Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Tu Kim – San Francisco
Tu Kim - San Francisco
Photo from Tu Kim
Tu Kim at a glance
San Francisco Little Saigon
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 6 of the guests
#2059 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#137 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Good
6.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
44
Reviews
56.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Cozy atmosphere
- Fair pricing
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Hygiene concerns
- Limited menu
The cafe Tu Kim in San Francisco’s vibrant Little Saigon neighborhood offers you a delightful escape. You’ll find yourself drawn in by the casual atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxing coffee break.
Known for its great coffee, this spot is a must-visit if you’re exploring the area. Whether you’re starting your day with breakfast or grabbing lunch, you’ll appreciate the simple charm.
Overview: Introducting Tu Kim
Tu Kim offers a distinctive experience, with many patrons highlighting its flavorful food, particularly the hearty porridge and robust Vietnamese coffee. Guests often appreciate the welcoming owners and the clean, cosy place for dining, making for a comfortable visit.
However, some experiences with customer service have been less consistent, with reports of a rude cashier/owner and concerns about cook hygiene. A limited selection of sandwiches and the perceived expense of some coffee items also drew criticism.
Good
6.3
out of 10
44
Reviews
56.8%
Satisfaction
11
negative
8
neutral
25
positive
Overall, Tu Kim earns an average 6.3 out of 10, reflecting a generally moderate performance. Customer satisfaction stands at 56.8%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
This assessment is informed by 44 customer observations, comprising 25 positive remarks and 11 negative ones. Delving into specifics, Food leads with a good score of (7.6), suggesting it’s a strong draw.
Ambience (6.7) and Value (6.2) also contribute positively to the experience. However, Service (4.3) registers as an area needing significant attention, impacting the overall impression for some.
What people like
- Flavorful, hearty food
- Clean, cozy atmosphere
- Fair pricing
What people don't like
- Inconsistent customer service
- Concerns about hygiene
- Limited sandwich options
Tu Kim presents a compelling option if your priority is authentic, flavorful Vietnamese cuisine and a comfortable setting. With a recommendation score of 6.6, it suggests a generally positive experience for many who visit.
If you value delicious food and a pleasant atmosphere over consistently stellar service, it’s certainly worth considering. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in customer interaction and a somewhat limited menu.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Café
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
80
98.8%
- $$
- Inner Sunset
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
336
94.6%
- $$
- West SoMa
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9
out of 10
out of 10
282
95%
- $
- Potrero Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9
out of 10
out of 10
252
98%
- $$
- Visitacion Valley
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
367
93.2%
- $
- Outer Richmond
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
133
96.2%
- $
- Mount Davidson Manor
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Tu Kim
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, things are looking pretty good! With a solid score of 7.6 and a customer satisfaction of 75%, its clear many folks are happy. Out of 20 comments, 15 rave about dishes like Cháo Lòng, Bánh Canh, and the delicious porridge, often calling them incredibly good.
The Vietnamese coffee and Banh mi also get high praise, with some even declaring it the best theyve had. However, there are a few areas that could use a little love, with 3 negative comments noted. Some diners felt the sandwich selection was limited, and there were mentions of the coffee taste being bad or the cafe sua being bitter and sweet.
While not a deal-breaker for most, its something to keep in mind if youre particular about your brew.
Food
20
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious porridge
- Great Vietnamese coffee
- Tasty Banh mi
What people don't like
- Limited sandwich options
- Inconsistent coffee taste
Often praised
- Vietnamese coffeetheir Vietnamese coffee... probably the strongest I've ever had
- banh miTheir banh mi comes with EGG.
- eggseen put on egg
- Banh miBanh mi was good too
- Bánh Canhand Bánh Canh here
- Cháo LòngLove the Cháo Lòng
- bahn misweet cafe sua and bahn mi
- best porridgeBest porridge I've had in SF.
