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oChef » Ma’s – San Francisco
Ma's - San Francisco
Photo from Ma’s
Ma's at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 53 of the guests
#1850 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#187 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
344
Reviews
59.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Clay Pot Rice
- Great Value
- Authentic Vibe
Frequently criticized
- Cleanliness Issues
- Poor Service
- Cash Only
The restaurant Ma’s is a beloved Chinese Restaurant nestled in the vibrant Chinatown of San Francisco. You’ll discover a casual spot perfect for a quick bite or enjoying small plates of delicious dim sum.
With options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s a versatile choice for any meal, offering a truly authentic taste of the neighborhood.
Overview: Introducting Ma's
Ma’s offers a distinctive dining experience, particularly for those seeking genuine flavors. Many patrons rave about the clay pot rice and even the pot stickers, finding the food to be a significant draw.
The atmosphere often feels authentic, providing a unique cultural immersion. However, it’s worth noting some areas for improvement.
Concerns about cleanliness and inconsistent service have been raised, with some experiences involving unhelpful staff or issues with payment methods. It’s a place where the culinary strengths often outweigh other considerations.
Good
6.7
out of 10
344
Reviews
59.6%
Satisfaction
91
negative
48
neutral
205
positive
Ma’s overall performance registers a solid 6.7, placing it in the good category for its general offering. However, customer sentiment tells a slightly different story, with 59.6% satisfaction, indicating a mixed reception.
This contrast suggests that while many find the experience worthwhile, a notable portion of diners encounter aspects that fall short of expectations, based on 344 customer observations, including 205 positive remarks and 91 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (7.6) stands out as a clear strength, consistently earning high marks.
The Value (6.5) is also seen as reasonable, offering a fair deal for what you get. However, the Ambience (5.2) and Service (4.8) aspects appear to be areas where the restaurant could improve, often receiving average feedback from patrons.
What people like
- Exceptional Clay Pot Rice
- Great Value
- Authentic Atmosphere
What people don't like
- Cleanliness Concerns
- Inconsistent Service
- Cash Only Policy
Ma’s earns a 7.2 recommendation score, suggesting it’s a place worth considering, especially if you prioritize specific culinary experiences over pristine surroundings. If you’re seeking truly flavorful clay pot rice and appreciate a no-frills, authentic setting, this spot could be a delightful discovery.
However, be prepared for potential compromises regarding cleanliness and service consistency, and remember to bring cash. For those who can overlook these practicalities in favor of a unique and well-priced meal, Ma’s offers a memorable, albeit rustic, dining adventure.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Ma's
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, boasting a good score of 7.6 and a solid 74.8% customer satisfaction! Based on 151 positive remarks, diners consistently praise the authentic and tasty clay pot dishes, especially the crispy crust. Many also appreciate the generous portions, finding them flavorful and homely.
However, out of 202 total opinions, 30 did point out some areas for improvement. A few felt there was too much rice and not enough meat, or that some dim sum items seemed microwaved. There were also comments about limited vegetarian options and sparse meat/veggies in certain dishes.
Food
202
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
30
negative
21
neutral
151
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic clay pots
- Crispy rice crust
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Sparse meat/veggies
- Microwaved items
- Limited vegetarian options
Often praised
- clay pot riceIt's your quintessential old-school Chinatown eatery: the tables and floors are sticky, there are mouse traps here and there, and cleanliness isn't exactly a priority. But if you can look past the ambiance, you'll find some of the best clay pot rice in the Bay, rivaling the flavors I experienced in Hong Kong. I tried two dishes: the classic Chinese bacon clay pot rice and the Four Treasures, featuring "yellow skin" chicken, spareribs, Chinese sausage, and Chinese bacon.
- foodThey are closed on Thursdays. The food is cheap and very good, but one needs to overlook the old furniture and style. Come for the food!
- claypot ricetry their claypot rice and was not disappointed
- clay potMy experience at this restaurant was that of a nice small restaurant, a real mom and pop local dim sum and clay pot place. It was crowded with Chinese people, and I was the only American.
- crispy riceWe got the chicken and sausage clay pot rice and lamb stew with bean curd stick. Loved the pairing of the crispy rice with the warm and flavorful stew. We appreciated the hole-in-the-wall vibes and supporting an authentic small business in Chinatown!
