Mom Dumpling - Chinese, San Francisco - CLOSED, replaced with another dumpling shop

31 Cambon Dr, San Francisco CA 94132
(415) 333-1199
Parking: strip mall parking lot

Hours: Daily 11am-8:30pm

order.mealkeyway.com

Last Visited: June 5, 2022

Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 3 stars
Price: $$$

It's hard to imagine that a little dumpling shop in the Parkmerced strip mall could stand out this much. In the short three months that it has been under this new owner though, they have already started to gain attention despite being fairly discreet.  

The inside looks like it has been remodeled with modern decor mixed with old style art figures painted on the walls. The open kitchen gives you a view into the dumpling making and dough making that will keep you entertained.  

- Braised Beef Brisket Noodle - It looks like a small bowl, and it is, but it's packed with flavor.  This is easily split into two small bowls and each piece of beef brisket is super tender.  A few pieces of shanghai bok choy and green onions cut the mild spice of the broth.  The amount of meat is a good quantity (about 8 pieces) and you will probably be about 60-70% full if you just ate this dish.  It has a good amount of oil that keeps it very hot, but you don't walk away feeling it's too greasy.  Solid. $14.98

- Pork XLB (Xiaolong bao) (6) -  The photo is a bit blurry because of the amount of steam coming from this basket.  What I was most surprised by was how white the dumplings look coming out of the kitchen.  What was even more surprising is how they are on par with Ding Tai Fung.  The skin is thin and the top isn't too thick. Not a single one was broken and each was filled with a good amount of soup.  I would definitely get these again.  $10.98

- Pan Fried Pork Bao (6) - These were unique in shape, but also in texture.  Most times, pan fried bao are more bread-like in texture - bottoms are crispy and the bun is fluffy.  These on the other hand are crispy on the bottom and side, and more like a dumpling in its skin.  The filling is like a soup dumpling - an abundance of soup and meat like an XLB.  It's impressive how crispy the bottoms are which gives it a really good contrast.  It seems a bit pricey, but worth getting at least once. $12.98

- Steamed Cabbage and Pork Dumpling (8) - While most restaurants offer dumplings boiled, and maybe fried, Mom Dumplings actually steam them. The skin was very thin - much thinner than many other dumpling shops.  A couple were broken though, so the juices within had leaked out, but still very tasty; for the ones where the juices stayed in the wrapper, the flavor was great and additional dipping sauces aren't really needed.  $8.98

- House Special Chow Mein - Really good wok hay on these chow mein is what makes this a great dish.  Small shrimp, large slices of chicken breast that have been tenderized, and diced barbecue pork are stir-fried with a variety of vegetables including green onions, carrots, cabbage, chopped snow peas. After finishing the noodles, it is noticeable that there is some oil leftover, but that kept the noodles hot during our entire meal.  $14.98

- Chicken Fried Rice - Since I got this as a takeout item, it's a little flat in the photo, but it had good wok hay and taste.  Of the dishes, this was my least favorite, but certainly passable as everything is diced small and flavor is fine.  $12.98

To sum up, I would say Mom Dumpling offers XLB and dumplings and noodles that are on par with Ding Tai Fung quality and prices, but not equal in service or decor.  In some cases, the value is not as good as DTF, but at the same time, you won't have to wait as long either.  Mom Dumpling is worth giving a try for high quality dumplings.  Another tip is that if you order online, you'll get 10% off your first order. 

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!

Dumpling Alley - Chinese, San Francisco

2512 Clement St, San Francisco CA 94121
(415) 753-9617
Parking: street parking
Hours: Lunch Thurs-Sun 11:30am - 2:30pm, Dinner Tues - Sun 5pm-9:30pm, Closed Mondays

Last Visited: February 8, 2020

Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 3 stars
Price: $$

Dumpling Alley was just featured on Eater SF's 22 essential Chinese restaurants article late last month as #6 on the list with xiao long bao and the shrimp stuffed donut as must-order items.  However, less than two weeks since the article went out, these have already come off the menu.  I wasn't the only one asking for XLB, and learned that these two items, plus the fried shrimp balls are no longer available because of the time and/or labor it takes to make them.  Despite warning about the long wait for XLB, which most customers agreed to, the backup on orders often grew through the evening, and even when they were available at the time promised,  people still became grumpy because of the wait.  With that, they decided to remove these off the menu.  The new menu, available in a few weeks, promises to have more specialties, including a selection of fresh vegetables.