- delicious soupthis delicious soup
- fooddamn is it tasty and mighty
Frequently criticized
- cafe suaserving bitter and sweet cafe sua
- coffeecoffee taste was bad
- sandwichesonly 2 selection of sandwiches
If youre craving authentic Vietnamese comfort food like Cháo Lòng, Bánh Canh, or a hearty Banh mi, youre likely in for a treat. Just be aware that the coffee might be a hit or miss for some, and sandwich variety is limited. Overall, it's definitely worth a visit for the main dishes.
Service (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to service, there's a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.3 which is average, but customer satisfaction sitting at a rather poor 30.8%. On the brighter side, based on 13 pieces of feedback, some customers really appreciate the friendly owners and helpful counter staff, especially when one speaks English. Plus, having a clear menu to point to makes ordering a breeze, and a genuine smile from the woman-owner can truly brighten your day.
However, the overall sentiment is pulled down by some serious concerns. There are reports of poor cook hygiene, with one customer witnessing a cook handling food after a sneeze without washing hands. Other comments highlight consistently bad customer service and rude cashier/owner interactions, including forgotten orders like a sandwich and unpleasant experiences when trying to get a refund.
Service
13
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly owners
- English-speaking staff
- Helpful menu
What people don't like
- Poor cook hygiene
- Rude cashier/owner
- Bad customer service
Often praised
- counter staffOne of the counter staff speaks English
- menuthere’s a menu now that you can point to
- ownersThe owners are nice
- woman-ownershe smiled so genuinely when I told her how good the porridge was
Frequently criticized
- cashier/ownerThey only offered two selections of sandwiches, and the coffee tasted bad and was expensive. The cashier/owner was 100% rude. After ordering a sandwich, they forgot to make it.
- cook hygienewitnessed the cook sneeze into their arm and then wipe their snot on the arm of their shirt& then keep right on handling food without even washing their hands!!
- customer servicecustomer service was 100% bad
- refundcashier/owner was very rude trying to refund my money
- sandwichforgot to make that sandwich
- serviceService:1
This spot seems to have some genuinely nice people, but the service quality is inconsistent and hygiene concerns are a major red flag. If you're willing to risk potential rudeness or hygiene issues for a chance at a good interaction, you might give it a try, but be prepared for a potentially disappointing experience.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
Alright, lets talk ambience! Based on 4 positive remarks out of 6 total observations, many folks really appreciate the vibe here. Theyve highlighted it as a cosy place thats notably clean, making for a pleasant dining experience.
Plus, the Vietnamese live music playing on the TV adds a great touch, creating a welcoming atmosphere that some found quite enjoyable. However, its not all perfect, with one negative comment suggesting the overall atmosphere could be improved. While the score for ambience sits at an average 6.7, customer satisfaction is a bit mixed at 66.7%, indicating that while many find it charming, there's still a little room for improvement to truly win everyone over.
Ambience
6
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy ambiance
- Clean environment
- Live music vibe
What people don't like
- Overall atmosphere
Often praised
- placeThe owners were nice, and the price was fair. The place itself is clean and cozy, and it's great that you can now dine inside.
- Vietnamese live musicThe Vietnamese live music shows playing on the TV was also a great vibe.
- cosy placeCosy place
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere:1
If you're looking for a clean, cozy spot with some nice background music, this place could be a good fit. Just be aware that while many enjoy the vibe, the overall atmosphere might not wow everyone, so manage your expectations.
Value (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
Looking at value, some customers found the pricing quite reasonable, with positive comments highlighting that for six dollars the price was considered fair. Based on 2 positive remarks out of 5 total, theres a somewhat positive sentiment here, contributing to an average score of 6.2. While customer satisfaction sits at a 40% mixed level, these specific points show some appreciation for the cost.
However, not all experiences were positive, contributing to the 40% mixed customer satisfaction. There was one specific complaint about the coffee, with a customer noting its taste was bad and it was expensive. This single negative comment out of 5 total remarks indicates theres definitely room for improvement in certain areas, preventing the average score of 6.2 from climbing higher.
