of potential pricing discrepancies and unexpected charges, as customer satisfaction is quite low due to reports of dishonest practices. It's a gamble for a truly hassle-free, inexpensive meal.
How are the prices at Lam Hoa Thuan?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 53 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners spend right in this sweet spot, showing a pretty consistent pricing experience rather than a mix of super cheap and super fancy dishes.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 53 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, especially given that most guests find themselves in that comfortable mid-range.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Lam Hoa Thuan
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Disappointing Food and Poor Service
My experience at this restaurant was far from satisfactory. The food was not great, particularly the duck leg with noodles. There were way too many noodles, and they tasted store-bought, not fresh or hand-pulled.
The broth was disappointing, tasting like chicken broth and MSG, and it even smelled old. The overall quality of the food was below average, especially considering the hype. I've had much better Cantonese/Vietnamese food elsewhere.
The service was also poor. I had to repeatedly ask for basic necessities like extra napkins, small plates, tea refills, a box, and the check. It felt like the staff forgot about requests and I had to ask again.
This lack of attentiveness suggests the restaurant doesn't value quality or customer service. To make matters worse, after I tipped $5, a waiter approached me outside to say it wasn't enough and wasn't 15%. This "entitled behavior" was disgusting; tips are earned, not demanded.
I will not be returning and suggest giving your money to a more deserving business. Even the roast duck tasted better at Ranch 99. Parking on this street is also awful.
- food2
- duck leg with noodles2
- noodles2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
3
Affordable but Gamey Pork
My experience at this restaurant was primarily driven by its affordability, and that's about all it offered. The crispy pork was extremely ‘gamey’. If your budget is tight, this place is alright.
Otherwise, I would not return or recommend it. They were quite busy though.
- budget is tight7
- crispy pork2
- return or recommend2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Cash Only and Unfresh Pork
Beware! This place is cash only! The roast pork and BBQ pork both have a porky meat smell, indicating they are not very fresh.
I got the BBQ pork and roast pork plate, and the flavor just isn't authentic. I will not go back.
- cash only2
- roast pork2
- BBQ pork2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Authentic Hong Kong BBQ Gem
I've been a regular here for ages, especially when I'm in the area and craving some authentic Chinese barbecue. The moment you walk in, the inviting aroma of char from the counter and the chefs expertly slicing the meats fills the air. They are renowned for their roast duck, chicken, chau siu, and roast pork, among other specialties.
The dine-in menu also features a variety of Chinese and Vietnamese dishes, with everything made to order, which is always a plus. I'm a patient person, so the wait is never an issue for me. The staff are consistently welcoming, well-trained, and understanding, ensuring a smooth experience on every visit.
I truly believe this place offers some of the best Hong Kong style barbecue in the area. I highly recommend it to all Asian food enthusiasts, whether you're looking for a quick bite or eager to try something new. I'll definitely be returning to explore their other delicious offerings.
- Chinese barbecue9
- char aroma9
- roast duck9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
6
Mixed Feelings on Lam Hoa Thuan
I hate to say it, but I feel like Lam Hoa Thuan's quality has gone a bit downhill. My grandparents used to take me here frequently when I was a kid, and I remember the food being pretty good. Some of the items we ordered were a bit disappointing.
Aside from the Grilled Pork and Egg Roll Vermicelli being really good, the Pork Feet Special Rice Noodle was super bland. The pork feet had a very unpleasant smell and a lot of hair left on the skin that wasn't plucked out. It looked like it was just boiled in hot water with no flavor.
The Beef Noodle Soup was all MSG. It didn't taste like your typical pho with the spices and deep flavors. Hard to explain, but I left the restaurant super thirsty from all the MSG in the soup.
We also ordered a duck and BBQ pork to go, which were both decent. Nothing negative to say about the service. Street parking is available but might be a bit difficult during the weekend.
Overall, I would come back but probably won't order the noodle soups. 07. 20.
2025 | Sunday @2: 15pm
- Grilled Pork and Egg Roll Vermicelli9
- duck6
- bbq pork6
- Pork Feet Special Rice Noodle2
- pork feet1
- Beef Noodle Soup3
What Lam Hoa Thuan offers
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Cash-only
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Lam Hoa Thuan accessible for all guests?
Yes, Lam Hoa Thuan in San Francisco is designed with accessibility in mind. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
What dining experiences and services does Lam Hoa Thuan offer?
At Lam Hoa Thuan, you can enjoy a casual dining experience for lunch or dinner with table service. They also provide convenient takeout options, perfect for a quick bite or small plates on the go.
How does Lam Hoa Thuan rate overall, and what are its key strengths and weaknesses?
Lam Hoa Thuan holds an overall Restaurant Score of 5.8. Its strongest aspect is Food (6.6), while Ambience (5.3) is average. Value (4.7) and Service (4.6) are areas where it generally falls short.
What kind of food is Lam Hoa Thuan known for, and is it affordable?
Lam Hoa Thuan is particularly recognized for its roast duck, roast pork, and other BBQ items, often served with generous portions. Many customers find it offers good value for money, making it a budget-friendly option.
What are some common complaints about Lam Hoa Thuan?
Common complaints include a cash only policy, issues with rude service or forced tipping, and concerns about cleanliness or a noisy ambience. Some also mention inconsistencies in food freshness or quality.