We arrived at 5pm right when they opened and were the first table seated.  The two guys running the front of the house were friendly; we were immediately greeted and given the choice of any seat in the house.  After ordering, we had a chance to ask about the XLB situation and whether they would be on the new menu, as well as what the scoop was with the rest of the items that were no longer available.

The first dish arrived after a 15-20 minute wait.  The last dish after more than half an hour, although we ordered everything at the same time.  Make sure to give yourself plenty of time because it's not one of those places where the food comes out right away.   In the mean time, you can watch the dumpling maker in the window preparing dough and wrapping each dumpling.  She was really friendly and even brought out different colored dough for the kid that showed up at the table next to us later in the evening.  What a great way to keep kids entertained.  I haven't seen any other Chinese restaurants take the time to do this. 

- Shrimp and Chive Dumplings (10 pieces) - It was worth the wait as the dumplings were super fresh tasting with a thin wrapper.  The filling had fresh chives and each one had a sizable piece of shrimp inside.  There aren't any condiments on the table, so what you see in the photo is the dipping sauce that you get.  Four stars. $9

- Alley Stir-Fried Thick Egg Noodles - Thick noodles are cooked with red and green bell pepper strips, chicken strips (breast meat), onions, and cabbage.  The flavor is very mild and though it had good 'wok air' (super hot and steaming), it wasn't particularly special.  Good portion.  Three stars.  $11 

- Pan-Fried Pork Buns (6 buns) - These were done very well - tender bun, juicy filling, and a slight crunch on the golden sesame encrusted bottom (no soggy bottoms here).  Five stars - this is the must try item on my list. 8.50

- Organic Garlic Bok Choy - Nicely salted, this dish of sauteed vegetables is a bit pricey (about 10-12 heads), but tasty.  I give it four stars since it still had that crunch, but was thoroughly cooked.  $12

It's unfortunate that the XLB isn't available anymore - the dough for the wrappers and buns were really good, so I imagine the XLB wrapper would have been good too. 

It would also be better if they would put some vinegar, soy sauce, and chili sauce on the table so you can make your own dipping sauce because you feel limited to what they give you now.  The other area for improvement is serving time and waiting time for the receipt.  The kitchen seems to be making everything to order without enough chefs so food takes a good amount of time to come out and dishes arrive sporadically. 

We were getting close to being done with the three other dishes when the vegetables finally came. 

All in all, good food; we'll see what the new menu will bring.  Try it if you can find parking or happen to be in the area.   

Dumpling Era - Chinese, San Bruno

354 El Camino Real, San Bruno CA 94066
(650) 737-9899
Parking: street parking

Last Visited: January 13, 2019

Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 2 to 3 stars
Price: $$ to $$$

I first noticed Dumpling Era as I was driving by the restaurant on El Camino Real.  Since my visit in 2018, they have already updated their menu (initially a laminated menu with a pen to fill in the quantities you desired and now with more options, but no more fill in the blank).  This also means prices have gone up at least for some of the dishes.

The decor is pretty simple, but you'll find in the back that there is a glass enclosed area where you can watch the chefs make dumplings, noodles, pancakes, and more.  While both of my visits were at the very start of the lunch hour, they didn't seem quite ready for us as they were still setting up or cleaning the floor.  The good thing is that you know that they clean. 

A high top table in the center divides the room of regular height tables.  The dark tables and bright lights, and posters make the place a bit lacking in warmth, but you soon forget this when the food arrives.

During my first visit, I tried mostly noodles and dumplings. 

- Beef Noodle Soup -  This is the most instagrammable noodle dish because when you lift out the noodle, it's supposed to be one single handmade wide noodle that fills the bowl.  However, when I ordered it, it was actually two noodles because it was too short.  A bit disappointing for that reason and not much meat except for those few cubes you see in the photo.  A good amount of bok choy and scallions, but where's the beef.  At least the broth was good, but more meat is needed.  $8.90

- Beijing Style Bean Paste Noodles with Pork -  While the strips of vegetables (cucumber, carrots, and bean sprouts) were fresh and cut the same size, and the sauce was good, we were surprised that handmade noodles weren't used here - it was packaged knife cut noodles that you can find from the Asian grocery store.  This would have gotten a better review if it had been hand cut instead of the packaged stuff.  $7.90

- Scallion Pancake - Great presentation and very tasty - Lovely crisp texture on the outside and lots of layers on the inside.  I saw them make this during my second visit and watched how they take a giant roll of pancake to make these little ones.  Get this. Four stars. $6.50