- ricefresh-crop rice with a delightful chewiness, and a rich flavor
- clay potsBest so far that I've been to for clay pots!
- meatThe meat is so tender (beef and chicken)
- portionThe restaurant gets busy very quickly at lunchtime, and it seems to be cash only. The price is reasonable and the portion is pretty big.
- pot stickersmost incredible pot stickers I have ever had
Frequently criticized
- dim sumThe dim sum is all prepared beforehand
- foodIt's possible we just ordered the wrong items, as the overall ambiance was a strong 5 out of 5, and the service was rated a respectable 4. However, the food score was a low 2, indicating a significant area for improvement in that aspect.
- food temperatureMy experience at the restaurant was underwhelming. The selection of food was quite small, and unfortunately, nothing was actively kept warm. This meant my order had to be microwaved.
- microwavedseemed to have been microwaved
- clay pot riceunfortunately they don't make it anymore
- coffeetheir coffee is like just a small coffee machine
- dim sum optionsnot sure why it's called "Dim Sum & Cafe", since there was not much choices for Dim Sum
- fried rice with beeffried rice with beef ... weren't to my liking
- ginger tasteIt didn't taste like ginger like I ordered
- left still hungryIt also took 20 minutes to receive my food. I observed other diners with generous portions of vegetables and meat, appearing fully satisfied, while I left still hungry. Additionally, the tea was made with tap water and had a strong chlorine taste.
If you're seeking authentic, flavorful clay pot rice with that perfect crispy bottom, this place is a must-try. Just be aware that some non-clay pot items or vegetarian choices might not impress as much, and meat portions can occasionally be light.
Service (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag. While the overall score sits at an average 4.8, customer satisfaction tells a different story, landing at a rather poor 33.3%. Many appreciate the friendly staff and owners, with positive mentions highlighting quick seating and a fast, pleasant experience, especially regarding wait times.
It seems some staff can even speak English and Cantonese, which is a plus! However, the service experience has significant room for improvement, as evidenced by 29 negative opinions out of 60 total. Concerns frequently revolve around a language barrier, disorganized waiting times, and perceived unfairness in seating.
Some customers also reported issues with server attitudes and a lack of assistance, making the overall experience less than ideal for many.
Service
60
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
29
negative
11
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Owner was nice
- Fast service
What people don't like
- Unfair seating system
- Rude server attitude
- Language barrier
Often praised
- serviceWe tried some dim sum and fried rice with beef, and unfortunately, these dishes weren't to my liking. It's possible we just ordered the wrong items, as the overall ambiance was a strong 5 out of 5, and the service was rated a respectable 4. However, the food score was a low 2, indicating a significant area for improvement in that aspect.
- ServiceService:4
- ownerThe owner was also pretty nice.
- staffthe staff are friendly
- waitit is well worth the wait
- English and Cantonesestaff can speak english and cantonese
- biking all the waybiking all the way here is worth it for me
- come backDefinitely would come back to try other food.
- seatinggot seated right away
- wait timeNo wait
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe servers were unhelpful and didn’t assist us at all. Overall, a terrible experience and poor service.
- waitthe wait could be long during dinner time
- English proficiency토나옴. 현금만 받고 왜 고지 안하냐고 따지니까 영어 못한다고 오리발 내밀음. 절대 가지마세요.
- answer client’s questionsshe does not seem to answer client’s questions voluntarily
- assistanceIf you don’t speak Chinese or act aggressively, it’s almost impossible to get a table. The servers were unhelpful and didn’t assist us at all. Overall, a terrible experience and poor service.
- cashmake sure to bring cash!
- cutting in lineThere's no organized system for waiting in line, and it feels especially unfair if you're not Chinese. We waited in line by the door for 20 minutes, but people who arrived after us cut ahead, and the staff did nothing about it. As soon as tables became available, some people rushed forward, claimed they were first, and were seated—no questions asked.
- getting a tableIt seemed like the staff only communicated with Chinese-speaking customers and prioritized them. If you don’t speak Chinese or act aggressively, it’s almost impossible to get a table. The servers were unhelpful and didn’t assist us at all.
