Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Hang Ah – San Francisco
Hang Ah - San Francisco
Photo from Hang Ah
Hang Ah at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 109 of the guests
#2300 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#268 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Average
5.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
678
Reviews
39.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Dim sum
- History
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Cleanliness
- Price
- Slow service
The Chinese restaurant Hang Ah in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood invites you to discover a truly historic dining experience. As you step inside, you’ll immediately notice the casual atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
Hang Ah Tea Room is renowned for its great tea selection, offering a delightful journey for your palate. Whether you’re planning for lunch or dinner, you’ll find a welcoming spot here, complete with table service and options for takeout or delivery.
Overview: Introducting Hang Ah
Hang Ah offers a journey into history, with an old-school vibe and a certain charm that many appreciate. While the dim sum often receives praise for its quality, the overall experience can be a mixed bag.
Some visitors find the price point a concern, and there are recurring comments about the cleanliness, with some areas described as unsanitary. Service can also be inconsistent, with instances of slow service noted.
Average
5.1
out of 10
678
Reviews
39.7%
Satisfaction
319
negative
90
neutral
269
positive
Hang Ah holds an overall Restaurant Score of 5.1, placing it in the average range. However, customer sentiment tells a different story, with a Customer Satisfaction of just 39.7%, which is considered poor.
This notable divergence suggests that while some aspects are acceptable, a significant portion of patrons leave less than satisfied. Looking closer, Food leads with a score of (5.7), indicating it’s generally well-regarded.
Ambience follows at (4.9), offering a historical feel but with noted drawbacks. Service registers at (4.5), often inconsistent, while Value scores lowest at (3.1), frequently a concern.
These insights are drawn from 678 customer observations, with 269 positive remarks and 319 negative ones.
What people like
- Delicious dim sum
- Historical charm
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- Poor cleanliness
- High price point
- Slow, inattentive service
With a Recommendation Score of 5.3, Hang Ah presents a mixed proposition. If you prioritize a taste of history and generally good dim sum, it might be worth a visit.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in other areas. For those seeking a pristine environment or exceptional value, you might find it falls short.
It’s a place to consider if its historical appeal outweighs concerns about cleanliness and the overall price-to-experience ratio.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Hang Ah
Food (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
The food here certainly sparks conversation, with 152 positive remarks among 339 total comments. Diners often rave about delicious Dim Sum, especially the soup dumplings, pork buns, and chili oil. Many appreciate the authentic food and flavors, contributing to some great meals.
The overall score for food is an average 5.7. However, with 128 negative comments, some diners found the food subpar, citing issues with dim sum being bland, orange chicken slimy, or shrimp dumplings lacking flavor. Concerns about frozen food being reheated and small portions also surfaced, contributing to a mixed 44.8% customer satisfaction.
Food
339
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
128
negative
59
neutral
152
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Dim Sum
- Authentic food flavors
- Great chili oil
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland or strange taste
- Small portions sometimes
Often praised
- foodThe service was meh; they ignored us for a while and gave us dirty cups, plates, and spoons. However, the food was good – the best chili oil I have ever had, and the dim sum was delicious. The place was horribly located, being the first dim sum house in America.
- dim sumThe service was meh; they ignored us for a while and gave us dirty cups, plates, and spoons. However, the food was good – the best chili oil I have ever had, and the dim sum was delicious. The place was horribly located, being the first dim sum house in America.
- Dim SumThey say the best Dim Sum comes from the hole in the walls, and this place certainly lives up to that reputation. The food was absolutely delicious!
- dumplingsThe dumplings were fresh and delicious
- chicken feetthe only item that is to rave for is the chicken feet
- chili oilTheir chili oil is really good
- har gownot the best har gow i’ve had, but still good!
- mealit was a bit pricy for the overall food we ordered but they were all worth it enough
- pork bunsmy kids still talk about the pork buns
- portionsportate sono infatti generose
Frequently criticized
- foodFor $25, this was not it. I understand the desire to support small businesses, but my food was really expensive and not worth a penny. The staff, however, was incredibly welcoming; I truly liked each one of them.
- dim sumI'm not here to make folks mad, and I respect the legendary history of this place. However, my rating is based on the flavors of true Hong Kong dim sum. The establishment is very dated, remaining largely unchanged since its opening in the 1920s.
