Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Kam PO Kitchen – San Francisco
Kam PO Kitchen - San Francisco
Photo from Kam PO Kitchen
Kam PO Kitchen at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 108 of the guests
#1862 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#190 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
695
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious BBQ
- Generous portions
- Great value
Frequently criticized
- Cleanliness issues
- Inconsistent service
- Cash only
The Chinese restaurant Kam PO Kitchen in San Francisco’s vibrant North Beach neighborhood invites you to a truly authentic culinary journey. You’ll discover a casual spot perfect for enjoying delicious small plates, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a relaxed meal.
This welcoming eatery offers a taste of traditional Chinese flavors in a friendly setting.
Overview: Introducting Kam PO Kitchen
Kam PO Kitchen offers a traditional Chinese BBQ experience, often praised for its generous portions and delicious BBQ pork and roast duck. Many appreciate the value for money, finding the food both good and affordable.
The service is frequently described as homely and friendly, contributing to a welcoming, albeit no-frills, atmosphere. However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the restaurant’s cleanliness, with mentions of dirty tables and even pests.
Service can be inconsistent, with reports of staff struggling with English and issues with outdated menu prices or being overcharged. It’s also important to remember that it’s often cash only.
Good
6.7
out of 10
695
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
196
negative
61
neutral
438
positive
Kam PO Kitchen holds a respectable overall score of 6.7, indicating a generally good dining experience. However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 63%.
This suggests that while many find it agreeable, a notable portion of patrons have reservations. These insights are drawn from a substantial 695 customer opinions, with 438 positive remarks and 196 negative ones.
Diving deeper, the Food truly stands out with a strong (7.6), clearly being the main draw. Service (5.5) and Value (5.7) are both in the average range, suggesting they meet expectations but don’t consistently exceed them.
The Ambience (4.7) is also considered average, often described as functional rather than inviting, which aligns with the feedback about its no-frills nature.
What people like
- Delicious BBQ meats
- Generous portion sizes
- Excellent value for money
What people don't like
- Cleanliness concerns
- Inconsistent service
- Cash-only policy
Kam PO Kitchen is a solid choice if you’re seeking authentic Chinese BBQ with substantial portions and excellent value. Despite some operational quirks, the quality of the main dishes often outweighs these concerns for many patrons.
It’s a place where the food truly shines, making it worth a visit for its culinary strengths. With a recommendation score of 7, it’s clear this spot has its loyal fans.
If you prioritize flavorful, affordable food over a polished dining experience and are prepared for a cash-only transaction, Kam PO Kitchen could be a rewarding stop. However, those sensitive to cleanliness or expecting seamless service might find it less appealing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kam PO Kitchen
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally quite pleased, with a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at 78.1%. Many rave about the delicious roast duck and BBQ pork, often highlighting the generous portions and crispy skin. Based on 313 positive comments, it seems like a real treat for your taste buds.
However, not everyone leaves completely satisfied. About 68 comments point to some areas for improvement, with concerns about bland flavors and cold meat being served. There were also mentions of overly sweet dishes and even some food safety issues, suggesting a bit of inconsistency in the kitchen.
Food
401
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
68
negative
20
neutral
313
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Roast duck & pork
- Generous portions
- Crispy skin
What people don't like
- Cold food served
- Food safety concerns
- Bland or oily
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional, offering the best value for money in Chinatown. The portions were good and the food was great. Having eaten this type of cuisine for decades, I can confidently say they offer some of the best value in SF.
- roast duckHowever, the comforting and cheap food made it worthwhile. High recommendations include the wonton noodle soup and roast duck. Be aware that it's cash only.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional, offering the best value for money in Chinatown. The portions were good and the food was great. Having eaten this type of cuisine for decades, I can confidently say they offer some of the best value in SF.
- roast porkMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the bbq pork and roast pork, which were both delicious. The pricing was also great.
- duckThe duck is definitely a must-try
- portionIt was great because she brought us tea while we waited for our delicious char-grilled pork belly and another cut of barbecue pork. The portion was ideal for two people, and we didn't need anything else. I loved it.
