San Tung -- San Francisco, CA

San Tung is a classic San Francisco institution, attracting crowds of loyal customers on any given day of the week....their dry fried chicken wings and dumplings are the stuff of legend, and rightfully so. Located on busy Irving Street in the Inner Sunset, it may seem like your average Chinese restaurant at first glance, but the throngs of people waiting outside serves as a constant tribute to its fame and popularity.

At San Tung, THE absolute must-try dish is the original dry fried chicken wings. Found on every table (I kid you not), these chicken wings are battered and deep-fried, then doused in a delectable ginger/garlic/chili sweet sauce. For the sake of good table manners, you may initially find yourself using forks for these, but after a few bites you will be tempted to start digging in with your fingers!

The potstickers are equally scrumptious....stuffed with a seasoned pork and cabbage mixture, they are both mouthwatering and filling. For some vegetables in your meal, the garlicky dry sauteed string beans do the trick, while the honey walnut prawns provide a honey and buttery complement. Aside from the aforementioned dishes, their black bean sauce noodles and various soups are also tasty and worth a try.

Original dry fried chicken wings ($9.50)

Potstickers ($7)

Dry sauteed string beans ($8)

Honey walnut prawns ($14)

Complementary kimchi....salty and spicy, great for refreshing the palate

Brace yourself for a long wait....I once waited almost 2 hours before being seated. As with the rest of San Francisco, parking may be a slight issue....it's all street parking and unless you're lucky to score a spot in front of the restaurant (like I did once!), you may have to walk just a bit. Which may be a good thing, after all that food....

San Tung Chinese Restaurant 

1031 Irving Street

San Francisco, CA 94122

Map

415 242 0828

Mon-Tues, Thurs-Sun 11:00AM-9:30PM

Closed Wed

santungrestaurant.com

Kam Fung Cafe -- Hong Kong

Kam Fung Cafe is one of those little urban gems, a pleasant surprise in the heart of Hong Kong's gritty Wan Chai district. It's a typical Hong Kong-style "cafe", serving breakfast items and doubling as a small bakery as well. Like everything else in the SAR, Kam Fung is located in a cramped claustrophobic space, seemingly always bustling with people and noise.

Interior

This place is well-known throughout Hong Kong Island for many things, such as their egg tarts and chicken pies, but my friend and I came here seeking out one of our favorite Cantonese treats....the bo lo yau (pineapple bun with salted butter). For any of you who have never tried this celestial creation, do place it at the top of your priorities list! A traditional bo lo baau is a sweet bun that, when prepared correctly, will have a sweet soft doughy goodness topped with a sugary crust. A rather unhealthy but intensely delicious variation is to place a piece of salted butter inside while the bun is still warm, creating an amazingly well-balanced melt-in-your-mouth sweet and salty pastry that will surely be unforgettable. Although found throughout Hong Kong, Kam Fung's version is so fresh and aromatic that it will leave you craving more! 

We also sampled their signature Hong Kong milk tea...to those unfamiliar with this, it is definitely less sweeter than the Taiwanese version, and incorporates condensed or evaporated milk. Kam Fung's version was served chilled, without ice. Although this didn't blow me away as much as the pineapple buns did, it was still a good and authentic beverage with which to wash down our breakfast. 

Bo lo yau ($6 HKD or ~$0.75) and Hong Kong milk tea ($15 HKD or ~$2)

Fresh out of the oven....heaven!

Other baked goods on display

We were lucky to not have to wait, but long lines (especially in the morning hours) are definitely a common sight. Kam Fung is located in a busy commercial area, within walking distance of the Wan Chai MTR Station. Although it's a tiny hole-in-the-wall joint, the aroma alone will make it hard to miss.

Kam Fung Cafe 

41 Spring Garden Lane

Wan Chai, Hong Kong 

Map

2572 0526 

Mon-Sun 7:00AM-7:00PM

Sia Fusion Eatery -- Newark, CA

Sia is a small Korean fusion restaurant located across from NewPark Mall, sharing the same shopping plaza as Lion Market, numerous Asian eateries and boba shops. With the relative scarcity of late-night food options in the Union City/Fremont/Newark area, Sia is sure to be a welcome addition to the dining scene for all the suburban night owls out there (myself included =P).

In all honesty, I was somewhat skeptical of trying this restaurant, just as I am with any fusion place....however, Sia proved itself worthy with its tasty fare and affordable prices. It's no wonder that it's crowded with families and college kids eating and drinking the night away.

