Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Mamahuhu – San Francisco
Mamahuhu - San Francisco
Photo from Mamahuhu
Mamahuhu at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 91 of the guests
#1240 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#98 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
520
Reviews
73.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Friendly staff
- Clean ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Hidden fees
- Dining discomfort
- Service issues
The restaurant Mamahuhu, a vibrant Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco’s lively Mission District, invites you to a truly authentic culinary journey. You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
With a focus on small plates and vegetarian options, Mamahuhu offers a delightful experience for every palate.
Overview: Introducting Mamahuhu
Mamahuhu offers a compelling take on Chinese cuisine, with many guests praising its great tasting and authentic Chinese food. It’s often seen as a place providing quality dishes at a reasonable price, making it accessible for a casual meal.
However, the experience isn’t without its quirks. While the atmosphere often has a welcoming vibe, some diners have noted issues with comfort, and there are occasional concerns regarding transparency around additional charges.
Good
7.4
out of 10
520
Reviews
73.8%
Satisfaction
101
negative
35
neutral
384
positive
Mamahuhu earns a solid overall score of 7.4, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a good customer satisfaction rate of 73.8%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from over 500 customer observations, with a clear majority of 384 positive remarks against 101 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Food (7.7) stands out as a strong point, frequently receiving high praise.
The Ambience (7.3) also contributes positively to the experience. While Service (6.8) is generally seen as competent, and Value (5.7) is considered average, these areas show room for more consistent excellence.
What people like
- Delicious Chinese dishes
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Welcoming, clean ambiance
What people don't like
- Hidden fees, extra charges
- Inconsistent dining comfort
- Occasional service lapses
Mamahuhu presents a worthwhile option for those seeking flavorful and authentic Chinese dishes in a generally pleasant setting. With a recommendation score of 7.7, it’s a place that often delivers on its culinary promise, especially if you prioritize taste and a casual atmosphere.
However, be mindful of potential additional fees and some inconsistencies in the dining environment or service. If you’re looking for a straightforward, tasty meal and can overlook minor operational hiccups, Mamahuhu is certainly worth considering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mamahuhu
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.7 and a strong customer satisfaction rate of 77.6%. Many diners rave about the sweet and sour chicken sandwich, Lazi chicken, and the overall delicious food, often praising the authentic Chinese flavors. This positive sentiment is echoed in 263 positive opinions among 339 total.
Yet, not every dish is a universal hit. Some found the tofu mapo underwhelming, while others noted bland chicken or felt certain items like the sweet and sour chicken sometimes missed the mark. A few even questioned the authentic Chinese aspect, as reflected in 50 negative comments.
Food
339
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
50
negative
26
neutral
263
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Crispy chicken dishes
- Flavorful Asian food
- Creative menu items
What people don't like
- Bland taste issues
- Not authentic Chinese
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was that of a budget fast food chain offering great tasting and authentic Chinese food. It's remarkable that this establishment is run by the Michelin star chef of Mr Jiu, yet it provides great tasting food at a very reasonable price that is accessible to everyone.
- sweet and sour chickenThe food here is solid for a casual dinner or lunch. I especially liked the Lazi Chicken, sweet and sour chicken, and Jade fried rice - but you really can’t go wrong. The fried chicken sandwich is the perfect amount of crisp, heat, and a touch of sweet.
- chicken sandwichthe chicken sandwich is one of the best things
- mapo tofumapo tofu, which was deliciously rich and spicy
- FoodFood:5
- sweet and sour cauliflowerThe sweet and sour cauliflower was perfect because it was not too sweet.
- Chinese foodAs a Chinese American who grew up in a Chinese immigrant town and ate my mom's cooking, I absolutely love this place, especially since I'm gluten intolerant. I rarely get to enjoy Chinese food like this and come regularly for the delicious mains and creative drinks like Sichuan strawberry drinks.
- Lazi chickenThe Lazi chicken is perfectly crunchy and wonderfully flavorful.
