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oChef » Shanghai Dumpling King – San Francisco
Shanghai Dumpling King - San Francisco
Photo from Shanghai Dumpling King
Shanghai Dumpling King at a glance
San Francisco Duboce Triangle
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 53 of the guests
#1617 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#147 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
313
Reviews
68.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Dumpling quality
- Affordable pricing
- Efficient service
Frequently criticized
- Flavor inconsistency
- Service issues
- Poor facilities
The restaurant, a delightful Chinese Restaurant in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Duboce Triangle neighborhood, offers a truly authentic dining experience. You’ll find a welcoming, casual atmosphere perfect for any meal.
Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, Shanghai Dumpling King provides delicious small plates that are sure to satisfy.
Overview: Introducting Shanghai Dumpling King
Shanghai Dumpling King offers a straightforward dining experience where the focus is clearly on the plate. Many appreciate the variety of dumplings and other dishes, often highlighting the flavor and freshness.
The value for money is frequently noted, making it an accessible option for many. However, some diners have found certain dishes to lack authentic flavor or have issues with preparation.
While the fast service is a plus, there are occasional remarks about inconsistent customer service and a very casual setting that might not appeal to everyone.
Good
7
out of 10
313
Reviews
68.1%
Satisfaction
83
negative
17
neutral
213
positive
Overall, Shanghai Dumpling King earns a solid 7, indicating a generally good experience for many. This is supported by 213 positive remarks out of 313 total, showing a favorable lean.
Diners particularly appreciate the Service (7.8), which is often described as fast and friendly, and the considerable Value (7.5) offered. While the Food also scores well at (7), some opinions suggest inconsistencies, preventing it from reaching higher marks.
The Ambience (6.1) is perceived as average, often noted for its casual, no-frills nature. Customer satisfaction sits at 68.1%, suggesting a mixed bag where many are pleased, but a notable portion finds areas for improvement.
What people like
- Delicious dumplings
- Great value
- Fast, friendly service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Inconsistent service
- Subpar facilities
With a recommendation score of 7.2, Shanghai Dumpling King is a solid choice if you’re seeking a casual spot for satisfying dumplings and other Chinese staples. It offers good value and quick service, making it suitable for a straightforward meal.
However, manage your expectations regarding the overall dining experience and consistency across all dishes. If you prioritize specific dumpling varieties and affordability over a polished setting or perfect authenticity, this spot could be a worthwhile visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Shanghai Dumpling King
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a solid 7 out of 10. While customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 67%, many of the 215 comments praise the delicious dumplings, great flavor, and generous portions. You'll find ample choices and fresh ingredients that often impress. However, some diners noted issues with the food, with 63 negative comments mentioning dishes being overly oily or salty.
There were also remarks about bland flavors and thick, soggy dough in some items, suggesting inconsistency in preparation.
Food
215
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
63
negative
8
neutral
144
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious dumplings
- Great flavors
- Good portions
What people don't like
- Overly oily
- Too salty
- Bland dishes
Often praised
- foodI came here with two friends after a Barry's workout and we really enjoyed the experience for dinner! The food came out pretty quickly and since the place was fairly empty, we got seated immediately. I particularly enjoyed the meat bun and found the fried rice cake to be super tasty.
- dumplingsThe food was absolutely delicious, and I especially recommend their dumplings. They were reasonably priced and tasted amazing! The service was incredibly fast, and the staff were all super nice and friendly, even though it was very busy.
- soup dumplingsTwo orders of soup dumplings... All were really good
- dan dan noodlesThe soup dumplings are top tier. Favorites include the scallion pancake, potstickers, green beans, mapo tofu, dan dan noodles, salt and pepper fish, and spicy wontons. Order anything on the menu, you won't be disappointed.
- spicy wontonSpicy wonton was the only dish I could eat a second bite
- Chinese foodMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I found the food to be delicious Chinese food and well priced. I particularly enjoyed the dan dan noodles and the cucumber salad.
- XLBmy favorite spot in the city for XLB
- cucumber saladI found the food to be delicious Chinese food and well priced. I particularly enjoyed the dan dan noodles and the cucumber salad. Overall, I was very satisfied with my meal.
- flavorMy experience at the restaurant was absolutely delicious! I tried all the dumpling types, and each one was uniquely flavored and tasted heavenly. It's a must-try for dumpling fans.
- food freshnessincredibly fresh
Frequently criticized
- foodfood is not the best from an authentic flavor profile
- dumplingssome of the dumplings are a lot sweeter than I want
- riceI am very disappointed with the food; I ordered for pickup on Uber Eats and am wondering if the food is the same for customers that come in and order. They gave me the wrong rice, horribly burnt chicken, and the onion pancakes were so dry and tasted stale. Save yourself some money and get better food, even from chains like Panda Express.