- portion sizeThe portions here are truly generous, with each serving being about 3 people's worth! 🤯 The food was incredibly delicious.
- BBQ porkThe BBQ meat dishes remain the crowning glory of Kam Po Kitchen.
- BBQ PorkBBQ Pork and their roast duck egg noodle soup are solid
- FoodThe portions were so generous that they could easily feed a group of 4. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was also great, rated 5/5. The service was also top-notch, receiving a 5/5 rating.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe meat was cold, and I believe you can find better food for the same price. I've been hard-pressed to find something up to par in this area, though.
- duckmost of the duck was comprised of bones/cartilage
- meatThe meat was a bit cold
- noodlesnot the noodles because these are crispy
- riceRice was day old rice probably for fried rice
- roast porkit is very salty on the one side, somehow bland on the inside. Overall, it is fatty and uninspiring
- vegetablesThe vegetables, were unfortunately drenched in excessive oil
- BBQ meatsI witnessed the BBQ chef handling money without washing his hands and then immediately returning to cutting char siu (BBQ pork). To make matters worse, I saw him pick up BBQ meats that had fallen onto the table and place them back into the takeout box. This level of disregard for food safety is unacceptable, and I am deeply concerned about the potential health risks.
- BBQ porkwas under-marinated
- Cantonese styleCantonese style should have eggs too
If you're craving classic Chinese BBQ, especially roast duck and pork with generous portions, this spot could be a fantastic find. Just be aware that some experiences mention inconsistencies in food temperature and flavor, so manage your expectations for a perfect meal every time.
Service (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
The service here seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, landing an overall score of 5.5, which puts it squarely in the average category. Many guests have shared positive experiences, highlighting a friendly lady, attentive service, and great service thats often "efficient, " especially with food speed, based on 57 positive opinions. However, with customer satisfaction at a 49.1% mixed level, theres clearly room for improvement.
There are 51 negative opinions that mention a rude lady or poor service, with communication difficulties and hardsell tactics being noted. It appears consistency in service quality is a significant challenge.
Service
116
Reviews
49%
Satisfaction
51
negative
8
neutral
57
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Efficient food speed
- Good recommendations
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Poor communication
- Overcharging concerns
Often praised
- serviceI had the amazing siew yok cai fan (roasted pork vegetable rice), which was well worth the money. The service felt homely, in a good, traditional Chinese way.
- serverIt featured shrimp, BBQ pork, chicken, vegetables, shitake mushrooms, and noodles in a savory sauce. Our server even added chicken soup to go with everything!
- ServiceThe food was excellent, and the atmosphere was also great, rated 5/5. The service was also top-notch, receiving a 5/5 rating.
- ownerI especially loved the crispy pork belly skin – it was absolutely perfect. 👍 The owner has a strong accent which might be a bit surprising at first, but they are very friendly. The tea was also very tasty, with a flavor that was neither too salty nor too bland.
- friendly ladytalk to the friendly lady
- staffAll dishes were very good and came in HUGE generous portions. The staff was very kind and immediately offered me hot tea while I waited. Although the restaurant is a corner 'hole in the wall' place, the staff and food are 4-5 star worthy.
- Boss Eddy and HelenBoss Eddy and Helen is very kind and genuine person too
- English translationmenu with English translation
- Owner/chefOwner/chef knew what he was doing
- actual good serviceBest prices with actual good service
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by unbelievably rude service. I am honestly shocked by how rude the people working here are.
- menuThe server didn’t give me a menu or tell prices. The prices in a menu are outdated.
- staffThe staff at the front dont speak english
- takeoutI did takeout and the bill was more expensive
- waitressovercharged by the waitress
- BBQ chefBBQ chef was handling money without washing his hands
- EnglishBarely speaking a work of English
- ServiceService is slow
- attendantthe attendant don’t speak english and I feel like she took advantage of us
- cash onlyneed to tell you on the phone it’s cash only
This spot offers a gamble on service; you might encounter incredibly friendly and efficient staff, or face communication hurdles and less-than-ideal interactions. If you're willing to overlook potential service inconsistencies for other qualities, it could be worth a visit.