- cabbage saladI’m on a cabbage salad add crispy chicken kick
- chickenchicken itself would stand among the best lazi chicken
Frequently criticized
- sweet and sour chickenSweet and sour chicken, noway maybe this is the first time people tried it not drenched in sauce. Taste was below average.
- Laaaaazi ChickenLaaaaazi Chicken. Fire. Yeah, any dish is Fire if you just throw a ton of chili peppers in it.
- eggrollsthey over fried my eggrolls, sadness
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was pretentious and confusing, with terrible food and terrible service. They forgot an item on our order and then, when we had finished our meal, they brought it out half an hour later with attitude.
- Chrysanthemum saladChrysanthemum salad no longer has smoked tofu
- Cucumber saladCucumber salad is mayo based now
- FlavorNo Sauce, No Flavor, No Work
- Hot and sour soupHot and sour soup tasted off
- SauceNo Sauce, No Flavor, No Work
- Sichuan Strawberry Teadidn’t enjoy the Sichuan Strawberry Tea
If youre looking for creative and flavorful Chinese-inspired dishes, especially crispy chicken options, this place is definitely worth a try. However, be mindful that some dishes might not hit the mark for everyone, particularly if youre seeking strictly traditional flavors or larger portions.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has some real shining moments, with a customer satisfaction of 66.7% indicating a mixed but leaning positive experience. Many of the 60 positive remarks highlight the great service, with staff often described as friendly and accommodating. Guests appreciate the fast and efficient approach, contributing to a generally positive experience.
However, it's not always smooth sailing. Out of 26 negative comments, some guests encountered issues like poor communication and staff with an attitude. There are also mentions of slow food prep and an impersonal counter service experience, suggesting areas for improvement despite the overall score of 6.8.
Service
90
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
26
negative
4
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, accommodating staff
- Fast, efficient service
- Proactive problem solving
What people don't like
- Inconsistent staff attitude
- Impersonal self-service
- Slow food preparation
Often praised
- serviceService is always great, they’re very relaxed and easy going
- ServiceService was also excellent
- customer serviceThe food also came out a little slow, but not crazy slow, and so we were offered free dessert too, which was fantastic. There are many places that make worse mistakes than this and do not make it right, so they get bonus points for that attention to customer service. Looking forward to trying the sandwiches on our next visit!
- serverServer came out to take my order
- staffI recommend coming with friends and grabbing a table with a view. Updating (May 2024), the new sandwiches are delicious and the staff are friendlier than ever :)
- AlexAlex who was super nice and friendly
- Fastfood styleIt's Fastfood style no server, so you order yourself and clean up yourself
- Great StaffGreat Staff lead
- StaffStaff are very friendly!
- accommodatethey are will ready and able to accommodate.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was pretentious and confusing, with terrible food and terrible service. They forgot an item on our order and then, when we had finished our meal, they brought it out half an hour later with attitude.
- adding itemsmissed adding items that we ordered
- attitudegave us attitude
- check your bagmake sure you check your bag to ensure you have everything you ordered
- chopsticksdon’t give you chopsticks or napkins for takeout orders
- communicationthe communication about whether you can sit and eat after a certain time is a big issue
- counter servicethe counter service is self service
- customer serviceNo good customer service
- dietary restrictionsObviously they won’t accommodate dietary restrictions
- dirty dishesputting away my own dirty dishes
If youre looking for generally friendly and fast service, youll likely be pleased, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies. While many have great experiences, some encounter slower or less personal interactions. It's a bit of a mixed bag, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
The atmosphere here generally hits the mark, with a good score of 7.3 and good customer satisfaction at 76.9%. Many appreciate the stylish interior, cute spot, and good vibes, often highlighting the family-friendly feel and fun mahjong nights. Guests also love the clean, modern decor and great indoor/outdoor seating, contributing to a welcoming ambiance.
