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oChef » Dim Sum Kitchen Express – San Francisco
Dim Sum Kitchen Express - San Francisco
Photo from Dim Sum Kitchen Express
Dim Sum Kitchen Express at a glance
San Francisco Silver Terrace
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 22 of the guests
#1693 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#162 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
219
Reviews
66.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Tasty Dim Sum
- Budget Friendly
- Fast Service
Frequently criticized
- Poor Service
- Hygiene Issues
- Parking Difficulty
The restaurant Dim Sum Kitchen Express in San Francisco’s Silver Terrace neighborhood is a Chinese restaurant that offers a delightful array of small plates perfect for any time of day. You’ll find a casual atmosphere here, making it an ideal spot for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re craving breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this spot has you covered with its diverse dining options.
Overview: Introducting Dim Sum Kitchen Express
Dim Sum Kitchen Express offers a straightforward approach to dim sum, often praised for its affordable options and quick service. Many find it a convenient spot for a satisfying meal, appreciating the ease of ordering and the generally delicious offerings.
However, some experiences suggest inconsistencies, particularly concerning the service, which has been described as occasionally unprofessional. While the food generally receives positive remarks, there are concerns about cleanliness and occasional issues with freshness, which are worth noting.
Good
6.9
out of 10
219
Reviews
66.7%
Satisfaction
51
negative
22
neutral
146
positive
Overall, Dim Sum Kitchen Express garners a respectable 6.9 out of 10, indicating a generally good experience. However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 66.7%.
This suggests that while many find it agreeable, a notable portion of patrons have reservations. These figures are drawn from 219 customer remarks, with 146 positive and 51 negative observations shaping the sentiment.
Diving deeper, the Food (7.5) stands out as a clear strength, frequently praised for its quality and variety. Value (7.3) also rates well, with many appreciating the reasonable pricing.
Conversely, Service (4.9) appears to be an area needing attention, often described as inconsistent. The Ambience (4.1) also falls into the average category, suggesting it’s not a primary draw for visitors.
What people like
- Delicious Dim Sum
- Affordable Pricing
- Quick Service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Service
- Cleanliness Concerns
- Challenging Parking
With a solid 7.3 recommendation score, Dim Sum Kitchen Express is a viable option if you prioritize quick, affordable dim sum. It’s particularly suited for those seeking a convenient, no-frills meal where the focus is squarely on the food’s taste and value.
However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service and be mindful of the ambience and parking situation. If you’re looking for a swift, budget-conscious dim sum fix and can overlook these minor drawbacks, it’s certainly worth considering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Dim Sum Kitchen Express
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, earning a 7.5 score and a solid 74.7% customer satisfaction, indicating a good dining experience for many. With 112 positive remarks out of 150 total comments, diners often rave about the authentic dim sum, fresh and tasty dishes, generous portion sizes, and wonderful flavors, making it a go-to spot for many. However, some diners noted concerns in 21 opinions, mentioning that certain dishes can be greasy or oily, while others found items like fried rice to be dry and bland.
There were also mentions of skimped ingredients and, in a few unfortunate cases, food not being fresh, leading to stomach issues.
Food
150
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
21
negative
17
neutral
112
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic dim sum
- Fresh, tasty food
- Generous portion sizes
What people don't like
- Food can be oily
- Not always fresh
- Causes stomach issues
Often praised
- dim sumMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true neighbor gem for authentic basic dim sum and a perfect quick stop for lunch. The flavors were on point, felt home-y, and were simply filling.
- foodeverything I've tasted at this restaurant has been delicious
- shrimp dumplingsThe tofu silk was piping hot on the inside and crispy on the outside, and the fish was pillowy and flavorful. Although only shrimp dumplings and pork siu mai were left at 4 pm for dim sum, both hit the spot. The friendly service 😀 made the experience even better, and I will definitely return.
- dim sum dishesother dim sum dishes are quite nice
- dumplingsthese dumplings are fat af, and totally full of goodness
- har gowthe har gow were all amazing
- sesame ballsThe sesame balls are crispy and not too sweet
- shrimp dumplingThey offer a large variety of dim sum that can satisfy everyone. My personal favorites include the sui mai, shrimp dumpling, BBQ pork rice noodle, the unnamed but essential pork party, and jook. It can get busy in the mornings, but the quality of the food makes it worth it.
- varietyMy experience at the restaurant was very positive due to the really good variety and affordability. I particularly enjoyed the sesame balls, which are my favorite.
- 'fried ghost'they also make 'fried ghost' to accompany jook
Frequently criticized
- baked bbq bunbaked bbq bun was mixed with pineapple bun
- beef quality and quantitycheating out on the beef quality and quantity.
- beef rice noodleBeef rice noodle has barely any meat.
- cherry kernelthere was a cherry kernel inside!!!
- diarrheafood poisoning/diarrhea for
- feeling oilMy experience at this restaurant was that the food was better than average tasting, but it was also too oily. I found that I could feel the oil for hours after my meal. I tried them twice, and unfortunately, I had the same result both times.
