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oChef » Heung Yuen – San Francisco
Heung Yuen - San Francisco
Photo from Heung Yuen
Heung Yuen at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 15 of the guests
#1992 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#203 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
285
Reviews
64.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Great value
- Large portions
Frequently criticized
- Rude service
- Poor ambiance
- Bland dishes
The restaurant Heung Yuen is a Chinese restaurant nestled in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco. You’ll discover a casual and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal.
Offering a range of small plates and vegetarian options, it’s an ideal spot for a quick bite or a full dinner. This eatery provides a comfortable setting for you to gather with friends or family.
Overview: Introducting Heung Yuen
Heung Yuen offers a straightforward dining experience where the focus clearly lies on the plate. Many patrons consistently highlight the delicious, flavorful food and the generous portions, making it a reliable spot for a hearty meal.
It’s often seen as a neighborhood staple for those in the know. However, the establishment faces some challenges.
While the food is a draw, some experiences point to issues with customer service and the overall dining environment. Concerns about cleanliness and a less-than-welcoming atmosphere have been noted by a segment of visitors.
Good
6.5
out of 10
285
Reviews
64.2%
Satisfaction
88
negative
14
neutral
183
positive
Heung Yuen achieves an overall Restaurant Score of 6.5, placing it squarely in the average category, which aligns with a Customer Satisfaction rate of 64.2%, indicating a mixed but generally acceptable experience. This assessment is drawn from a total of 285 customer opinions, with 183 positive and 88 negative remarks providing a balanced view.
Delving into specifics, the Food (7.1) stands out as a strong point, often described as good. The Value (6.5) is also considered average, offering reasonable pricing for the generous servings.
However, the Ambience (5.9) is perceived as average, and Service (4.8) falls into the average range, suggesting areas where improvements could enhance the overall dining experience.
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful food
- Generous portions
- Excellent value
What people don't like
- Poor customer service
- Unpleasant dining environment
- Bland food issues
If you prioritize flavorful, substantial meals and good value over a polished dining experience, Heung Yuen is worth considering. The Recommendation Score of 6.7 suggests that many find it a worthwhile visit, particularly for its culinary offerings.
However, be prepared for a no-frills setting and potentially inconsistent service. If a comfortable atmosphere and attentive staff are high on your list, you might find aspects of Heung Yuen disappointing.
It’s a place for those who know what they want from their Chinese food.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Heung Yuen
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, it's largely a hit, with a solid score of 7.1 and customer satisfaction at 71.8%. Many of the 127 positive remarks rave about the delicious Korean chicken, often called the best, and the Honey Walnut Prawns are a definite crowd-pleaser. Guests frequently praise the generous portions and tasty fried rice, ensuring you leave full and happy.
However, not every dish shines, as indicated by 43 negative comments. Some found certain items, like the cabbage egg rolls or sizzling rice soup, to be quite greasy, while others felt the chow mein or fried rice could be bland. There were also a few mentions of small portions for specific dishes and concerns about overall food quality in some instances.
Food
177
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
43
negative
7
neutral
127
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Korean chicken shines
- Portions are generous
- Fried rice flavorful
What people don't like
- Some food greasy
- Dishes can be bland
- Quality sometimes inconsistent
Often praised
- foodI've heard others share similar stories of moving out of the city but always returning to this restaurant on their way home. It's a great restaurant with great food and generous portions. God bless them, and I hope their business keeps on firing!
- Korean chickenthe Korean chicken is like meat candy. It is so good.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the delicious food and huge portions. The staff was friendly and professional, and the service was fast.
- Chinese foodMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently excellent. They've been serving up the best Chinese food in the city since I was a kid, and I'm now in my fifties. The food quality is outstanding, and it's clear they've maintained their standards over the years.
- Korean ChickenOur orders were prepared fast and were perfectly cooked and flavorful. I particularly enjoyed the Korean Chicken, which was so crispy. The chow mein had perfectly cooked noodles, and the shrimp fried rice was good.
- chow meinEverything was perfectly cooked and had that feel-good flavor. I honestly want unlimited chow mein!
- Chinese restaurantmy favorite Chinese restaurant in SF hands down
- beef chow funGood beef chow fun is so hard to find nowadays, but they have it here!
- dishesPrices are reasonable and you get a lot for your bucks! With 2 dishes you can fill up 4 people at ease. And as a bonus it's super delicious and full of flavour!
- menuto try more from their expansive menu
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food was cold, and the waitress had a bad attitude, being very rough. I would not return to this place as there are better options available for the same price with superior quality.
- fried ricefried rice were very bland, no flavor at all
- beef chow meinthe beef chowmein had no flavor amd the noodles on it taste like nothing but soy sauce
- Chicken Chow MeinTheir version of "Chicken Chow Mein" is literally all starch
- Chow meinChow mein and fried rice were very bland
- Korean chickencan't find korean chicken
- Korean prawnscan't find korean prawns
- MSGMSG heavy in a way I’ve rarely seen
- Oyster sauce beefthe oyster sauce beef portion was miniscule
- Peking duckI was highly disappointed during my visit to Heung Yuen. I was so excited to try the Peking duck with coworkers after a heavy workload. We arrived at 10: 35 AM, before their posted 11: 00 AM opening time, and waited until 10: 55 AM when an employee finally opened the door.