- food qualitywas not the best Chinese food… it felt like microwavable food
- fried riceTo top it off, they charged us for items we never received! For $70 for two people, I didn't even want my leftover fried rice because it was so sad, and my chicken was grey.
- orange chickenquantity I got for the orange chicken which is not worth $17+
- FoodFood:1
- chickenTo top it off, they charged us for items we never received! For $70 for two people, I didn't even want my leftover fried rice because it was so sad, and my chicken was grey.
- chicken feetchicken feet overcooked
- flavornothing had flavor but if it did it was an overwhelming garlic
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was unfortunately not worth it. I ordered Combination A for $22, and the portions were very small. The chicken was difficult to eat as it was stuck in the foil, and the overall flavor of the meal was non flavorful.
If you're craving specific dim sum like soup dumplings or pork buns, you might find some real gems here. However, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience, as the overall quality can be a bit of a mixed bag, so manage your expectations.
Service (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
When it comes to service, there are definitely some bright spots! Many guests (60 positive remarks out of 167) raved about the friendly staff and attentive waiters who were often fast and helpful . Some even appreciated the efficiency of QR menu ordering and the speed of their tea tasting experiences, making for some truly pleasant interactions.
However, the overall picture is a bit of a mixed bag , with a poor customer satisfaction of 35.9% and an average score of 4.5. A significant number of comments (95 negative remarks) pointed to slow service and long waiting times . Issues like understaffed situations, rude waiters , and problems with the QR code ordering system frequently popped up, indicating areas needing serious attention.
Service
167
Reviews
35%
Satisfaction
95
negative
12
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast service speed
- Helpful ordering process
What people don't like
- Slow, poor service
- Long wait times
- Rude staff attitude
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was mostly positive. The food tasted good, and the service was fast. However, they forgot to give us one item we ordered from the menu.
- stafflady who helped us and did our tea tasting was AMAZING!!!!! Extremely friendly
- ServiceService was good and fast
- waitThis restaurant is a little off the beaten path, but it's definitely worth the wait if there's a line. It's been three months since we ate there, but my kids still talk about the pork buns.
- waiterOur waiter was very helpful, friendly, and attentive
- waiterswaiters were friendly
- Lovely staffLovely staff
- QR menubetter to order by scan the QR menu on table
- adviceti da consigli utli
- billHad enough flavor, but the skin was too loose and sagged so much that the steam water had collected inside and exploded out from it. When I asked for the bill though, they showed some trees by saving me from pocketing an extra physical copy of the receipt, which I would've thrown away anyways. Plus, she saved me from having to choose the tip amount in front of them, which is embarrassing to be stared down at, and she only took out 15%.
Frequently criticized
- serviceAs a local, I can confirm this is a tourist trap. The service was the slowest I've ever encountered in CT, and the younger staff seemed to lack basic customer service skills. Regarding the food, the har gow was sour, the bean curd rolls were burnt, and the chicken feet were overcooked.
- customer serviceThe first was a doordash order that kept being cancelled, yet I was double charged. The second was poor customer service. I have been a loyal customer through the years but will take my patronage elsewhere.
- ServiceThe atmosphere truly feels historic. Service was a bit slow, even though we visited for a 1 PM lunch during off-peak hours. I would recommend the siu mai, chili wontons, and stuffed tofu.
- waitressflag down the waitress just to put in any kind of order
- orderthe restaurant never got the order
- serverThe server only takes your oder , brings you the food with one napkin for each and they never check up on you again
- wait timesHowever, my recent experiences have left me reconsidering this tradition. The waiters have a terrible attitude, and long wait times for taking orders and serving food add to the frustration. The restaurant’s aging ambiance has become more noticeable.
- waiterThe waiter glanced at out table and started to get the table next to us
- waitersWaiters apparently didn't speak English
- waitingsat there for 30 min waiting for it
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent service experience. While you might encounter incredibly friendly and fast staff, theres a real chance of slow service and long waits . It's a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations, especially during busy times.
Ambience (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a truly unique experience, scoring an average 4.9. Many appreciate the rich history and atmosphere, the old-school vibe, and the vintage feel that transports you back in time. Some even enjoy the modernist graffiti and murals adding a contemporary twist, making it a great place for pictures, as noted in 52 positive remarks out of 119 total.
However, the customer satisfaction is a bit of a mixed bag at 43.7%, with 56 negative comments highlighting significant concerns. Issues like overall cleanliness, fruit flies, dirty tables, and a generally dated feel frequently come up. It seems the historical charm sometimes clashes with a need for better upkeep, particularly regarding the restrooms and floors.