- fish congeeI bought a fish congee, steamed noodle rolls with beef, and steamed pork dumplings from them. My family and I found the food was not fresh and the congee was a bit sour when we ate it. We both had stomachaches and diarrhea afterward.
- foodI bought a fish congee, steamed noodle rolls with beef, and steamed pork dumplings from them. My family and I found the food was not fresh and the congee was a bit sour when we ate it. We both had stomachaches and diarrhea afterward.
- food poisoningnot good enough to have food poisoning
- fried dim sumFried dim sum were oily.
If youre craving authentic dim sum with generous portions and dont mind the occasional oily dish, this spot is worth a try. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in freshness and ingredient quality, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
Service (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
Despite an overall customer satisfaction of just 36.7% and an average 4.9 score for service, there are definitely some bright spots! Many customers praised the speedy counter service and the friendly staff, noting the convenience of Apple Pay. These positive experiences, highlighted in 11 of the 30 opinions, suggest that when things go right, the service can be quite good.
However, the larger number of negative comments (16 out of 30) points to significant issues. Customers reported long waiting times, a lack of staff presence, and even accusations of dishonesty and unprofessionalism. Some found the staff rude or hard to understand, leading to frustration and a feeling of not being heard.
Service
30
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
16
negative
3
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Speedy counter service
- Friendly staff
- Apple Pay accepted
What people don't like
- Dishonest practices
- Long waiting times
- Unprofessional conduct
Often praised
- serviceThe food was good and not as greasy as other places. I also appreciated the great price and quick service. The location is convenient, and they are very straightforward with their offerings – they either have it or they don't.
- Apple PayThey take Apple Pay
- convenientVery convenient and inexpensive
- counter servicespeedy counter service you won't disappoint
- lady serverlady server in the restaurant, who was very busy, charmingly escorted the senior
- peopleFantastic people
- precookedhad everything precooked so it was fast
- staffThe staff is very nice and friendly.
Frequently criticized
- serviceRude..... I tried to order but they skipped me.
- cheatsThey are cheats
- delivery statusCan someone from Google change this restaurant from delivery to NON-DELIVERY? They don't deliver.
- differencedidn’t let me know of the difference
- dishonestthe woman who sold me food was being dishonest
- hear the customer's needshelping to just hear the customer's needs would have been enough
- orderingknow what your ordering
- peoplethe people are changed
- principlesIt's important to listen to customers' needs, especially knowing what they might be going through personally. I left promising never to return to a place that promotes dishonesty and would never recommend it based on their principles.
- professionalismJust nasty and unprofessional
So, if youre looking for quick counter service and dont mind a bit of a gamble, you might find a decent experience. However, be prepared for potential issues with waiting times or staff professionalism, as the service can be quite inconsistent.
Ambience (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot has a bit of a mixed bag. While the overall score for ambience sits at an average 4.1, customer satisfaction is quite low at just 21.4%, indicating theres definitely room for improvement. On the brighter side, some folks appreciate the convenient location, especially since theyve recently added free Wi-Fi, making it a decent neighborhood restaurant for a quick stop.
These positive points come from 3 positive opinions out of 14 total mentions. However, the negatives really stand out, with 9 negative opinions highlighting several issues. Parking is a consistent headache, often described as really hard or not easy.
Patrons also struggle with poor cell signals in the area. More concerning are mentions of a nasty atmosphere, bad decoration, and even a comment about it not being a clean kitchen at all, which certainly impacts the overall feel and cleanliness.
Ambience
14
Reviews
21%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Convenient location
- Free Wi-Fi
- Neighborhood spot
What people don't like
- Parking issues
- Poor cell signals
- Unclean kitchen
Often praised
- free Wi-FiThey recently added free Wi-Fi
- locationconvenient location
- neighborhood restaurantIt's a neighborhood restaurant
Frequently criticized
- parkingThe dim sum dishes are of such good quality and also at a very good price. Parking can be challenging during busy weekends and weekdays, as one can only find street parking. I recommend going early, as I believe they open at 8 am.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- cell signalsthe cell signals in this area are noticeable bad
- clean kitchenit's not a clean kitchen at all!
- cleanlinessJust nasty
- decorationIf they had a better decoration
- locationOnly bad part is that it's at Tanforan Mall
If youre looking for a quick bite in a convenient spot with free Wi-Fi and dont mind potential parking woes or a less-than-stellar interior, it might work. However, if atmosphere, cleanliness, and easy parking are high on your list, you might want to consider other options.
Value (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
When it comes to getting bang for your buck, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction at a strong 80%, its clear most folks find the value here to be good. Many rave about the food being affordable, inexpensive, and offering reasonable prices, making it a great choice for a cheap good meal.
These positive sentiments come from 20 remarks, highlighting its worth. However, not everyone agrees on the pricing, with 5 comments noting some concerns. A few felt the prices were higher than expected, mentioning instances of items being "twice the price" or issues with a "$20 card policy.