Value
5
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
1
negative
2
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair pricing
- Reasonable cost
What people don't like
- Expensive, bad coffee
Often praised
- pricePrice is fair
- six dollarsFor six dollars
Frequently criticized
- coffeecoffee taste was bad and expensive
If youre looking for fair prices on some items, you might find value here. However, be wary of the coffee, as it seems to be a point of contention. Its a mixed bag, so manage your expectations.
How are the prices at Tu Kim?
You’re looking at roughly 12 per person – reported by 6 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 12, the actual spending varies a bit, with some diners finding cheaper options and a few going for slightly pricier choices. Since we only have 6 reviews, its a good indication, but keep in mind its a small sample.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 6 most recent reviews. While the data is limited, it gives a good indication of spending habits.
How this Cafe’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
We think this pricing feels pretty fair for a Cafe in San Francisco. It offers a good balance without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tu Kim
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Banh Mi and Strong Coffee!
I'll never say a bad thing about this place. Their banh mi comes with an egg, which is fantastic, especially for the price of six dollars. I haven't found banh mi with an egg anywhere else for that cost.
Their Vietnamese coffee is also incredibly strong; it kept me alert for hours. While the place is small, the food is undeniably tasty and mighty.
- banh mi9
- egg9
- six dollars9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Terrible Service and Bad Coffee
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative. I would strongly advise against purchasing anything from here. The customer service was 100% bad.
They only offered two selections of sandwiches, and the coffee tasted bad and was expensive. The cashier/owner was 100% rude. After ordering a sandwich, they forgot to make it.
When I canceled the order 10 minutes later, the cashier/owner was very rude while attempting to process the refund.
- customer service1
- sandwiches2
- coffee2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Disgusting Hygiene, Left Immediately
My experience at this restaurant was extremely unpleasant due to a severe hygiene issue. While the coffee was alright and the food wasn't terrible, what I could eat was overshadowed by witnessing the cook sneeze into their arm and then wipe their snot on their shirt. They then continued handling food without washing their hands.
🤧🤢🤮 This was not only incredibly disgusting but also concerning, especially given the current health climate. I left immediately.
- coffee5
- food5
- cook hygiene1
- atmosphere1
- service1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious soup, toddler's favorite!
My experience at the restaurant was great. We eat this delicious soup every time we go to the laundromat. It is now my toddler's favorite soup.
- delicious soup10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Incredible Porridge & Cozy Vibe
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I ordered the porridge (specifically requested no meat) and a Vietnamese iced coffee. Both were incredibly good, with the porridge having a delightful spicy and citrusy kick.
While there's no menu and it's cash only, the atmosphere was very enjoyable, enhanced by the live Vietnamese music on TV. The woman-owner, though initially seeming a bit short-tempered, was genuinely warm and even smiled when I praised the porridge. We later bonded over her tie-dye crocs.
I would definitely come here regularly if I could; it's the best porridge I've had in SF.
- porridge10
- Vietnamese coffee9
- no menu6
What Tu Kim offers
Payments
- Cash-only
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Service Options
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What payment methods does Tu Kim Coffee Shop accept?
Tu Kim Coffee Shop operates on a cash-only basis, so be sure to bring cash for your purchases when you visit.
What dining options and offerings are available at Tu Kim Coffee Shop?
At Tu Kim Coffee Shop, you can enjoy a quick bite, coffee, and a great tea selection. They serve both breakfast and lunch, with takeout service available.
How does Tu Kim rate overall?
Tu Kim holds an overall score of **6.3** out of 10. Its **Food** (7.6) is highly rated, followed by **Ambience** (6.7) and **Value** (6.2), though **Service** (4.3) could see improvement.
What are the standout dishes at Tu Kim?
Many customers praise the **porridge**, **banh mi** with egg, and the exceptionally strong **Vietnamese coffee** as highlights from the menu.
Are there any common complaints about Tu Kim?
Some patrons have reported issues with **customer service**, including rudeness from staff, and concerns regarding **cook hygiene**.