The most popular item on the menu here seems to be the Seoul burger. Reminiscent of the bulgogi burgers I've had in Korea, the Seoul burger consists of a beef patty marinated in Korean BBQ sauce, topped with slices of bulgogi beef, cheese, veggies and a fried egg. Served with some spicy gochujang sauce and french fries, it's definitely filling and flavorful.

Seoul burger ($7.99)

Messy but delicious....best tackled with a fork and knife!

Other notable fusion options are the bulgogi cheese steak sandwich and spam kimchi rolls (sounds a tad strange, but the flavors were surprisingly harmonious). In addition, Sia also offers traditional Korean fare such as bibimbap and spicy rice cake, which taste quite authentic and are suitable alternatives for those that prefer more traditional flavors. 

Bulgogi cheese steak sandwich ($7.99)

Left -- french fries (free with burgers, $2.49 separately), right -- spam kimchi roll ($3.99)

Spicy rice cake ($7.99, extra for ramyeon noodles)

As can be seen, the portions are quite generous taking into consideration the affordable prices. Although the venue size is not as generously spaced, I'd say it adds a bit to the cozy atmosphere. Sia also seems to be a good place for drinking get-togethers (it IS Korean-owned, after all)...they offer beer, as well as the usual Korean booze such as rice wine, soju and soju cocktails. Open until 2AM 7 days a week, it should most certainly be a viable choice when you've got those late night munchies and don't want to spend too much money.

Sia Fusion Eatery 

39263 Cedar Boulevard

Newark, CA 94560

Map

510 794 8852

Mon-Thu 3:00PM-2:00AM

 Fri-Sun 11:00AM-2:00AM 

Mayflower -- Union City, CA

Mayflower is a small chain of Cantonese seafood/dim sum restaurants, with locations in Union City, Milpitas and Millbrae, as well as a former branch in San Francisco's Richmond district. They serve a vast array of Cantonese dishes, including the rather pricey items so prized by Chinese diners, such as abalone, shark's fin, lobster noodles etc. During the daytime however, they are more well-known for their dim sum which, although faces increasing competition from other restaurants, still consist of those classic and consistently reliable items I've enjoyed since childhood.

The interior....bustling even on a Thursday morning!

Located not far from the Union City BART station in a busy Asian shopping plaza near Marina Market, this restaurant gets crowded quickly, even on weekdays. Weekends can see long lines of eager customers out the door. As at other dim sum places, the atmosphere is unique and fun, almost reminiscent of Hong Kong. After all, dim sum is more than just food, it's a dining experience....the bustling atmosphere of families and friends chatting away loudly, the servers shouting out the names of their different eats, the fragrant aroma of fresh jasmine tea.

Mayflower serves all the usual dim sum staples one would expect. The must-haves on any of my dim sum visits include siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings), har gow (shrimp dumplings), char siu baau (barbecued pork buns), wu gok (fried mashed taro dumplings), daan taat (egg custard tarts), cheung fan (steamed rice noodle rolls)....the list goes on and on! Mayflower serves all of these and more....steamed gai lan (steamed Chinese broccoli in oyster sauce), fried squid, and congee (rice porridge), to name just a few....

Siu mai -- pork and shrimp dumplings ($2.90)

Har gow -- shrimp dumplings ($3.30)

Cheung fan -- steamed rice noodle rolls with shrimp ($3.30)

Wu gok -- fried mashed taro dumplings ($2.90)

Fung zao -- chicken feet....definitely an acquired taste! ($3.90)

Char siu baau -- barbecue pork buns....steamed or baked ($2.90)

Daan taat -- egg custard tarts ($2.30)

Although there are so many other similar establishments in the Bay Area (Yank Sing in SF for more "upscale", Asian Pearl in Fremont for more "modern", etc), Mayflower still remains being that classic and reliable joint that will first come to mind when I'm craving a dim sum fix with friends or family.

Mayflower Seafood Restaurant

34348 Alvarado-Niles Road

Union City, CA 94587

Map

Other branches in Milpitas and Millbrae

510 489 8386

Lunch  Mon-Fri 11:00AM-2:30PM

Sat-Sun 10:00AM-3:00PM

Dinner  Mon-Fri 5:00-9:30PM

Sat-Sun 5:00PM-10:00PM 

mayflower-seafood.com

900 Grayson -- Berkeley, CA

At first glance, 900 Grayson appears to be just another unassuming little restaurant located in a rather nondescript area of West Berkeley. Upon closer inspection, it presents itself as a surprisingly hip little brunch nook, attracting large Saturday morning crowds of Cal kids and chic locals. Their specialty is brunch and burgers, and indeed they do it well!