However, some experiences werent as stellar. A few guests noted issues like sticky tables, flies, and loud music from the kitchen. Concerns also arose regarding limited seating, the restaurant being cold, and the kiosk experience feeling out of place.
These points, though fewer (14 negative out of 65 total opinions), suggest theres room for improvement in comfort and cleanliness.
Ambience
65
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
14
negative
1
neutral
50
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fun mahjong nights
- Stylish, modern decor
- Great, welcoming vibes
What people don't like
- Cleanliness issues noted
- Uncomfortably cold inside
- Limited seating options
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this neighborhood place was wonderful. The food was consistently fresh and tasty, and the atmosphere had a nice welcoming vibe. The service was also excellent, contributing to a very pleasant dining experience.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiancethe classy clean ambiance demonstrates the brand's ironic humor
- accessibilityVery ♿ accessible with buttons at foot height
- addition to the neighborhoodhappy to have this addition to the neighborhood
- artLove the art too!
- awesome spotawesome spot in Noe Valley
- casual vibesVery casual vibes
- clean kitchenClean kitchen!!!
- cleanest restaurantcleanest restaurant in now valley.
Frequently criticized
- tableI had to inquire multiple times to get the correct chicken for my child because she couldn't even bite into the nuggets. The table was sticky, and there were tons of flies underneath. It felt like eating in the yuckiest place.
- Limited seatingLimited seating makes dining in a problem
- atmosphereThe place was like a kids restaurant “Chucky Cheese” environment
- cleanlinessIn And Out Burger is cleaner
- cold insidehow cold it was inside in the evening
- experience qualityMy recent experience at the restaurant was disappointing. The food prices have recently increased, and unfortunately, I've only seen the food and experience quality decrease. I paid $15 for a chicken sandwich and ate in.
- fliesI had to inquire multiple times to get the correct chicken for my child because she couldn't even bite into the nuggets. The table was sticky, and there were tons of flies underneath. It felt like eating in the yuckiest place.
- kiosk experiencethe kiosk experience feels out of place
- music from the kitchenhear Bad Bunny playing from the kitchen- it was very loud
- plates and cupsall plates and cups are made of plastic
If you're seeking a lively, clean, and family-friendly spot with good vibes and unique events like mahjong nights, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that some guests have noted occasional issues with cleanliness, temperature, or seating, so it might not be ideal if those are top priorities for your comfort.
Value (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
Many diners praise the affordable and reasonable prices, with 11 positive remarks highlighting that you can get delicious food for a great price, often around $15. While the overall score for value sits at an average 5.7, theres a strong current of appreciation for the accessible pricing, making quality food available to everyone. However, the value experience isnt universally praised, with 11 negative comments pointing to concerns about increasing food prices and feeling that the price paid isn't always worth it.
This contributes to a mixed 42.3% customer satisfaction, with frustrations often stemming from various tacked-on fees and the perception that some items are simply too pricey.
Value
26
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
11
negative
4
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable, delicious food
- Reasonable pricing
- Great value
What people don't like
- Hidden fees
- Price increases
- Not worth price
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was that of a budget fast food chain offering great tasting and authentic Chinese food. It's remarkable that this establishment is run by the Michelin star chef of Mr Jiu, yet it provides great tasting food at a very reasonable price that is accessible to everyone.
- affordableFast, delicious, affordable, and modern takes on Cantonese classics.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was marked by really tasty, unique Chinese dishes served at very reasonable prices. However, I strongly advise dressing warmly as it was quite cold inside in the evening.
- $15$15 and it slaps
Frequently criticized
- priceNot worth the price, in my opinion.
- benefits feeMy experience at this restaurant was marked by excellent customer service. However, it was very annoying that they have both a "benefits fee" and an "environmental food fee" hidden when you order. This made the billing process less transparent.
- environmental food feeMy experience at this restaurant was marked by excellent customer service. However, it was very annoying that they have both a "benefits fee" and an "environmental food fee" hidden when you order. This made the billing process less transparent.
