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Dabao - San Francisco
Photo from Dabao
Dabao at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- πΈπ¬ Singaporean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21β$30
mentioned by 58 of the guests
#626 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 Singaporean Restaurant out of 1 in San Francisco
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
663
Reviews
80.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic food
- Helpful staff
- Good location
Frequently criticized
- Food court
- Long waits
- High prices
The restaurant Dabao is a Singaporean restaurant in San Francisco’s Mission District, offering you a taste of authentic flavors in a casual atmosphere. You’ll find a welcoming spot perfect for a quick bite, whether you’re looking for healthy options or delicious vegetarian dishes.
It’s a great place to experience Singaporean cuisine.
Overview: Introducting Dabao
Dabao offers a taste of Singaporean cuisine that many find genuinely authentic and satisfying. While the culinary experience often shines, particularly with its well-regarded dishes, some aspects of the dining environment might not appeal to everyone.
The staff often receives praise for being welcoming and going above and beyond, contributing positively to the overall visit. However, a few patrons have noted occasional inconsistencies with order accuracy or longer waiting times.
Good
8
out of 10
663
Reviews
80.7%
Satisfaction
89
negative
39
neutral
535
positive
Dabao holds a respectable overall score of 8, reflecting a generally positive experience for many. This is further supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 80.7%, indicating that most diners leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 663 customer opinions, with 535 positive remarks outweighing 89 negative ones. Looking closer, Food (8.1) and Service (8.1) both stand out as strong points, consistently earning high marks from patrons.
The Ambience (8.0) also performs well, though it’s worth noting that Value (5.6) presents a more average picture, suggesting a mixed perception regarding pricing and portion sizes among diners.
What people like
- Authentic Singaporean food
- Attentive, helpful staff
- Convenient location
What people don't like
- Food court atmosphere
- Occasional long waits
- Perceived high prices
Dabao is a solid choice if you’re seeking authentic Singaporean flavors, particularly if you appreciate attentive service. With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.2, it generally delivers a satisfying culinary experience that many find worth revisiting.
However, be mindful of its food court setting and potential for longer waits during busy periods. If you prioritize genuine taste and friendly interactions over a traditional dining atmosphere, Dabao is certainly worth considering for your next meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Dabao
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, you're in for a treat! With a fantastic 82.3% customer satisfaction and a solid score of 8.1, many diners rave about the authentic flavors and generous portions. Out of 498 comments, a whopping 410 praise the delicious laksa, chicken and rice, and the wonderful variety of Singaporean dishes, often highlighting their authenticity.
However, not everyone was completely bowled over. About 59 comments mentioned some areas for improvement, noting issues like bland chicken, soggy noodles, or a broth that lacked flavor. Some felt the sauce was too heavy or the spice was missing, suggesting a few dishes might need a little extra kick.
Food
498
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
59
negative
29
neutral
410
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Singaporean flavors
- Delicious laksa
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Soggy noodles
- Bland chicken
- Missing spice
Often praised
- foodWe bought a mountain of her offerings and had a big group dinner at his place to check it all out and learn about Singaporean food. Everything was absolutely amazing and everyone loved it. In an era where travel is difficult or impossible, Iβm grateful for places like Dabaoβ¦ a little slice of international adventure right here in SF.
- laksadeciding between the laksa and chicken rice cause theyβre both so good
- LaksaAfter years of searching for a delicious, rich laksa with actual βumph, β the first bite of Dabaoβs Laksa was hard to believe. I couldn't believe this was something I could get in the States?
- Singaporean foodMy foodie friend from Singapore told me about Emily and her food. We bought a mountain of her offerings and had a big group dinner at his place to check it all out and learn about Singaporean food. Everything was absolutely amazing and everyone loved it.
- chicken riceAfter ordering kits for a year, we were so excited to finally visit and experience the authentic Singaporean food. We realized we didn't know what we were missing until we tried the laksa and chicken rice!
- Char Kway TeowI think I got the Char Kway Teow, which had a variety of seafood and sausages.
- char kway teowOne of my favorite things about this spot is that they always have their classics, like the laksa and a vegan laksa that plant-based friends have loved. They also add in a rotating menu, such as char kway teow (my favorite) or nasi lemak, that are reliably so, so good. Dabao punches way above its weight and honestly deserves to be included in the pantheon of San Francisco greats.