- language barriera bit of a language barrier
- microwaved foodshe microwaved our food before giving it to us
If you're willing to brave potentially long waits and a somewhat inconsistent service experience, you might find the staff friendly and efficient. However, be prepared for possible communication challenges and a less-than-organized seating process, which could be a dealbreaker for some.
Ambience (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, many customers appreciate the authentic Hong Kong style and hole-in-the-wall vibes, finding the atmosphere enjoyable and even top-notch. Theres a strong sense of supporting an authentic small business, with some even noting the cleanliness. Based on 14 positive remarks, it seems the unique character shines through.
However, the ambience receives an average 5.2 score, and customer satisfaction is quite poor at 29.8%, indicating significant room for improvement. With 24 negative comments, concerns frequently arise around hygiene, the small space, and challenging parking. Mentions of flies inside and general lack of cleanliness suggest its not for those seeking a pristine dining experience.
Ambience
47
Reviews
29%
Satisfaction
24
negative
9
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Hong Kong style
- Hole-in-the-wall charm
- Support local business
What people don't like
- Poor hygiene
- Limited space
- Challenging parking
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was incredibly authentic
- Atmosphereit's chaotic waiting in line but owner knows and it works!!
- Hong Kong styleVery good athletic Hong Kong style.
- authentic family restaurantI randomly walked into this local and authentic family restaurant. I just learned my lesson today that claypot rice bowl takes at least 20 minutes to make.
- authentic small businesssupporting an authentic small business
- cleanlinessthey're actually really clean here
- hole-in-the-wall vibesappreciated the hole-in-the-wall vibes
- quiet and out of the wayQuiet and out of the way
Frequently criticized
- ambianceHowever, this unassuming little restaurant defied my expectations. It's your quintessential old-school Chinatown eatery: the tables and floors are sticky, there are mouse traps here and there, and cleanliness isn't exactly a priority. But if you can look past the ambiance, you'll find some of the best clay pot rice in the Bay, rivaling the flavors I experienced in Hong Kong.
- atmospherethe atmosphere is lagging
- cleanlinessWe ordered two rice clay pots and the seafood claypot, and the meal came out hot and sizzling. The only complaint I do really have is the cleanliness of the location. A good thing is that a lot of their customers are locals, and when all Asians are the ones walking in to eat, this is always a good sign.
- tablesthere is only about 9 tables
- bug on platea small bug crawl on my plate
- designYou aren't here for the design
- flies insidebeware of flies inside as they leave their door open
- hygieneWe didn't get a receipt, don't know how they charge. If you can, please avoid this shop, their hygiene is just average, greasy feeling everywhere.
- lunchtimeIt gets busy very quickly at lunchtime.
- nicenessThe rice was perfectly cooked and crispy on the bottom, and the vegetable soup was also really good. While it's not the most cleanly nor nicest place, that's okay with me. Overall, it was a great food experience.
If you're after an authentic, no-frills Hong Kong experience and can overlook some rough edges, this place might charm you. However, if cleanliness, spaciousness, and easy parking are high on your list, you might find the ambience disappointing.
Value (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has a lot going for it, with a solid 6.5 score and a respectable 57.1% customer satisfaction. Many diners, accounting for 20 positive remarks out of 35 total, rave about the price being reasonable and often cheap. Guests frequently find it offers value for money, with super affordable options and generous portions.
However, not all experiences are smooth sailing, with 8 negative comments pointing to some hiccups. The main concerns revolve around payment methods, specifically card acceptance and the lack of Apple Pay, often requiring cash. Some guests also reported confusion over charges and even an extra fee, leading to a feeling that it was over-priced in certain situations.
Value
35
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
8
negative
7
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Affordable prices
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Cash only
- Confusing charges
- Extra fees
Often praised
- priceEveryone goes there for the clay rice pot. The price is very reasonable. It's not suitable for large parties as there are only about 9 tables, 5 for 4 people and 4 for 2 people.
- cheapso cheap as well at 13 bucks
- pricesprices are low too
- $7it's only $7, including tax
- PricePrice is reasonable
- cheap Asian foodThis allowed for scraping off the crispy rice at the bottom, which had a delightful crispy, smoky texture, almost like a porridge. It's a nice place for cheap Asian food in SF.