- feesobnoxious to tack on 6% in fees
- food pricesfood prices have recently increased
- gratuityasked to leave a gratuity for submitting my own order
- price paidWhile fun music was playing for customers, I could also very clearly hear Bad Bunny playing loudly from the kitchen, which was chaotic and painful to listen to, forcing me to put on headphones. The sandwich itself was tasty and crunchy, but not nearly worth the price paid. It had almost too much numbness and not enough spicy flavor.
- priceyThe place is a little pricey
- service chargesTaking service charges to the next level
- tip upfrontobnoxious to be asked for a 15-22% tip upfront
If you're seeking genuinely affordable and tasty food, especially for specific dishes, this spot could be a great find. Just be aware that some diners have noted increasing food prices and additional fees that might make the final bill feel less like a bargain.
How are the prices at Mamahuhu?
On average, you’ll spend around 23 per person – from 91 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Most diners actually spend in the 11 – 30 $ range, showing prices are pretty consistent around that average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 91 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco, offering good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mamahuhu
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Chicken Sandwich and Great Service
My experience at the restaurant was very positive. The chicken sandwich and fries were absolutely delicious. The server was attentive and came out to take my order while I was in line, which was a nice touch.
- chicken sandwich10
- fries10
- server9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Neighborhood Spot!
My experience at this neighborhood place was wonderful. The food was consistently fresh and tasty, and the atmosphere had a nice welcoming vibe. The service was also excellent, contributing to a very pleasant dining experience.
- food9
- atmosphere9
- Service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Yummy and Fresh Food - Don't Skip the Fries!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I shared the crunchy cabbage salad with smoked tofu, and the sweet and sour cauliflower. Everything was incredibly yummy and fresh.
I highly recommend not skipping the cleaver fries – they were a standout! The service and atmosphere were also excellent, both rated 5/5.
- crunchy cabbage salad9
- smoked tofu9
- sweet and sour cauliflower9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Great Service, Annoying Hidden Fees
My experience at this restaurant was marked by excellent customer service. However, it was very annoying that they have both a "benefits fee" and an "environmental food fee" hidden when you order. This made the billing process less transparent.
- customer service10
- benefits fee2
- environmental food fee2
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
6
Great Food, Terrible Service
I absolutely love the kids plate, especially the Gluten Free chicken – it's delicious! However, the service is consistently so bad. Every time I visit with my family, they all receive their food, but my kids' plate takes an additional 12-15 minutes longer.
This means my family finishes their meals while I'm still waiting. What might be a mistake the first time is unacceptable by the fifth. While I understand it's a fast-food restaurant, I've found In And Out Burger to be cleaner.
- kids plate9
- Gluten Free chicken10
- service2
- cleanliness3
What Mamahuhu offers
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options does Mamahuhu offer?
At Mamahuhu, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion. You can enjoy delicious Chinese cuisine for lunch, dinner, or even dessert, with comfortable seating available for your dining pleasure.
Does Mamahuhu accommodate families and offer diverse payment methods?
Yes, Mamahuhu is good for kids, offering a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs for your convenience. When it’s time to pay, you can use credit cards, debit cards, or NFC mobile payments.
How does Mamahuhu generally rate among customers?
Mamahuhu holds a good overall score of 7.4, with customer satisfaction at 73.8%. Its Food (7.7) and Ambience (7.3) are well-regarded, while Service (6.8) and Value (5.7) are considered more average.
What are some popular food items at Mamahuhu?
Customers frequently praise the Lazi Chicken, sweet and sour chicken, and chicken sandwich for their taste and quality, often noting the authentic Chinese flavors.
Are there any hidden costs or fees to be aware of at Mamahuhu?
Some customers have noted the presence of “benefits fees” and “environmental food fees” that are not always transparent, which can make the final bill higher than initially expected.