What seems to be the most popular item on the menu is the Demon Lover (spicy buttermilk chicken on top of a buttermilk waffle served with cream gravy). To those unfamiliar with this combination, it is absolutely scrumptious and filling. 900 Grayson's chicken is fried in a manner that retains the meat's moisture...thus, my initial fears of biting into a tough and dry piece of chicken were put to rest. Aside from this, the Tom Boy (poached eggs, potatoes, Fuji apple and corned beef hash, and white toast) was also a very pleasant dish to savor. The beef hash was meaty and flavorful, and mixed well with Fuji apple bits, with the perfectly poached eggs' runny yolk providing just the right texture. The accompanying toast was freshly prepared from the local Acme Bread Company, and served with tasty homemade fruit jam. 

We also had a side order of Idaho hashed browns and the spicy sausage, which were both welcomed additions to the meal.

Top: Demon Lover ($12), bottom: Tom Boy ($10), right: Idaho hashed browns ($3) and spicy sausage ($2)

Of course, they also serve other breakfast dishes, as well as burgers and sandwiches which looked promising. The Demon Lover and Tom Boy are definite winners though. Sadly, these items are available only until 10:45AM on the weekdays, but are served up until 2:30PM on Saturdays. When we went on a Saturday morning, there was a wait which wasn't too unbearable. The venue is a bit small and crowded....but I'd say it adds to the charming atmosphere. This place is very ideal for a hearty and energizing (although maybe not exactly the most relaxed) brunch. Believe me, it's not easy writing this review at 1 in the morning....just thinking about the food makes my mouth water!

900 Grayson 

900 Grayson Street

Berkeley, CA 94710

Map

510 704 9900 

Mon-Fri 8:00AM-3:00PM

Sat 8:00AM -2:30PM

Closed Sun

900grayson.com

After You Dessert Cafe -- Bangkok, Thailand

Initially, I intended to make this a California-centered food blog, but I decided it'd be more fun to add a little variety from time to time, you know....to spice things up a bit ;). Therefore, from now on every once in awhile I'll devote an entry to an eatery located outside California. Hope you all enjoy!

Without further ado, I'd like to introduce one of my must-visits while in Thailand. After You is very well-known among Bangkok's trendy twenty- and thirty-somethings, as can be attested by the large crowds of people constantly waiting in queue at one of their numerous branches located throughout the city. A visit to this dessert cafe is an absolute must for anyone in Bangkok, and with all their convenient locations there's honestly no reason not to, especially if you're a dessert-lover like myself!

After You Dessert Cafe -- Siam Paragon branch

When mentioning After You to any Bangkok college student, the first thing that will pop into their mind is the famous Shibuya honey toast. This divine food is notable in that it is so simple, yet so amazing....warm and buttery brick toast, served together with two scoops of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream, accompanied by honey that is brought separately so that you can personally monitor how sweet you would like it to be. The toast is perfectly baked, brought to the table at just the right temperature....and the warm saltiness contrasts well with the cool and sweet ice cream goodness. Yum!

Shibuya honey toast (165 THB or ~$5)

They offer other variations of the classic version, including matcha toast, chocolate strawberry toast and sticky toffee toast, although the original still reigns as champion. Aside from their signature toast, they also serve a variety of other dessert items that will prove to win over the hearts of even those with the most discriminating sweet-tooths. Other noteworthy choices include the chocolate lava cake, mixed berry panna cotta, honey buttermilk waffle and the cookies (the latter make an ideal gift for loved ones at home).

After You also boasts an extensive beverage menu, consisting of both hot and cold coffee and tea drinks. My personal favorites include the earl grey milk tea, iced apple cider, and their various frappes. 

Sticky toffee toast (185 THB or ~$6)

Honey buttermilk waffle 

Left to right: mixed berry panna cotta (145 THB or ~$5), iced apple cider (85 THB or ~$3), and iced earl grey milk tea (95 THB or ~$3)

What I love about this place is that they are constantly thinking of new creative dessert items to introduce to their customers. Some work out, while others fail....so always order the honey toast as a happiness fallback! Be aware, the queue will be long...waits of up to an hour or two are not uncommon. It's definitely worth it though. After all, biting into something that will change your life is indeed worth it no? Okay, that may be somewhat of an exaggeration, but not by much ;)

After You Dessert Cafe (Original Branch)

J-Avenue

Soi Thonglor 13, Sukhumvit 55 Road

Bangkok, Thailand 10110

Other branches located throughout the city

02 712 9266

Mon-Sun 10:00AM-12:00AM

afteryoudessertcafe.com

Friend's House Korean -- San Diego, CA

Friend's House (if my elementary-level knowledge of Hangul is correct, the Korean sign in front says "Chingunae") is a small place with a homey feeling....perhaps the feeling that you get when you visit.....a friend's house? Located in the heart of the Convoy Asian food heaven, this restaurant almost makes me feel like I've been transported to Seoul. In fact I'd say they rank rather high on the authenticity meter.