- pricingReasonable pricing!
- reasonable pricereasonably priced
- steam rice with spicy beefdelicious and cheap
- value for moneybest value for money in San Francisco
Frequently criticized
- Apple Payno Apple pay
- bill00 respectively, totaling $43, $46. 71 with tax, but the waiter asked us to pay $50. We didn't get a receipt, don't know how they charge.
- card acceptancedon't accept card but never noticed
- cashno charge they take only cash
- chargesI can't understand how they charge. My friend and I ordered two eel claypot rice and one salted fish meat pie claypot rice, both small portions.
- clay rice potkind of over-priced
- extra feepaid extra fee
- tipswaitress charge me extra tips when I didn't want any
If you're looking for a budget-friendly meal and are prepared to pay with cash, this place offers some seriously good deals. However, be mindful of payment methods and potential billing confusion, as these are common points of frustration for some diners.
How are the prices at Ma's?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 53 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners, a whopping 40 out of 53, find themselves spending in the $11–$20 bracket, showing a clear sweet spot for this place. A few go a bit cheaper, and some opt for slightly pricier dishes, but the pricing is pretty consistent around that average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 53 reviews.
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. It offers a good balance without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a casual meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Ma's
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
8
Clay Pot Rice Worth the Wait
Although the restaurant is small and crowded, the clay pot rice is very good! Definitely worth waiting.
- clay pot rice9
- waiting8
- restaurant4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Best Authentic Cantonese Clay Pot Rice
As a born and raised Cantonese, I can confidently say this is the best and most authentic clay pot rice I've ever had. It's my top choice for clay pot rice in the US. The food was excellent, earning a perfect 5/5.
The service was also outstanding, rated 5/5, and the atmosphere was enjoyable, scoring 5/5. We had no wait time and dined as a group of 2 for dinner.
- clay pot rice10
- food10
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Incredible Food, Terrible Service
My experience at this restaurant was a tale of two halves. The food was absolutely incredible, truly a highlight of the meal. However, the service was unfortunately the complete opposite.
Our server was so rude, I felt as though I had offended her by simply being there. While the food was a 5/5 and the atmosphere a 5/5, the service experience was a stark 1/5.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- server1
- service1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Authentic Chinese Food, Limited Dim Sum
My experience at this restaurant was a mix. It offers typical home-style authentic Chinese cuisine, with dishes like clay pot rice【煲仔饭】 being a highlight. However, I was a bit confused by the name "Dim Sum & Cafe" as there weren't many dim sum options.
Instead, the focus seemed to be on lunch boxes priced under $20, and even some under $15. The food quality was rated highly (4/5), but the service (3/5) and atmosphere (2/5) were less impressive.
- clay pot rice8
- lunch boxes6
- food8
- dim sum options4
- atmosphere4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Delicious Food, Great Value in SF
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was incredibly delicious and offered the best value for money in San Francisco. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was also top-notch.
- food10
- value for money10
- service10
What Ma's offers
Payments
- Cash-only
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Coffee
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at Ma's Dimsum & Cafe?
At Ma’s Dimsum & Cafe, you can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout the day. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering table service for your convenience. Whether you’re starting your day or winding down, you’ll find a meal to suit your schedule.
Can you make reservations at Ma's Dimsum & Cafe?
Yes, Ma’s Dimsum & Cafe accepts reservations, making it easy to plan your visit. This is particularly helpful if you’re looking to secure a table for dinner or lunch, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dining experience without the wait.
What is the overall verdict on Ma's?
Ma’s receives a good overall score of **6.7**, though customer satisfaction is mixed at **59.6%**. Its **Food** (7.6) is highly rated, and **Value** (6.5) is considered reasonable, but **Ambience** (5.2) and **Service** (4.8) are areas for improvement.
What are the standout dishes at Ma's?
Patrons frequently praise the clay pot rice and pot stickers for their authentic flavors and quality. The crispy rice and tender meat in these dishes are often highlighted.
What should I know before visiting Ma's regarding payment and atmosphere?
Be aware that Ma’s primarily operates on a cash-only basis, and some customers have noted concerns about cleanliness. The atmosphere is often described as authentic and hole-in-the-wall, but service can be inconsistent.