Overall, if you're looking for flavorful, generous portions of Chinese food, especially their acclaimed Korean chicken, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might lean a bit greasy or bland, so stick to the popular recommendations for the best experience.
Service (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
Alright, lets talk service! Many customers rave about the friendly staff and fast service, highlighting the hospitality and great service they received. With 24 positive remarks out of 54 total comments, there are definitely some shining moments.
The overall score for service is 4.8, placing it in the average range, while customer satisfaction sits at a 44.4% mixed rating. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. A significant number of customers, 29 to be exact, reported issues with rude staff and a general bad attitude.
Concerns about poor customer service, wrong orders, and frustrating communication issues—including being hung up on—suggest a need for improvement. This explains why the satisfaction is only 44.4% despite some positive experiences.
Service
54
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
29
negative
1
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Service is fast
- Great hospitality
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Bad attitude
- Poor communication
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant has been exceptional. My family has been coming here since before I was born, and it consistently offers the best service and the best food you can find anywhere.
- stafffriendly and professional staff
- EXTRA NAPKINSThe #1 to order is Spicy Korean Chicken, Dry Beef Chow Fun & Chai Tea. Don't forget to ask for EXTRA NAPKINS! I've been coming here since Day #1.
- OrdersThey gave our orders fast
- StaffStaff is very friendly
- best servicethey are best service
- check on usthey always check on us
- everyone I bring hereeveryone I bring here leaves loving it too
- familiar facesnice to actually go to a place that's really good with familiar faces
- hospitalitylove the hospitality
Frequently criticized
- serviceI have went over there to pick up some sesame seed chicken with some rice the sesame seed chicken was missing the chicken
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to the very very bad customer service. The people working there were so rude 😒.
- orderthe lady couldn't find my order, then insisted i ordered something i didn't
- EnglishI asked if I could speak to someone who spoke a little better english.... SHE SAID: NO! THEN SHE HUNG UP ON ME!!!
- apologyoffered no apology
- attention to detailI attempted to contact them before closing, but they did not answer, which reflects poor customer service. I cannot recommend this establishment due to their lack of attention to detail and the potential harm their negligence could have caused my family.
- employeeemployee said covid and walked away. I couldn't believe the no care attitude
- greetedI wasn't greeted in the first place
- inconvenienceIt's not worth the inconvenience
- managerWhen I called to speak to the manager, the lady answered, then said in really really bad English. "No manager here!"
So, what's the verdict? If you catch them on a good day, you might experience friendly and fast service. However, be prepared for potential communication hiccups or less-than-stellar attitudes, especially if you need to resolve an issue.
Ambience (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
Based on 22 customer comments, theres a definite charm to this spot. Many appreciate its neighborhood staple vibe, often described as a small and quiet hole in the wall with a pleasant atmosphere. With 10 positive remarks, guests frequently highlight the cleanliness and the humble, simple feel that makes it a place for cherished memories, contributing to an average score of 5.9.
However, not everything is rosy. There are 7 negative comments pointing out issues like sticky tables and a general need for cleaning. The presence of flies inside the restaurant and smelly plastic cups made for an uncomfortable experience for some, and parking' was also a common frustration, leading to a mixed customer satisfaction of 45.5%.
Ambience
22
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
7
negative
5
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Neighborhood staple feel
- Small, quiet place
- Cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- Sticky tables
- Flies in restaurant
- Smelly plastic cups
Often praised
- cleanlinessIt's also fairly inexpensive, offering great value. The restaurant itself is simple and humble, but it's also extremely clean. It truly offers the closest experience to New York style Chinese food that I've found in San Francisco.
- placethe place is clean
- atmosphereatmosphere also received a perfect 5
- hole in the wallone of those hole in the wall places
- neighborhood stapleThis is no fine dining in the slightest or cookie-cutter. This is a neighborhood staple for those that know what’s up. Hands down the only Chinese food I get in the city aside from Henry’s Hunan.
- restaurantI've heard others share similar stories of moving out of the city but always returning to this restaurant on their way home. It's a great restaurant with great food and generous portions. God bless them, and I hope their business keeps on firing!
- small and quietSmall and quiet
- small placeVery neat small place!
Frequently criticized
- parkingwished parking was easier
- corner near tablesthe corner of the tables smelled like pee
- flies inside restaurantFlies inside restaurant made it very uncomfortable
- placethe whole place needs cleaning
- plastic cupsThe presence of flies inside the restaurant made it very uncomfortable to eat. Additionally, the plastic cups were smelly. Overall, it was a nasty experience.
- tablesthe tables all sticky
If youre seeking a no-frills, local spot with a cozy, established feel and dont mind potential cleanliness issues or tricky parking, this place might be for you. Its a mixed bag, so manage your expectations for the overall atmosphere. Come for the hole in the wall' charm, but be prepared for some rough edges.