- noodlesThe food came out fast and was both tasty & healthy. I particularly enjoyed the 5 spice chicken and the noodles.
- riceDon't miss out! The chicken rice featured a substantial serving of succulent chicken, fragrant rice, and plenty of vegetables. The accompanying garlic/ginger paste and chili sauce were spot on; mixing them with the chicken rice truly transported us back to Singapore, enjoying our favorite chicken rice.
- seafood laksaI had the seafood laksa and the attention to detail
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was disappointing
- noodlesWe ordered the Char Kway Teow and the Hainanese Chicken and Rice. The Char Kway Teow was good, but the noodles needed to be more fried. It wasn't spicy by itself.
- riceThe rice was undercooked and had a hard centre.
- Laksaordered Laksa and was disappointed, it was below average
- brothThe broth was tasty only after we seasoned it
- dishchef is trying to recreate a dish, but didn't know how to actually cook it
- flavorwatered down to "Western" levels of flavor
- food qualityfood quality was not up to par
- sauceI ordered two dishes: the seafood laksa and hokkien mien. Unfortunately, the noodles in both dishes were incredibly soggy, and the sauce was watered down. For noodles priced at $18, I definitely expected a much better quality.
- seafood laksathe seafood laksa... noodles were incredibly soggy, the sauce was watered down
If you're craving authentic Singaporean flavors, especially laksa or chicken rice, this place is definitely worth a try. While a few dishes might miss the mark on spice or texture, the overall consensus points to a delicious and satisfying culinary experience.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the service here! Overall, its looking pretty good, with a solid score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction hitting 81.1%. Many customers rave about the friendly staff, attentive team, and clear instructions, especially for takeout and delivery.
With 90 positive remarks out of 111 total, it seems theyre doing a lot right! However, its not entirely without its hiccups. There are 16 negative comments highlighting slow service, long wait times, and a sometimes disorganized kitchen.
Some customers felt impatient due to the speed, suggesting that while the staff are lovely, efficiency could use a boost.
Service
111
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
16
negative
5
neutral
90
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Attentive, responsive team
- Clear heating instructions
What people don't like
- Slow service speed
- Long wait times
- Disorganized kitchen
Often praised
- serviceI would love to come back again on my next visit to SFO. Thank you for not just the tasty food but the fabulous service. A happy customer from the UK, Cece x.
- AlexAlex is ace, very welcoming , very polite and friendly
- deliveryThey offer delivery and pick-up. I always opt for delivery, and it's quite convenient. Every step of the delivery process is managed online or via text, and heating instructions are included.
- staffHowever, it felt a bit pricey for what I got, around $20 for a medium bowl. It didnβt come with limes, but the staff happily gave me some when I asked, which was great :)).
- EmilyI canβt wait to try more from her. Emilyβs really going to really make a name for herself, SF you donβt know whatβs coming for you!
- ServiceThey call my number which is #37
- teamIβve been ordering from Emily and the team for almost 2 years and I absolutely love it! I crave Singaporean food after living there and the Dabao food is delicious and authentic.
- Chef Emily LimChef Emily Lim really knows what she's doing.
- customer servicethe customer service provided by Alex was 5 star
- Alyssa and EmilyDuring a last-minute trip to San Francisco after a close friend passed away, I reached out to Dabao Singapore hoping for some comfort in familiar food. Despite a very tight schedule, the team, especially Alyssa and Emily, went above and beyond. They were responsive, thoughtful, and ensured everything was ready exactly when needed.
Frequently criticized
- serviceSo, 5 stars for the food. Less stars for service because they forgot to give me my prawns, so I spent the whole meal wondering why this dish was just noodles (i. E.
- waiting timestood waiting at the counter for more than five minutes
- ServiceService:1
- food pickupfood pickup taking one full hour
- hire more peopleplace needs to hire more people
- impatient customersnumerous other increasingly impatient customers
- kioskone kiosk you can self-order from so the line is long and s l o w
- kitchenthe kitchen was disorganized
- linethe line is long and s l o w
- line around the blockMy experience at the Singapore event was a horrible job. There was a line around the block, and food pickup was taking a full hour.