Ambience
119
Reviews
43%
Satisfaction
56
negative
11
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Rich history
- Old-school vibe
- Unique atmosphere
What people don't like
- Poor cleanliness
- Dirty restrooms
- Dated ambiance
Often praised
- atmosphereimmediately felt the history of the building which felt like I was being transported into another era
- historical significanceMy experience at this historic dim sum parlor, touted as the oldest in America (circa 1920), was a mix of historical appreciation and culinary critique. The walls, adorned with Miss Chinatown pageant photos from the 1950s and 1960s, offer a fascinating glimpse into local Chinese-American history, making it a great try for the historical significance. However, for the price point, I felt the dim sum could be stepped up.
- historyMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of nostalgia and letdown. The place is definitely trading on its 100-year plus history, and the old-school vibe is fun. The service was friendly, which was a definite plus.
- placeunassuming little place. worn, but still clean.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- busyit wasn’t too busy either which was good
- charmThey claim to be the first Dim Sum restaurant in the US, having started in 1920. The interior is a little tired, but this actually adds to the charm. The food and service were outstanding!
- cozy placegreat cozy place to dine
- experienceVery grateful for our experience
- great placeI would say that this place is a great place for some good food
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe waiter who served us was touching money and did not wash his hands before garnishing the food with dirty hands and serving us, as well as other tables. The tables were not clean, and the atmosphere was dirty and unsanitary. The service was meh; they ignored us for a while and gave us dirty cups, plates, and spoons.
- floorThe food was typical, comparable to other Chinese restaurants in the area. The service was a bit inattentive compared to what I've experienced elsewhere, and I also noted that the floor was a bit slippery.
- placeThe food was so good, and the service was good and fast. However, the place is old and shows a bit, which might be a consideration for some. I would definitely eat here again.
- bathroomsbathrooms were absolutely disgusting
- restaurant cleanlinessrestaurant and condiments and tables truly need a good cleaning
- tablesThe tables were sticky.
- toiletThe toilet is full of poop
- tourist trapTourist trap. the white chalk signage aside
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- FloorsThe Floors were dirty looked like a few mouse droppings on the floor
If youre seeking a place steeped in history with a unique, old-school charm and dont mind a bit of wear and tear, this spot is worth a visit. However, if cleanliness and modern comfort are high on your priority list, you might find the dated aspects and reported hygiene issues disappointing.
Value (3.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a puzzle. While overall customer satisfaction is remarkably high at 9.4 (excellent), the specific score for value itself is quite low at 3.1 (poor). Based on 53 customer remarks, with only 5 positive and a significant 40 negative, it seems many find the prices a sticking point.
However, some customers appreciate the option for a cash discount and find the price or prices to be fair, especially when compared to fancier dim sum restaurants. On the flip side, the overwhelming sentiment points to the food being overpriced and not worth the price. Many customers were frustrated by mandatory tip or mandatory gratuity and additional credit card charges.
The lack of competitiveness and issues with the bill, including un-itemized receipts and being charged for items not ordered, also contribute to a perception of poor value.
Value
53
Reviews
9%
Satisfaction
40
negative
8
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cash discount available
- Less pricey than others
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Mandatory service fees
- Credit card charges
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, especially concerning the food. While the atmosphere was bare bones and we had to flag the server, the food itself was super delicious and less pricey than fancier dim sum restaurants. We loved that they have unique options as well, like fish curry balls.
- cash discount*Pro-tip*: Bring cash. You get a slight discount, and you can dictate the tip level.
- places in China townplaces in China town that are either way cheaper
- pricesthe prices seemed fair to me
Frequently criticized
- priceFor the price and history, we were expecting better food
- expensiveFor $25, this was not it. I understand the desire to support small businesses, but my food was really expensive and not worth a penny. The staff, however, was incredibly welcoming; I truly liked each one of them.
- $25For 25$ this was not it
- DinnerDinner for 3 was $120
- Price per personTo top it off, they charged us for items we never received! For $70 for two people, I didn't even want my leftover fried rice because it was so sad, and my chicken was grey.
- automatic tip, and I do value a good meal. However, I've come to realize that this place charges for credit card usage and automatically adds a tip. I regretfully didn't notice this for many years.
- billThey do not provide an itemized receipt, which makes it difficult to verify charges. Be careful of the bill.