- fried bunsThe dumplings did not meet our expectations. The fried buns were rather soggy and didn’t have much taste. The overall food quality was rated a 2, and the service and atmosphere also received low scores of 3 and 2 respectively.
- soup dumplingsthe filling for the buns, including the soup dumplings, was mediocre
- wonton soupand wonton soup and they all had that problem
- Shanghai steamed dumplingsvery far away from what it should taste
- Shanghai style noodlesShanghai style noodles and some of the beef pieces were too grisly and hard to chew
- ShengjianbaoShengjianbao was too fluffy, barely any meat inside, no soup inside
- Tofu saladvery far away from what it should taste
If youre craving delicious dumplings and dont mind the possibility of some dishes being a bit inconsistent, this place is worth a try. Just be prepared for potential variations in seasoning and texture.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally shines! With a solid score of 7.8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 78.3%, its clear most guests have a good experience. Out of 46 total comments, 36 rave about the excellent hospitality, fast service, and welcoming staff.
Many found the team friendly, prompt, and truly stellar. However, a few of the 5 negative remarks suggest theres still a little room for improvement. Some mentioned needing to flag down waiters, experiencing frantic service, or facing long waits for takeout.
A couple of instances even noted staff ignoring customers, which can definitely be a bummer.
Service
46
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
5
negative
5
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Great hospitality
What people don't like
- Long takeout waits
- Staff can ignore
- Flag down waiters
Often praised
- serviceMy first experience here was fantastic! The restaurant truly nails the vibe, offering fresh food and quick service. I particularly enjoyed the seriously tasty dumplings.
- staffThe staff were all super nice and friendly
- FoodFood was out within 10 minutes
- ServiceService:5
- bringing your ownthey are ok with you bringing your own
- customer serviceExcellent customer service
- delivery serviceordered last night through DoorDash. The food arrived piping hot
- fastMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. I found the Chinese food to be really good, and the service was impressively fast. The location is also a significant plus, making it easily accessible.
- fast serviceFast service
- hospitalityThe people who work at this place know what hospitality means
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceIf they don’t want to deal with people, they shouldn’t work in customer service
- serviceStop running or hire more experienced servers. It doesn’t really speed things up and adds an overall frantic-ness to the experience.
- staffthe staff completely ignored me — no response, no eye contact, nothing
- wait for takeoutwait for takeout over 30 mins
- waitersThe prices are good, offering great value. On the downside, it's a pretty casual place, and you'll need to flag down the waiters. Overall, this place was great and I would come again.
If quick, friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere are high on your list, youll likely have a great time here. While there are occasional hiccups like longer waits for takeout or needing to catch a servers eye, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive and worth checking out.
Ambience (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a mixed bag, with a score of 6.1 and customer satisfaction at 54.1%. Many appreciate the casual atmosphere, often described as cozy and inviting, with a clean seating area. Guests frequently praise its good location and the overall vibe, noting it feels like a comfortable neighborhood spot, especially since its rarely crowded.
These positive sentiments come from 20 observations out of 37 total. However, there are some areas where the ambience could use a little polish. Some found the decor somewhat run down and the place a bit too casual, with a few comments about cleanliness needing improvement.
Parking can also be a challenge, and the mention of cheesy music or an uninviting bathroom were noted by 13 reviewers. It seems the atmosphere can be a bit hit-or-miss depending on what youre looking for.
Ambience
37
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
- Good, convenient location
- Clean seating area
What people don't like
- Run-down decor
- Difficult parking
- Unclean bathroom
Often praised
- atmosphereIt's evident that each dish is prepared with significant skill and love. While the atmosphere is casual, the food is absolutely top-tier. I highly recommend this place for either lunch or dinner in the Castro.
- cleanlinesscleaning is acceptable
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceambient is chill, no music perfect place to talk
- get a seatHowever, if you're looking for that style, the portions are huge and the service is friendly. On a Thursday night at 6: 30 PM, it was easy to get a seat, though the restaurant did fill up.
- good locationin a good location
- locationreally like the location on monterey and thought it was convenient
- mom & pop shopThis is one of my favorite Chinese spots in SF. I experienced comfort Chinese food in a quaint setting, reminiscent of a mom & pop shop. The service was fast and the food was delicious.
- neighborhood spotdefinitely a good neighborhood spot
- no frillsThe place is no frills
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereatmosphere also received low scores of 2
- parkingParking is the usual hit or miss street parking, can be difficult to find
- bathroomskip the bathroom - it’s not in business for the facilities
- casual placePretty casual place
- cheesy musiccheesy music played in the restaurant
- cleanlinessWish it was cleaner
- decorNot much to speak of for decor
- placea small place , feeling a bit crowded
- restaurantWe were fortunate to avoid food poisoning, but unfortunately, we felt sick for the remainder of the day. This was the worst restaurant I’ve EVER been to.