If you value genuinely friendly and helpful staff, youll likely have a wonderful experience here. Just be aware that during peak times, you might encounter slower service or longer waits. Its definitely worth trying for the warm interactions, but a little patience might be needed.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot is generally hitting all the right notes! With a solid score of 8 and customer satisfaction at a great 82.1%, its clear most folks are enjoying the vibe. Out of 28 total remarks, a whopping 23 were positive, highlighting the overall atmosphere, convenient location, and the bonus of outside seating.
Many appreciate the exciting new space and even the international adventure feel it brings. However, its not without a couple of minor quibbles, with 2 negative comments. Some feel the food court atmosphere can be a bit soulless, and the Metreon location itself isnt as bustling as it once was.
While the restaurant itself shines, a few wish it had a standalone space to truly elevate the experience, but these seem to be more about the surrounding context than the establishments own efforts.
Ambience
28
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
2
negative
3
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great overall atmosphere
- Convenient location
- Lovely outside seating
What people don't like
- Soulless food court
- Metreon's quietness
Often praised
- atmosphereIf you know, you know. I give the atmosphere 4 out of 5 stars mainly because the Metreon isn't the same bustling center as it once was pre-Covid. Dabao deserves a standalone restaurant with a reservation system and heavy plateware to serve their delicious, hot meals out of, but I'm nitpicking.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- addition to food courtoverall good addition to the food court
- brick and mortar spaceexciting to see that they have a brick and mortar space
- eventCommunication was great, and organization was strong before, during, and after the event. I highly recommend them to make your event memorable.
- food court restaurantVery impressed food court restaurant
- international adventureEverything was absolutely amazing and everyone loved it. In an era where travel is difficult or impossible, Iβm grateful for places like Dabaoβ¦ a little slice of international adventure right here in SF. I canβt wait to eat her food again.
- locationRight by the park, so perfect to quickly grab
- location and convenienceThe ratings are only for the location and convenience
- new spaceThe food was flavorful, not overly spiced or salty. I really thought the food was delicious and I hope that they do really well in this new space.
Frequently criticized
- MetreonIf you know, you know. I give the atmosphere 4 out of 5 stars mainly because the Metreon isn't the same bustling center as it once was pre-Covid. Dabao deserves a standalone restaurant with a reservation system and heavy plateware to serve their delicious, hot meals out of, but I'm nitpicking.
- atmospherethe atmosphere at the food court complete soulless
If youre looking for a place with a generally great vibe, convenient location, and the option for outside seating, youll likely be pleased. While its food court setting might not be for everyone, the restaurant itself creates a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere that's definitely worth checking out.
Value (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 46.2%. Still, 12 positive comments praised the experience, noting that many dishes were worth the price and offered great value. Diners often found the pricing to be fair and reasonable, especially appreciating the generous portions that made it feel like every penny was well spent.
On the flip side, an equal 12 negative remarks highlighted concerns, with some finding certain items pricey or overpriced. While the overall score for value is an average 5.6, some customers were surprised by the price of specific dishes, feeling the cost was quite high' for what they received, particularly for noodle dishes.
Value
26
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
12
negative
2
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the price
- Great value
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Overpriced dishes
- High cost
- Felt pricey
Often praised
- pricehonestly reasonably priced Singaporean food
- every pennyWorth every penny
- food courteverything else in the food court is similarly or even higher priced
- great valueAnd great value too!
- price per personWhile the service was rated a solid 4, and the atmosphere a 3, the culinary experience truly made this visit memorable. The price per person for lunch was between $10β20, offering good value.
- pricesPrices are actually reasonable for the area
- pricingThe laksa and chicken rice were also excellent. The portions are generous, and the pricing is very reasonable, especially when compared to other dining options. For those who haven't been to Singapore, this is a fantastic way to experience authentic Singaporean food.
- worth the priceI enjoyed the amazing Singaporean dishes, which were served in big portions. The meal was definitely worth the price. Thank you for bringing a taste of home to the bay!
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant, located in the food court of the AMC and Target building, was disappointing. I found the food to be overpriced for what it is worth. The noodle dish I ordered was simple and only contained two pieces of shrimp.
- noodlesFor $18 noodles, I expected better!