Value (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some real fans! Many folks rave about the affordable prices, calling the food cheap and highlighting the great deals and specials available. With 22 positive remarks out of 32 total opinions, its clear that many customers feel they get a lot for their money, contributing to a mixed customer satisfaction of 68.8% and an average score of 6.5.
However, not everyone is thrilled with the value proposition. Some customers expressed frustration over automatic tip charges and feeling that certain items were a waste of money or that portions were too small for the price. With 9 negative comments, these concerns suggest that while many find it a bargain, others feel the value isnt always there, leading to that average score and mixed satisfaction.
Value
32
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
9
negative
1
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lowest prices
- Great value
- Cheap food
What people don't like
- Automatic tip charges
- Waste of money
- Small portions, high price
Often praised
- priceThe staff was friendly and professional, and the service was fast. It's also fairly inexpensive, offering great value. The restaurant itself is simple and humble, but it's also extremely clean.
- pricesprices were also reasonable
- cheapfood for cheap
- valueabsolute 5 stars for the value offered
- 10% offto get 10% off
- PricesBut. Prices are reasonable and you get a lot for your bucks! With 2 dishes you can fill up 4 people at ease.
- affordablestill affordable
- cheap foodSolid cheap food
- dealSeriously good deal
- lowest pricesMy experience at this restaurant was positive, primarily due to its lowest prices in town. The food was also pretty good.
Frequently criticized
- tipautomatically charging a tip with your total
- pricePaid $9.30 for Oyster sauce beef &small bowl of soup
- $7Not even worth the $7
- chargeThey charge you a tip with your total
- portions2 of the orders were 1/2 orders. They were not full orders but amaller portions. But charged full price.
- waste of moneya complete waste of money
If youre looking for a place where you can often find a great deal and affordable eats, this restaurant is definitely worth considering. Just be mindful of potential automatic charges and check portion sizes, as some customers felt the value wasnt always consistent.
How are the prices at Heung Yuen?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 15 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.
Looking at the full picture, most diners spend in this $11–$20 sweet spot, though a few have gone for cheaper bites, and a couple have splurged a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 15 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Chinese spot in San Francisco. It hits that sweet spot where you’re getting good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Heung Yuen
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Delicious Chinese Food and Friendly Service
My experience at this restaurant was very good. The Chinese food was excellent, and the staff was incredibly friendly. Our orders were prepared fast and were perfectly cooked and flavorful.
I particularly enjoyed the Korean Chicken, which was so crispy. The chow mein had perfectly cooked noodles, and the shrimp fried rice was good. The wonton soup was also very good, featuring soft, airy, savory pork dumplings.
I would definitely come back again; it was a great lunch for my family and me.
- Chinese food9
- Staff10
- Orders9
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Needs Significant Cleaning
My experience at this restaurant was concerning due to the lack of cleanliness. The tables were all sticky, and the corner near the tables smelled like urine. The entire place needs a thorough cleaning.
- tables2
- corner near tables1
- place1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Food and Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I found the rice, charmaine, and Korean wings to be really good. The food was the best.
I always come with my family, and they provide the best service. The staff always checks on us to see how we are doing.
- rice9
- charmaine9
- Korean wings9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Nostalgic Comfort Food Experience
I used to eat here with my parents back in the day. My go-to orders were the Shrimp fried rice, chicken chow mein, tempura fried prawns, and steak cubes. The meat was so soft you could cut it with a fork.
If you get lucky and find parking, you’ll come out full.
- Shrimp fried rice8
- chicken chow mein8
- tempura fried prawns8
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Great Meal Combo Value
My experience was a great meal combo for only $9. 50, which included chow mein and fried rice. The portions were decent, and I had a nice time while reading some comics.
I would definitely order take out from here soon.
- meal combo8
- chow mein8
- fried rice8
What Heung Yuen offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Heung Yuen accessible for all guests?
Yes, Heung Yuen ensures a welcoming experience for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance and comfortable seating, making it easy for all patrons to enjoy their meal in the Mission District.
What dining options and services are available at Heung Yuen?
At Heung Yuen, you can enjoy lunch or dinner with full table service and comfortable seating. They also accept reservations for your convenience, alongside offering easy takeout and delivery services.
How does Heung Yuen generally perform?
Heung Yuen holds an overall score of 6.5, indicating an average experience. Its Food (7.1) is a strong point, alongside decent Value (6.5). However, Ambience (5.9) and particularly Service (4.8) could use improvement.
What do customers appreciate most about the food at Heung Yuen?
Many customers praise the generous portions and the flavorful dishes, with the Korean chicken often highlighted as a standout for its taste and crispiness.
Are there any common complaints about the dining experience at Heung Yuen?
Yes, some patrons have reported issues with customer service, describing staff as rude or inattentive. Concerns about the overall cleanliness and atmosphere, including sticky tables and flies, have also been mentioned.