I discovered Friend's House one day while I was craving dolsot bibimbap....and boy, was I glad this was one of the main places that popped up in my search. Their dolsot bibimbap (rice with beef and vegetables in a hot stone pot) was perfectly executed...fresh and flavorful. They did not by any means skimp on any of the ingredients, including the beef, and that's enough to win my heart! It's no-nonsense sizzling deliciousness in a hot pot.

Dolsot bibimbap (lunch $6.99, dinner $8.99)

Of course, what Korean restaurant would be complete without its banchan (side dishes)? Standard fare here, and of course...refillable!

Banchan (free with meal)

Another dish that left a positive mark for me was the gamja-tang (pork-bone stew with meat and potatoes). Although maybe an acquired taste for some, this stew was well-seasoned and quite hearty, and together with hot rice was perfect for a chilly autumn night. Generous portions of tender pork-bone meat, potatoes and rice cake left me more than satisfied. My friend also mentioned how her udong (udon noodle soup) was tasty and satisfying as well. 

Gamja-tang (lunch $8.99, dinner $9.99)

Udong (lunch $6.99, dinner $7.99)

It's notable to mention that they're open until midnight, 6 days a week...major props to late night eateries! Aside from the aforementioned highlights, Friend's House also serves other familiar Korean staples such as bulgogi, galbi, soondubu and pajeon....although as I've yet to try these, I can't comment on them yet. I suppose that calls for another visit soon! 

Friend's House Korean 

4647 Convoy Street, Suite 101A

San Diego, CA 92111

Map

858 292 0499

Mon-Sat 11:00AM-12:00AM

Closed Sun

friendshousekorean.menutoeat.com

Koon Thai Kitchen -- San Diego, CA

Koon Thai has been our go-to spot for Thai food in San Diego for over a year now. Located in what's pretty much the last "Asian" plaza on the Convoy strip before hitting the 805, near Nijiya Market and Spicy House, it's not hard to find and parking is plentiful. The interior is clean and modern, without sacrificing authentic flavors and selection of dishes.

We have so many favorite staples that, in all honesty, I don't even know where to begin! The dishes we always find ourselves craving from Koon Thai include the pla nuerng ma-now (steamed fish in spicy chili-lime-garlic sauce, available either with filet or my personal favorite of whole fish), hoi lai pad prik pao (sauteed clams in chili-garlic paste), and gaprow moo krob (spicy stir-fried crispy pork and basil). Paired with fragrant steamed jasmine rice, these items certainly won't disappoint.

Other dishes that have passed the taste test include the tod mun goong (shrimp cakes), yum mama (spicy instant noodle salad), khao pad gang kaew (green chili paste fried rice with fried fish), pad cha pla tod (fried fish filet with lemongrass, chillies and peppercorns) and the boat noodles.

Hor mok -- steamed curry fish

Tod mun goong ($6.95)

Khao pad gang kaew ($9.99)

Hoi lai pad prik pao ($10)

Left: gaprow moo krob ($9), right: pad cha pla tod ($15)

The food is all so flavorful, and gets pretty close to the tastes of Bangkok. When they say spicy, they mean it....just how I like it! One thing I've noticed, however, is that their "Isan" (Northeastern Thai) food is not quite as on par....whether it has been the num tok (grilled pork with chili powder, lime juice and rice powder), larb (ground chicken with chili powder, lime juice and rice powder), or the som tum (spicy papaya salad). I'd recommend sticking with the more mainstream Thai dishes, and maybe saving the Isan for elsewhere.

My only other complaint is their tendency to blast their music, which can sometimes become a burden on the ears. Overall, it's a minor annoyance that can be overlooked....Koon Thai's still a winner for me. 