- charged us things we didn’t orderThen they charged us things we didn’t order
- competitivenessnot being competitive enough
- credit card chargescharges for using your credit card
If youre looking for a budget-friendly meal, this might not be your best bet, as many find it overpriced with hidden fees. However, if youre prepared for the cost and bring cash, you might find some unique dishes that are less pricey than other high-end options.
How are the prices at Hang Ah?
You’re looking at roughly 27 per person – reported by 109 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what folks usually spend, most diners are right in that sweet spot between 11 – 30 $, showing prices really cluster around this average, with just a few venturing into the higher tiers.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 109 reviews.
A comparison of this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, especially given where most diners are spending. It offers good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Hang Ah
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Amazing Beef Chow Fun & Popcorn Chicken!
My experience at this small, hole-in-the-wall restaurant was a mixed bag, but ultimately positive due to some standout dishes. The service was quite slow, with only one person handling orders and serving, which led to a noticeable wait. The milk iced tea was just okay, unfortunately containing way too much ice.
We also tried the shrimp dim sum and egg rolls. The dim sum was decent, though I've had better, and the egg rolls were a bit greasy. However, the Hong Kong style beef chow fun and the popcorn chicken were the absolute highlights of our meal – they were amazing!
These dishes alone made the visit worthwhile. The meal for two came to $65, and we would hands down order the Hong Kong beef chow fun and popcorn chicken again. Overall, the food was great, and I would definitely come back!
- milk iced tea5
- shrimp dim sum5
- Hong Kong style beef chow fun10
- service2
- egg rolls3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Great Location, Food Lacking.
History speaks when you are at a location like this. The location and staff were nice, but I was expecting a bit more from a location of this stature for the food to be the best.
- location8
- staff8
- food5
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Dim Sum in SF
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It's my favorite dim sum spot in San Francisco, and honestly, some of the best I've had anywhere in the country. The food was exceptional, and the service was top-notch, both rated a perfect 5.
The atmosphere also received a 5-star rating, contributing to a wonderful dining experience.
- dim sum10
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Disappointing Dim Sum Experience
My friends and I visited this restaurant mid-afternoon, which turned out to be a warning sign as only tourists were present. The dim sum was consistently disappointing, ranging from bland to having a strange taste, and was simply not tasty. Ordering is done via a QR code, and the service was minimal.
We experienced anxiety about when our food would arrive. After ordering various dishes to share, we left feeling hungry for authentic dim sum. Living in San Francisco, it's rare to encounter a "bad" restaurant, but this experience was a negative surprise.
While I respect the historical ambiance, this place would be better suited as an afternoon tea spot. I strongly advise skipping this establishment and recommend Good Mong Kok instead. I urge visitors to explore other dim sum restaurants to ensure a better impression of our city's culinary offerings.
- historical vibes6
- dim sum2
- service1
- food1
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Disappointing Value for $70
I ordered food to-go and was honestly appalled that it cost $70. While the taste was pretty decent, the walnut prawns ($18) were especially disappointingly small. The plastic packaging was completely falling apart for the eggplant (also $18!
+ super salty) and the noodles.
- food7
- walnut prawns2
- plastic packaging2
- eggplant3
What Hang Ah offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Historic
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and accessibility features does Hang Ah Tea Room provide?
At Hang Ah Tea Room, you can enjoy lunch, dinner, and dessert with convenient table service. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, featuring both an accessible entrance and seating, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. Takeout and delivery are also available for your convenience.
Is Hang Ah Tea Room suitable for families, and what beverages are on offer?
Yes, Hang Ah Tea Room is good for kids, making it a great family-friendly spot. You can also enjoy a selection of alcoholic beverages, including wine and beer, alongside their renowned great tea selection. It’s a casual, historic setting perfect for small plates and quick bites.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Hang Ah?
Hang Ah has an average Restaurant Score of 5.1, with customer satisfaction at 39.7%. While Food (5.7) is generally liked, Ambience (4.9) and Service (4.5) are moderate, and Value (3.1) is a common concern.
What do customers enjoy most about Hang Ah?
Many customers appreciate the restaurant’s historical charm and the quality of its dim sum, with specific mentions of delicious dumplings and chili oil.
What are the main concerns customers have about Hang Ah?
Recurring concerns include the cleanliness of the establishment, perceived high prices, and occasional slow or inattentive service.