Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » HULU WA – San Francisco
HULU WA - San Francisco
Photo from HULU WA
HULU WA at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 37 of the guests
#582 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#24 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
224
Reviews
83.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great value
Frequently criticized
- Limited seating
- Ordering issues
The restaurant HULU WA CHINA BISTRO, a delightful Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District, invites you to experience a casual and authentic dining journey. You’ll find a welcoming spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, offering everything from small plates to satisfying dinner options.
Whether you’re craving classic Chinese flavors or exploring new dishes, this bistro provides a comfortable setting for your culinary adventure.
Overview: Introducting HULU WA
HULU WA offers a compelling dining experience, largely praised for its freshly cooked portions and overall great value. Many appreciate the consistent quality of the food and the generally attentive staff, making it a pleasant spot for a meal.
While some find the atmosphere to be a bit understated, others enjoy the quiet interior for catching up with friends. This establishment has quickly become a local favorite, with patrons often highlighting the delicious flavors and generous servings.
Despite being a bit tucked away, it’s considered a worthwhile discovery for those seeking satisfying Chinese cuisine. The family-run nature of the business also contributes to a welcoming and personal touch.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
224
Reviews
83.9%
Satisfaction
25
negative
11
neutral
188
positive
HULU WA earns a solid overall score of 8.1, reflecting a generally positive customer experience, with customer satisfaction standing at a good 83.9%. This strong performance is built on a foundation of excellent Food (8.4) and exceptional Value (8.5), which are clearly the standout aspects.
These high marks are supported by 188 positive remarks out of 224 total customer observations, indicating a strong consensus. While Service also performs well at (7.2), contributing to the positive sentiment, the Ambience (6.9) is noted as good but not quite reaching the same heights as other areas.
Despite some comments about limited seating or its hidden location, the overall impression remains favorable, particularly for those prioritizing taste and affordability.
What people like
- Delicious fresh food
- Excellent value
- Attentive, friendly staff
What people don't like
- Limited seating area
- Ordering system flaws
- Some dishes lack flavor
If you’re seeking flavorful Chinese cuisine with generous portions and excellent value, HULU WA is certainly worth considering. The strong emphasis on quality ingredients and consistent preparation, combined with a friendly service approach, makes it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal.
The recommendation score of 8.2 underscores its appeal. However, be mindful of the potentially limited seating and its somewhat hidden location.
While the food generally shines, some specific dishes or the ordering system have received mixed feedback. Overall, for a focus on delicious food and great value, HULU WA delivers a commendable experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on HULU WA
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 8.4 and a strong 88.7% customer satisfaction. With 141 positive remarks out of 159 total, diners consistently rave about the fresh ingredients, generous portions, and authentic taste, often highlighting dishes with excellent wok hei. You can expect delicious, well-prepared Chinese American fare that feels both healthy and satisfying.
However, not every dish is a winner, with 14 negative remarks pointing to occasional misses. Some found specific items like Lumpia and dumplings to be lacking in flavor or freshness, with mentions of frozen dumplings and meat not being fresh. While these instances are few, they suggest some inconsistency in certain offerings.
Food
159
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
14
negative
4
neutral
141
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, tasty ingredients
- Generous portion sizes
- Authentic Chinese flavors
What people don't like
- Some dishes lack flavor
- Frozen dumplings mentioned
- Meat not always fresh
Often praised
- foodIt's a new spot in town, but OMG, they serve the best siu mai dumplings I've had yet in SF. They're very fresh, so it takes about 15 minutes to prepare, but it was worth every second because the food tastes like it was made with love! It's a bit hidden on 17th Street, but definitely worth checking out!
- Chinese foodMy experience at Hulu Wa China Bistro was absolutely amazing. The food is the best Chinese food we have ever eaten! The ingredients were fresh and perfectly cooked, and it was healthy, not drowning in oil.
- Mongolian beefI got the Mongolian beef, and it was the perfect medium spicy level
- portion sizesI came here with a friend and was blown away by the amazing and cheap food! The staff were super nice, and the prices were really reasonable for the good portion sizes. Our food came out super quickly.
- sesame beefsesame beef... Everything was AMAZING.
- FoodThis food was delicious!
- Kung Pao chickenKung Pao chicken and bbq pork chow mein. They were both really good.
- chickenChicken was particularly good, every piece was a juicy piece of white meat, nicely seasoned and not over-battered
- entreeOrder one less entree than the number of people in your party and you won't waste food
- garlic string beansand garlic string beans which were really nice!
Frequently criticized
- Braised crispy chickenBraised crispy chicken was advertised to us as 'really spicy'
- LumpiaThe Lumpia had no flavor
- XLBam pretty sure they are frozen not handmade
- beerThe peppers were flavorless with zero heat. Additionally, I had to ask twice for my beer. Overall, it was not a great or even good experience.
- chili oilTHAT was flat too!