Koon Thai Kitchen 

3860 Convoy Street, Suite 102

San Diego, CA 92111

Map

858 514 8111

Sun-Thurs 11:00AM-10:00PM

Fri-Sat 11:00AM-12:00AM

koonthaikitchen.com

Up2you Cafe -- San Diego, CA

Up2you is a relative newcomer to the San Diego dessert scene. Its somewhat random setting in a nondescript location off Convoy in Kearny Mesa might be a tad difficult to find, but this doesn't seem to deter the legions of college kids, young people and families who can always be seen here on any given evening of the week.

The venue is slightly on the smaller side, and thus during their busier times it may be hard to find a table, but believe me...it's worth it! The interior decor is quite unique and sets its apart from other dessert places and tea houses in the area.

The hands-down bestseller at Up2you seems to be their honey toast. It's slightly different from the other more-common boba shop brick toasts, but nonetheless it's mmm mmm good! Fresh out of the oven, the butter and honey flavors complement each other quite well. There's also an option where you can add fruit, a cream sauce and/or a scoop of ice cream at a small additional charge. My personal favorite is the pandan cream sauce and green tea ice cream combination.....deeeelicious!

Honey toast ($3.75) with pandan cream sauce ($0.50) and green tea ice cream ($1)

Other highlights include the Japanese crepe (with the same accompaniment options as the brick toast) and the snow ice (a variation of Taiwanese shaved ice which, although doesn't quite compare to the likes of Class 302 up in LA, still hits the spot nonetheless). 

Green tea batter Japanese crepe ($3) with chocolate ice cream ($1)

The drinks here are tasty as well, including the Up2you milk tea, green milk tea, and Thai milk tea, as well as an assortment of coffee drinks and smoothies. 

Left and right: green milk tea ($2.95), middle: Up2you milk tea ($2.95)

This place definitely gets crowded, especially on weekend nights. Parking in front of the cafe is limited, but there is abundant street parking nearby. It's a great place to come chill with some friends, play some card games, or even get your study on. Remember kids, "stressed" spelled backwards is "desserts". ;)

Ps. They have a great stamp card deal, so don't forget to pick one up at the counter!

Up2you Cafe 

7770 Vickers Street, Suite 101

San Diego, CA 92111

Map

619 663 6388

Tues-Thurs 12:30PM - 11:00PM

Fri-Sat 12:30PM - 1:00AM

Sun 12:30PM - 10:00PM

Closed Mon

up2youcafe.com

Opera Cafe & Patisserie -- San Diego, CA

Opera Cafe was introduced to me last year by a friend who recommended it in particular for their desserts. Located in a small plaza adjacent to other eateries right off the 805 Freeway in Mira Mesa, it's a quaint French cafe open only for breakfast and lunch, and seems to be especially popular with the lunchtime crowds that flood in from neighboring office buildings. 

Front view

The restaurant itself is not too big, and although they do get busy during the peak lunch hour, we haven't had too much trouble finding a seat so far. There's also an outdoor dining section as well, which is perfect in San Diego's balmy sunshine! It's quite a casual place....you order up front at the counter, receive your number, find a seat and within minutes your food is brought to your table (think Panera....but yummier!).

The savory items that have by far stood out the most for me were the Croque Madame sandwich (flavorful and complemented with a small greens salad), the seafood crepe (stuffed with generous amounts of salmon, baby shrimp, and scallops in a creamy white wine sauce), Quiche Lorraine (buttery crust ftw) and the truffle oil parmesan fries. I've been told that the Ratatouille crepe is tasty as well!

Croque Madame sandwich ($8.75)

Seafood crepe ($9.75)

Quiche Lorraine ($8.95)

In my opinion though, what really shines at Opera are the desserts! There's quite an appealing variety on display at the counter before you order, and the ones I've had all really do taste as good as they look. You can select them while ordering your main meal, and they'll hold it for you until you're ready. My favorites are the cappuccino praline and the opera cake, although I recently discovered the tiramisu. All I can say is...om nom nom! In addition, the mini sampler trays, although a bit on the pricey side, were good in that they allow you to sample various kinds of desserts. 

Clockwise from upper-left: cappuccino praline, raspberry mousse, tiramisu, chocolate bomb ($4.95 each)

Opera cake ($4.95)

Mini sampler trays ($7)

I still haven't been able to make it for their breakfast, which ends at 11:30AM on weekdays (all day on Saturday though). Nonetheless, a nice casual place to meet up and relax with friends. So far I haven't been disappointed! 

Opera Cafe & Patisserie 

9254 Scranton Avenue

San Diego, CA 92121

Map

858 458 9050

Mon-Fri   7:00AM - 2:30PM

Sat   8:00AM - 2:00PM

Closed Sun

operapatisserie.com