Ambience (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
The ambience here offers an average experience with a poor customer satisfaction of 33.8%, yet 23 positive remarks highlight its charm. Many appreciate the unpretentious spot and old school vibe, feeling its a genuine place where "real Chinese locals" eat. Its also often noted as a well-located and low-key spot.
However, the atmosphere receives 33 negative remarks, with many finding the place to be filthy or dirty. Concerns about cleanliness are frequent, including sticky tables and tight dining spaces. Some even reported pest sightings, suggesting significant hygiene issues.
Ambience
68
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
33
negative
12
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic local vibe
- Unpretentious, low-key
- Well-located spot
What people don't like
- Poor cleanliness standards
- Pest sightings reported
- Tight dining spaces
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:4
- AtmosphereThe portions were so generous that they could easily feed a group of 4. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was also great, rated 5/5. The service was also top-notch, receiving a 5/5 rating.
- placeThe place is well located.
- bare bones atmospherein a bare bones atmosphere
- expectationsI was really impressed with the great quantity and quality of food, especially considering it wasn't a big price. It was a lot more than I expected when viewing it on envibe. I'm recommending it!
- hand sanitizerThere was hand sanitizer on every table
- hygieneHygiene- table is wiped upon seating. Cups are rinsed with hot water.
- localswhen you see all the locals eating here or ordering takeout
- old school Chinese BBQI visited SF's Chinatown and stumbled upon this old school Chinese BBQ joint. I had the bbq goose with rice noodle soup.
- old school placeReally old school place
Frequently criticized
- placePlace is all tagged up, but hey sometimes things don't look great
- atmosphereI do wish the restaurant had a better atmosphere
- cleanlinessMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. The establishment was very dirty, and the meat served was more fat than meat. To make matters worse, I saw a mouse running across the floor.
- ambienceZero ambience with sticky tables
- tableI had a really bad experience in this place. First, I noticed how dirty everything was; the table wasn’t wiped. The attendant didn’t speak English, and I felt like she took advantage of us for that, changing our order to a combo that was double the price.
- bathroomThere is a bathroom which isn't so great
- clean freakIf you a clean freak u wouldnt want to be here
- cleaningshould do something about cleaning
- closing timeOnly drawback. They're only open until 6pm, Monday through Sunday. No more 8pm.
- decorationsThere wasn't much in the way of decorations
If you prioritize an authentic, no-frills old school vibe and dont mind overlooking significant cleanliness issues, this spot might be for you. However, be prepared for a potentially dirty environment and tight seating. Its a trade-off between genuine local feel and basic hygiene standards.
Value (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners have found some real gems here! With 45 positive remarks out of 110 total comments, guests often praise the affordable prices, good value, and even cheap meals for the generous portions. It seems you can get a lot of bang for your buck, making it feel quite worth it for many.
However, the experience isn't universally positive, with 44 negative remarks balancing things out. The score for value sits at an average 5.7, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 40.9%. Common complaints revolve around outdated prices on menus, feeling overcharged, and the inconvenience of being cash only, with some even calling it a rip-off.
Value
110
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
44
negative
21
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Generous portions
- Affordable prices
What people don't like
- Outdated menu prices
- Cash-only policy
- Risk of overcharging
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this Chinese restaurant was surprisingly good, especially considering the very good price, even for San Francisco. We enjoyed the Sweet & Sour Pork with rice and the Roasted Duck Lo Mein, which came with noodles and soup.
- pricesthis restaurant kept their prices. affordable.
- valueMy experience at this restaurant was like a comforting taste of home. The atmosphere is no frills, but it offers great value. I particularly enjoyed the BBQ Pork and their roast duck egg noodle soup, both of which were solid choices.
- affordablefood is really good and affordable
- cheapit’s relatively cheap too
- good valueAll in all the good value
- value for moneyMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional, offering the best value for money in Chinatown. The portions were good and the food was great.