- dishesall of the dishes were flat and flavorless
- dumplingsthe dumplings were definitely frozen
- food qualitygive less stars for food quality
- ingredientsThe food was very good, earning a perfect 5/5. However, their ordering system has a significant flaw: it doesn't correctly list the ingredients. This led me to mistakenly order two dishes with shrimp, which I cannot eat.
- itemran out of the item I wanted
If you're looking for a reliable Chinese meal with fresh ingredients and generous servings, this place is definitely worth a try. While a few specific items might miss the mark, the overall consensus points to a delicious and satisfying dining experience.
Service (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
Many diners appreciate the service here, with a good score of 7.2 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 69%. Out of 29 comments, 20 praise the experience, often highlighting the attentive staff and friendly service. Guests also love the family run feel and mention the fast food delivery, even for take away.
However, there are a few areas for improvement, with 6 negative remarks. Some guests have encountered issues with the ordering system and reported long wait times. A few also noted inattentive service or missing items like utensils, suggesting consistency could be better.
Service
29
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast service
- Family-run atmosphere
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Inattentive service
- Ordering system issues
Often praised
- servicethe food and service is always consistent
- ServiceService:5
- attentive staffAttentive Staff
- customerstreat customers well
- family runits family run. Sarah, one of the people that started the restaurant... She’s really nice and will tell you about their experience immigration and starting a restaurant business too if you ask. Their family runs the place!
- hostswonderful hosts
- new businessnew business that deserves a try
- owner and chefsI had the walnut shrimp and Mongolian beef, and both dishes were great. The owner and chefs were also very friendly. I definitely recommend this place :)
- service speedfood is fast
- staffSuper nice staff
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service wasn't great either
- ordering systemtheir ordering system doesn't correctly list the ingredients
- serverI also had to ask twice for my beer
- utensilsMissing utensils etc for my table
- waitHad me wait 90 minutes when original estimate was 30 minutes
Overall, the service here seems to be a mixed bag, leaning positive. While many enjoy the friendly and attentive staff, be prepared for potential hiccups with ordering or wait times. If you value a personal touch and dont mind a possible wait, its worth a try.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
The ambience here scores a solid 6.9, landing it in the good category, and it's easy to see why from the 17 positive comments among 25 total. Many guests rave about the unique charm, especially watching the cable cars or enjoying the view from the tables on the 2nd floor. The cozy interior and clean restaurant vibe also contribute to a very inviting and comfortable atmosphere.
However, customer satisfaction for the ambience is a more mixed 68%, with 5 negative remarks. Some found the atmosphere to be poor, describing it as a small place with a limited seating area. Another recurring point was the challenge of finding it, as its tucked-away location can be a bit tricky for newcomers.
Ambience
25
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
5
negative
3
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique streetcar views
- Cozy, clean interior
- Comfortable atmosphere
What people don't like
- Poor atmosphere (some)
- Limited seating
- Hard to find
Often praised
- atmosphereI was served large freshly cooked portions that were bursting with flavor. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was also great, contributing to a very enjoyable meal.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- restauranta very clean restaurant
- addition to the neighborhooda real nice addition to the neighborhood
- hiddenA bit hidden on 17th but worth checking out
- interiorThe Mongolian beef was the best I've had in the city, packed with so much flavor and had a wonderfully chewy yet pliable texture. It's a nice place to catch up with friends, with a quiet interior. The chow fun was also really tasty and addictive, with a good texture and temperature.
- placeThis place is small but cute.
- restaurant cleanlinessthe whole restaurant felt clean and inviting
- tables on the 2nd floorI will keep coming back. As a bonus: they have tables on the 2nd floor that overlook the vintage streetcars on F Market. Perfect spot.
- vintage streetcarsoverlook the vintage streetcars on F Market. Perfect spot.
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereThe Lumpia had no flavor, the Fried Crab Cheese Puff was just okay, and the Sweet & Sour chicken was average. The atmosphere was also very poor, rated at 1 out of 5.
- atmosphereatmosphere if I could
- finding itIt’s tucked away behind the gas station on 17th Street. So, the hardest part is just finding it.
- limited seating areaLimited seating area only 3 small tables
- placeThe place is small
If you're looking for a charming, cozy spot with unique streetcar views, this place could be a delightful find. Just be prepared for a potentially small space and a bit of a treasure hunt to locate it, as the ambience can be a mixed bag for some.
Value (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 8.5 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 90.9%, its clear guests are thrilled. Based on 10 positive remarks out of 11 total, diners consistently praise the reasonable prices, great value, and especially the standout lunch specials.
Youll find terms like price, great value, and lunch special popping up frequently, indicating a strong positive sentiment. Whats even more impressive is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding value. With zero negative comments or concerns among the 11 opinions, its clear that every guest found the pricing and overall deal to be more than satisfactory, leaving no room for disappointment.
Value
11
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Excellent lunch specials
- Generous portions
What people don't like
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had lunch here and found the food to be delicious, fast, and relatively affordable. They serve homestyle Chinese classics like beef & broccoli, sesame chicken, and kung pow chicken, all with an authentic taste.