- seatingthey didn’t have seating open
If youre seeking a no-frills, casual spot with a decent location and a cozy vibe, youll likely find the ambience perfectly acceptable. However, if decor, easy parking, or pristine facilities are high on your list, you might find this place a bit disappointing.
Value (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction soaring at 86.7%, its clear most diners feel theyre getting a good deal. Out of 15 comments, 13 rave about the affordable and reasonable prices, often highlighting good portions and excellent value for money.
However, its not entirely without its critics. A couple of voices, out of the 15, did mention concerns about "price, " specifically feeling that the "portion" size didnt quite justify the cost, suggesting you might save some money elsewhere for better food.
Value
15
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Good portions
- Great value
What people don't like
- Small portions
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I found the food to be delicious Chinese food and well priced. I particularly enjoyed the dan dan noodles and the cucumber salad.
- pricesprices reasonable
- affordableaffordable Chinese food
- good portionsGood portions for the price
- mealIt's clear that this is a family-run establishment with a personal touch. Overall, if you're looking for a satisfying and affordable meal, this place is worth checking out.
- meal pricereasonable meal price
- price pointAmazing food and service at a great price point!
- value for moneyFood arrived within minutes of ordering. It was also affordable and quite cheap for the portion size, offering excellent bang for your buck. I would definitely come again!
Frequently criticized
- moneysave yourself some money and get better food
- priceSmall PORTION for the price that I paid
If youre looking for an affordable meal with generally good portions, this place is definitely worth checking out. While most find it great value, a few folks felt the portions could be small for the price, so keep that in mind. Overall, its a solid choice for your wallet!
How are the prices at Shanghai Dumpling King?
On average, you’ll spend around 28 per person – from 53 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners cluster around the $11–$20 and $21–$30 ranges, showing a good mix of mid-range options, though there are some higher-priced choices too.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 53 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant to similar ones in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco, offering good value for a mid-range dining experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Shanghai Dumpling King
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Favorite Comfort Chinese Food Spot
This is one of my favorite Chinese spots in SF. I experienced comfort Chinese food in a quaint setting, reminiscent of a mom & pop shop. The service was fast and the food was delicious.
- comfort Chinese food9
- quaint setting8
- mom & pop shop8
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
8
Kind Service Despite Late Arrival
I arrived late and there was no seating available. However, when I asked if I could just sit and eat, the staff were very kind and allowed me to, especially since it was late at night. Also, shooting my shot here if the owner sees this: I was wondering if you found any keys there?
A red key fob. If you did pleaseeeee reply Thanks 🤞🏽
- staff9
- seating3
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Bland and Forgettable Takeout
I decided to try this place and got some takeout for dinner. Unfortunately, most of the dishes were very bland and forgettable.
- takeout5
- dishes2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Yummy Wontons and Dumplings!
My experience at the restaurant was so yummy! I especially loved the Shanghai Style Meat Wonton Soup, which had a very peppery broth that kicks. The vegetable pork dumplings were fantastic too.
- Shanghai Style Meat Wonton Soup9
- peppery broth9
- vegetable pork dumplings8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Delicious Vegan Options, Worth a Return Visit
My experience at this restaurant was positive, particularly regarding its vegan and vegetarian options. While the place itself isn't fancy, the food was delicious. We especially enjoyed the Mapo Tofu and the steamed Veggie dumplings.
I'm looking forward to returning to try more dishes!
- vegan / vegetarian options9
- Mapo Tofu9
- steamed Veggie dumplings9
What Shanghai Dumpling King offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Shanghai Dumpling King accessible for all guests?
Yes, you’ll find that Shanghai Dumpling King prioritizes accessibility. The restaurant features a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
What dining options and services does Shanghai Dumpling King offer?
At Shanghai Dumpling King, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert with table service. They also offer convenient takeout and delivery services, and you can even accept reservations for your visit.
How does Shanghai Dumpling King rate overall?
Shanghai Dumpling King holds a respectable overall score of 7, with customer satisfaction at 68.1%. Its Service (7.8) and Value (7.5) are particularly well-regarded, while Food scores a good (7) and Ambience is average at (6.1).
What are the food highlights at Shanghai Dumpling King?
Diners frequently praise the dumplings , especially soup dumplings and XLB , for their flavor and freshness. Dishes like dan dan noodles and cucumber salad also receive positive mentions for being tasty and well-priced.
Are there any common issues to be aware of before visiting?
Some customers have noted inconsistencies in food quality, occasionally finding dishes to have an inauthentic flavor or issues with preparation. Service can sometimes be inconsistent, and the ambiance is generally casual with some concerns about facilities.