- pricescharge high prices
- rewards accountYou've earned 0 points for this order! despite spending $21
- same day discountdid not give you a same day discount
Value here seems to be a bit of a gamble. If you pick wisely, focusing on those generous portions, you might snag a great deal. However, be cautious, as some dishes can feel quite pricey for what you get, potentially leaving you feeling a bit short-changed.
How are the prices at Dabao?
Youβre looking at roughly 22 per person β reported by 58 diners. That puts it in the $21β$30 category. For a Singaporean Restaurant, itβs comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average sits in the $21β$30 bracket, a good number of guests actually spend a bit less, often in the $11β$20 range, suggesting a nice mix of options available.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 58 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Singaporean spot in San Francisco, offering good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Dabao
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Singaporean Food in the Bay Area!
My experience at this restaurant was hands down the best for Singaporean food in the Bay Area. The food truly reminded me of home. Every dish, including the Chicken Rice, Bee Hoon, Dry Laksa, and desserts, was absolutely delicious.
The service from Em was also amazing!
- Singaporean food10
- Chicken Rice10
- Bee Hoon10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Singaporean Food, Great Value!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the amazing Singaporean dishes, which were served in big portions. The meal was definitely worth the price.
Thank you for bringing a taste of home to the bay!
- Singaporean dishes10
- big portions9
- worth the price10
Price per Person
- $11β$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0β5 min.)
7
Legit Char Kway Teow, Service Lacking
I visited this restaurant because I was missing Singaporean food. After a great experience in Chinatown and a major letdown in Japantown, I was half scared this would be a disappointment. Turns out, the char kway teow here is pretty legit.
I asked for wok-hey, which they delivered. I'm used to the rice noodle-only version, but this one is half yellow noodles, which adds a different texture, though I still prefer rice noodles more. So, 5 stars for the food.
Less stars for service because they forgot to give me my prawns, so I spent the whole meal wondering why this dish was just noodles (i. E. , had no ζ).
As usual, the meal portion in the US is big. I think the price of $20 is fair considering it's SF and not Malaysia or Singapore. I miss my Penang CKT, so this hits the spot for now.
- char kway teow9
- wok-hey8
- rice noodle6
- prawns2
- service3
Price per Person
- $11β$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0β5 min.)
9
Authentic Singaporean Food Reminds Me of Home!
As a Singaporean, I was craving authentic Singaporean food and this place delivered! I ordered the Laksa, Nasi Lemak, and Tahu Goreng, and they were all excellent, truly reminding me of home. The laksa sauce was incredibly thick and flavorful, and the chicken in the Nasi Lemak was an upgraded version of what we typically get in Singapore.
I also loved the sambal, which I suspect is homemade. While I don't usually eat Tahu Goreng, this version was nicely fried and served with a black bean sauce, shredded cucumber, and nuts β I would definitely order it again! The prices are quite reasonable for the area, especially compared to other options in the food court.
I highly recommend this restaurant and will be back to try more dishes.
- Laksa10
- Nasi Lemak chicken9
- sambal9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Exceptional Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptionally great. The food was outstanding, and the people were very nice and helpful in finding what I wanted. They also have great vegan options.
- food10
- people9
- helpful9
What Dabao offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Dabao Singapore?
At Dabao Singapore, you can enjoy a casual dining experience perfect for a quick bite. They offer a variety of healthy and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone. Whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner, you’ll find a comfortable setting.
What service options are available at Dabao Singapore?
Dabao Singapore provides flexible service options to suit your needs. You can choose to dine-in and enjoy the casual atmosphere, opt for convenient no-contact delivery, or even enjoy your meal with outdoor seating. Catering services are also available for your events.
How does Dabao generally perform?
Dabao earns a solid overall score of 8, reflecting a positive experience for most. Its Customer Satisfaction stands at 80.7%. Food (8.1), Service (8.1), and Ambience (8.0) are well-regarded, though Value (5.6) is more of a mixed bag.
What are some standout dishes at Dabao?
Many patrons praise Dabao for its authentic Singaporean offerings, particularly the rich laksa and flavorful chicken rice. The Char Kway Teow and various noodles also receive positive remarks for their taste and authenticity.
Are there any common concerns when dining at Dabao?
Some customers note the food court atmosphere as a drawback. Additionally, occasional issues like long waiting times for orders and concerns about value for certain dishes have been mentioned.