- lunch specialThe lunch special is pretty badass in terms of price, portion size and quality.
- great valueThe Chinese food was incredibly fresh and tasty, with every dish being on point. I was impressed by the huge portions and the great value for money. The service and atmosphere were also excellent, both receiving a perfect score.
- pricesreally reasonable prices
- valuemost certainly the value
- well priced restaurantFinally a good and well priced restaurant in this spot.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place where your money goes far, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Customers consistently rave about the reasonable prices and excellent lunch specials, offering great value and generous portions. You can expect to leave feeling satisfied without breaking the bank.
How are the prices at HULU WA?
On average, you’ll spend around 22 per person – based on 37 guests. That places the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the spread, while the average sits at 22, a good number of diners actually spend in the $11–$20 range, with others in the $21–$30 bracket and a few opting for higher-priced experiences. This shows a nice variety of options available.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 37 reviews.
Compare this restaurant’s value for money against similar places in San Francisco.
Overall, we feel the pricing is quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant. It seems to offer a good balance, catering to different budgets while maintaining a mid-range feel.
Customer Reviews: what people think about HULU WA
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Excellent Chinese Food, Clean Restaurant
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the food. The Chinese cuisine was excellent, with perfectly cooked rice and well-seasoned, expertly prepared dishes. It's evident that the chef truly loves their craft.
The restaurant itself is very clean, and while there's limited seating downstairs, more is available upstairs. The service was decent, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.
- Chinese food10
- rice10
- everything10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious food, great value!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was incredibly delicious, and the price was reasonable. I will definitely be returning with my family!
- food10
- price8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Food Experience
I was so excited to try this place, however, I was very disappointed with the food. The Lumpia had no flavor, the Fried Crab Cheese Puff was just okay, and the Sweet & Sour chicken was average. The atmosphere was also very poor, rated at 1 out of 5.
- Fried Crab Cheese Puff5
- Sweet & Sour chicken5
- Lumpia2
- Atmosphere1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Generous Portions, Inattentive Service
My experience at this restaurant offered decent Chinese American fare with really generous portions. The hot & sour soup was particularly satisfying as the fog rolled in thick. It was nice to see genuine chilli crisp on the table.
The business seems to be primarily takeout-focused, as evidenced by the limited seating area with only three small tables. Unfortunately, the service was inattentive, even though I visited during a non-busy time, and my table was missing utensils. The vegetarian selection is large and highly recommended for vegetarians.
- Chinese American fare7
- generous portions9
- hot & sour soup8
- limited seating area4
- service3
- utensils3
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Flavorless Food, Odd Service
This is a straightforward, small, no-frills restaurant in the Castro with tight seating around the kitchen and a 'loft-like' upstairs area. Our experience was quite disappointing. While the first server took our orders, the food presentation was unusual.
We were given little side plates, smaller than a salad plate, and noticed other diners eating directly from the serving plates, which we found unacceptable. This meant we had to eat our food one item at a time. We ordered the Hot and Sour Soup, "Viggies" Chow Mein, Braised 'Crispy' Chicken, Moo Shu Pork, and a small Asahi beer.
The Braised Crispy Chicken was advertised as 'really spicy, ' but honestly, it and all the other dishes were flat and flavorless. Even adding the chili oil at the table didn't help, as it was also flat. We pointed this out to the server, who was shocked when my partner chewed on a pepper to demonstrate its lack of heat.
The peppers were flavorless with zero heat. Additionally, I had to ask twice for my beer. Overall, it was not a great or even good experience.
- seating area5
- upstairs area5
- side plates2
- serving plates2
- Braised crispy chicken2
What HULU WA offers
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
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Drive-through
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at HULU WA CHINA BISTRO?
At HULU WA CHINA BISTRO, you can enjoy various dining options throughout the day. Seating is available for both lunch and dinner, complete with table service. You can also indulge in their dessert offerings, providing a sweet conclusion to your meal.
What convenient service and accessibility features does HULU WA CHINA BISTRO offer?
HULU WA CHINA BISTRO offers convenient service options like dine-in, takeout, delivery, no-contact delivery, drive-through, and curbside pickup. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests.
What is the overall customer sentiment for HULU WA?
HULU WA has an overall score of 8.1 and a customer satisfaction rate of 83.9%. Customers particularly praise the Food (8.4) and Value (8.5), with Service also rated well at (7.2). Ambience received a good score of (6.9).
What are the main strengths of HULU WA's food?
Customers frequently highlight the food’s freshness, delicious flavors, and generous portion sizes. Dishes like Mongolian beef and siu mai dumplings are often mentioned for their quality and taste.
Are there any common issues or things to be aware of before visiting?
Some customers have noted that the restaurant has a limited seating area and can be a bit hidden. There have also been occasional comments about the ordering system not correctly listing ingredients and some specific dishes lacking flavor.