Vision Dumpling New Golden Wok - Chinese, South San Francisco

136 Hazelwood Dr, South San Francisco CA 94080
(650) 588 6858
Parking: street parking and public lot nearby
Hours: Daily 11am-9pm

Edited: January 7, 2022

Last Visited: July 2021

Food: 2 to 3 stars (dumplings range between 3-4 stars)

While I had hoped this would become a regular place for me, alas, at best, it's a place to grab some frozen dumplings to take home.  My last visit was in July 2021 to finish off the last of my groupons for this place.  This was after an eggplant with pork order for takeout which was given to me as a vegetarian dish (but they apologized when I called to inform them of the error), multiple visits with long lines and wait times despite calling ahead and arriving within their specified time, and mediocre dishes.  Their dumplings are fine, but hot food is just okay.

Last Visited: May 22, 2021

Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: Takeout only during shelter in place
Service: 3 stars
Price: $ to $$

While walking in the neighborhood, I noticed that this place had changed names to Vision Dumpling New Golden Wok earlier this year and learned that they had changed owners and kept the original New Golden Wok signage.  While the interior looks much the same as before, dumplings, baos, and additional noodle dishes have appeared on the menu.  This is particularly unique because few places combine traditional Cantonese cuisine with dumplings.  After talking to the owners, we learned that they bought the restaurant back in March 2021.

I called in an order and was told to come for pick up in 20 minutes, and everything was ready upon my arrival.  The staff was friendly and greeted us as we came in.

- Pork Dumpling with Napa cabbage - Given that dumplings are part of their name, of course I had to order some. A dozen dumplings come with individual serving size packets of soy sauce/vinegar mix and hot chili oil.  The dumpling filling was well flavored (perhaps even slightly salty, but my family likes it to lean this way) and the wrappers were smooth and not too thick. Great.  $7.95

- Dry Braised Beef Chow Fun - A classic Cantonese dish and a good way to check how well the chef can cook, the beef chow fun was perfectly acceptable.  It's hard to tell if they developed the 'wok hay' in it since I didn't try it right away, but even after a 15 minute walk to the car and drive, the dish remained very hot.  The chow fun was not clumping or sticky.  The beef seemed to be of good quality.  The price is extremely reasonable considering how many places sell chow fun for quite a few dollars more. $8.95

- Salt & Pepper Pork Chop - Another classic Cantonese dish, this one is a good test of flavor and whether their oil is fresh.  The quantity of pork chops at this price is great value. The flavoring was just right and the pork was fried just right.  The meat sat on a bed of the onions and peppers it was fried with. $8.95

I think I may have found my new neighborhood Chinese food joint.  I'm hesitating to give it a higher rating at the moment until I get a chance to come back and see how consistent they are, but the fact that they offer both styles of Chinese cooking will satisfy the tastebuds of this family for sure and gives us options without having to go to multiple places.

For now, there's a groupon offer that's available.  I immediately bought two more after this meal because I know I'm coming back to try more of their dishes!

Welcome to the neighborhood, Vision Dumpling New Golden Wok!