" While these are minor hiccups compared to the overall positive feedback, its something to keep in mind.
Value
25
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Very affordable
- Reasonable prices
- Good quality, low price
What people don't like
- Higher than expected prices
- Card policy issue
Often praised
- priceThe food was good and not as greasy as other places. I also appreciated the great price and quick service. The location is convenient, and they are very straightforward with their offerings – they either have it or they don't.
- pricesfelt the prices were very reasonable
- Reasonable pricesYou must try it! Reasonable prices and quick dim sum meals. You can even order via Uber Eats.
- affordabilityvery affordable
- affordableIt is affordable too
- affordable dim sum optionAn excellent, and affordable, dim sum option on the south side of San Francisco
- cheapIt’s very cheap
- cheap good meallooking for a cheap good meal
- economically-pricedLunch combo, generously portioned and economically-priced
- inexpensiveMy experience at this place was great for take-out. It's very convenient and inexpensive for dim sum. The ham shi gok and the congee were awesome.
Frequently criticized
- $20 card policythe 20 dollar card policy is a little steep
- chow meinThey tried to trick me 10 dollars for chow mein.
- paid 11.00 for a 10.00 orderpaid 11.00 for a 10.00 order
- pricesIf you go a few blocks down, the prices are lower.
- twice the pricetwice the price than the prices on the board
If you're looking for an affordable and inexpensive meal, this place is definitely worth checking out, as most customers find the value to be good. Just be mindful of potential price discrepancies or specific payment policies to ensure a smooth experience.
How are the prices at Dim Sum Kitchen Express?
You’re looking at roughly 15 per person – reported by 22 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners seem to agree, with prices clustering nicely in the $1–$10 and $11–$20 ranges, showing a pretty consistent experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 22 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese restaurant. It offers a good balance without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Dim Sum Kitchen Express
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Disappointing Beef Noodles and Lukewarm Spareribs
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing. The beef rice noodle had barely any meat, and it felt like they were cheating out on both the beef quality and quantity. The spareribs with rice noodle were served lukewarm.
Additionally, the baked bbq bun was mixed with pineapple bun, and I wasn't informed of the difference when I specifically asked for a baked bbq bun.
- beef rice noodle2
- beef quality and quantity2
- spareribs with rice noodle3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Hidden Gem with Delicious Surprises
This place is surprisingly well-equipped for a to-go spot, offering a kitchen that takes and even customizes orders. The staff is incredibly nice and friendly. Here are a few insider tips (IYKYK): 1) They are one of the rare establishments that still make mochi dessert, with both pineapple and peanut versions that are really good.
2) Their bolo “pineapple” buns are also pretty good and are kept warm under a heat lamp in a dedicated area. 3) They make soy milk from scratch, and it's delicious.
- mochi dessert9
- pineapple version9
- peanut version9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Excellent Chinese Breakfast Takeout
My go-to spot for weekend Chinese breakfast takeout. The dim sum is consistently fresh and tasty. I highly recommend this local gem.
- dim sum9
- fresh9
- tasty9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Great Dim Sum Value
My experience at this place was great for take-out. It's very convenient and inexpensive for dim sum. The ham shi gok and the congee were awesome.
I also loved the har gow.
- ham shi gok9
- congee9
- har gow8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Great Value and Tasty Food
This spot is one of the go-to places on San Bruno Ave. The prices are good and they give you some hefty plates. Beyond the price, the food is just good.
I usually go for the dim sum but on occasion will do a combo plate. If you’re in the area looking for a cheap good meal, pull up!
- prices9
- hefty plates9
- food8
What Dim Sum Kitchen Express offers
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is parking available at Dim Sum Kitchen Express, and is it accessible?
Finding a parking space near Dim Sum Kitchen Express can sometimes be a bit challenging, with paid street parking often being the option. However, you’ll be pleased to know that the restaurant features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring ease of access for all guests.
What dining options and services does Dim Sum Kitchen Express offer, and is it suitable for families?
Dim Sum Kitchen Express provides a wide range of dining options, including breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and even dessert. You can enjoy your meal through dine-in, takeout, or delivery services. Plus, it’s considered a great spot for kids, making it family-friendly.
How does Dim Sum Kitchen Express rate overall, and what are its main strengths and weaknesses?
Dim Sum Kitchen Express holds an overall score of 6.9 out of 10. Its primary strengths lie in Food (7.5) and Value (7.3). Areas needing improvement include Service (4.9) and Ambience (4.1).
Is Dim Sum Kitchen Express a good option for affordable dim sum?
Yes, many customers highlight its affordable prices and inexpensive options, making it a popular choice for a cheap good meal.
Are there any common issues customers experience at Dim Sum Kitchen Express?
Some customers have noted concerns regarding unprofessional or dishonest service, as well as issues with cleanliness and challenging parking.