- Price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- Priced very wellPriced very well and cheap for the amount of food you get
- SF pricesreasonable SF prices
Frequently criticized
- pricesThe prices in a menu are outdated. I had to ask and it was more expensive
- pricefor usd26 for a 3 items on rice. Its a bit pricey
- billbill was more expensive than what was in the menu
- menu pricesTheir menu didn't have up-to-date prices
- overchargedI had a takeout experience where I was overcharged by five bucks. While not the worst thing, it was annoying.
- tipthen demands a tip lol
- CASH ONLYbut CASH ONLY!!!
- amountcharged 3x the amount
- cashThey only take cash!
- cash onlyCash only is an inconvenience.
Deciding on value here is a bit of a gamble. While some find incredible deals and generous portions, others report frustrating experiences with pricing discrepancies and cash-only policies. If you're prepared for potential inconsistencies and prefer cash, you might snag a bargain; otherwise, be cautious.
How are the prices at Kam PO Kitchen?
On average, you’ll spend around 17 per person – from 108 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners (a whopping 62 out of 108!) find themselves in that $11–$20 sweet spot, right where our average sits. So, prices definitely cluster around that mid-range, making it pretty consistent.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 108 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco. It’s not aiming for the cheapest eats, but it offers a solid mid-range experience without breaking the bank. A good spot for a reliable meal!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kam PO Kitchen
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Great Prices, Excellent Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found the best prices with actual good service. One lunch plate was so generous it was enough to feed me for three meals!
I highly recommend tipping the waitress, as she was so nice and efficient.
- best prices10
- actual good service9
- lunch plate10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Authentic Hong Kong Flavors, Great Value!
This is a true hidden gem! We loved the food, 200%. It's a no-frills place, but who cares when the food tastes like mum's kitchen, reminiscent of old-school Hong Kong.
We enjoyed the hor fun, congee, char siew, and chicken, all washed down with cha. Yum! I don't understand the negative comments about price; our bill for a family of 4 was under $35.
The food was exceptional, and the service and atmosphere were also rated 5/5.
- food10
- hor fun9
- congee9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Must Try! Thinking About It Often
I must try this place! As someone from LA, I find myself thinking about this restaurant so often. I cannot wait until I have the opportunity to dine here again!
- place10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious BBQ Pork and Soy Sauce Chicken!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely delicious! I ordered the BBQ pork and soy sauce chicken combo rice, and it was fantastic. The daily soup was also amazing.
If you're in Chinatown looking for a meal, don't miss this long-standing establishment. The owners, Boss Eddy and Helen, are very kind and genuine people, and their server was also very friendly! I will definitely be back soon.
- BBQ pork and soy sauce chicken combo rice10
- daily soup9
- Boss Eddy and Helen10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Good food, but overcharged
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the food is really good, I was unfortunately overcharged by the waitress. According to the menu, my total for three items should have been $26, but I was charged $36.
I understand their prices are very low, but there's no need to cheat people. It's a shame because the food is genuinely good, and I wish they would just increase the menu prices to be honest instead of resorting to deceit.
- food9
- menu6
- prices6
- overcharged2
- waitress2
- deceit2
What Kam PO Kitchen offers
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Cash-only
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Kam PO Kitchen accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Yes, Kam PO Kitchen offers wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for all guests.
What dining options are available at Kam PO Kitchen?
At Kam PO Kitchen, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all with convenient table service. Takeout is also available.
What is Kam PO Kitchen's overall rating and what do customers think about its key aspects?
Kam PO Kitchen has an overall score of 6.7, indicating a good experience for many. Customers particularly praise the Food (7.6), while Service (5.5), Value (5.7), and Ambience (4.7) are considered average.
Are there any common issues or dealbreakers at Kam PO Kitchen?
Some customers have raised concerns about the restaurant’s cleanliness and inconsistent service. Additionally, it’s important to note that Kam PO Kitchen often operates on a cash-only basis, which can be an inconvenience for some.
What are the main reasons customers enjoy Kam PO Kitchen?
Patrons frequently highlight the delicious BBQ meats, especially the roast duck and BBQ pork, as a major draw. The generous portion sizes and excellent value for money are also consistently praised, making it a popular choice for affordable, hearty meals.