- Shanghai Soup Dumplings - I like how the tops of the dumplings weren't tough because there wasn't a ton of dough at the top which you often find is the problem.  Juicy inside - good amount of soup.  Four stars. - $7.90


- Szechuan Wonton  - These were really good - tender wrapper, flavorful wontons.  Just the right amount of filling.  Four stars.  $6

- Seafood Dumpling with Cuttlefish Ink - These were great tasting and it looks like they actually give you more dumplings now than when I ordered them because the new menu shows 10 pieces (versus only 5 before which made it seem very expensive).  Four stars for taste, especially if you get more now - my photo shows it coming with a salad, but I've seen them come without a salad or sauces now.  $12

- Sweet Egg Puff - Comes with two sauces - nutella and jam/berry.  The egg puffs were disappointing, especially since I wanted to like them so much.  When they arrive with their sugar dusting, they look so appetizing, but after a bite, you notice they're not light and fluffy, but more chewy than a crunchy outside. Their competition does a better job with these. Skip it. $8

From my first visit, I found the service to be ok - a bit slow to take our order, but they were friendly.  They don't really check on you though, so if you like to be left alone, you'll like this.

For my second visit, I repeated ordering a few of the dumplings, but tried some new items.

- Pork & Shrimp Dumpling with Green Chives - Ten dumplings with super tender wrappers and fresh filling.  Can't go wrong.  Four stars.  $7.50

- Beef roll pancake: This beef roll pancake is actually pretty juicy.  While there are only four pieces after it's been cut, I like how the thin cut of beef is not dry inside the lightly pan fried pancake roll - probably because of the cucumber ;  they also drizzle a little sweet sauce on top when it's served. Of all of the recent places I've been to that serve beef roll pancake, I like the flavor here the best, even if the serving is small.  Good.   $ 8.50

- Vegetarian Chow Mein - There aren't too many vegetables in this vegetarian chow mein, but the flavors are good.  Besides the bean sprouts, carrots, and scallions, there are a few strips of black fungus and braised fried tofu.  Sesame tops the dish.  Good, but it would good if it came with more vegetables, but I guess they described it as vegetarian, so just know what you're in for.  $8.90

- Yangzhou Fried Rice - The yangzhou fried rice comes with  mushrooms, egg, pork, shrimp, scallions, and some frozen vegetables - lima beans, peas, carrots, and green beans.  Since they plate it in a bowl and overturn the bowl onto a plate, the rice actually stays warmer than when it's just served directly onto the plate.  The rice was done very well and I would definitely get this dish again.  Kids also seem to really like the mushrooms. $11

Dumpling Era is a solid place for dumplings, and their noodles and rice are generally good too.   Definitely try the scallion pancake.  This place is also very kid-friendly - there were lots of kids during my recent visits and if they are making stuff in the glass enclosed area, it's a great way to keep the kids entertained.

Chili House - Chinese, San Francisco

726 Clement St, San Francisco CA 94118
(415) 387-2658
Parking: street parking
http://www.chilihousesf.com

Last Visited: September 2, 2018

Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 2 to 3 stars
Price: $$ to $$$$

Chili House in San Francisco is owned by the same person as that owning Z&Y in Chinatown.   I first heard about it from the advertisements on the local Chinese news station.   While one may think that everything is spicy based on the restaurant's name, some of their best known dishes are quite mild in flavor.

The restaurant is rarely as empty these days as what you see in this photo.  Over the last year, its become more popular with locals and tourists and you'll find long lines.  If you want to order a duck, I strongly suggest making a reservation for the duck ahead of time.

Prices shown below are from my May 2017 visit and have jumped up quite a bit since then.

- Beef Roll Pancakes - One of the most popular dishes of this type of cuisine is a pancake that has been rolled with cucumber and thin beef slices.  Personally, I always find this dish to be more dry than I prefer no matter where I eat it.  This dish is okay.  $7.95

- Dumplings with Pork & Shrimp - See below. $8.95
- Dumpling with Chives and Flounder - From the outside, the dumplings look a lot alike.  I prefer the chives and flounder one more than the pork & shrimp because of how tender the flounder is - while fish dumplings are getting more popular, this was one of the first places I tried it.  The dumpling skin is just the right texture - not too thick, not too soft.  The fish inside is fresh with the chives, it's quite flavorful.  I highly recommend this one.  $8.95

- Hot and Sour Tofu Soup - Classic hot and sour soup with the typical ingredients - egg drop, green onions, wood ear fungus, tofu, bamboo shoots, and more.  Good consistency and flavor.  No extremes.  I appreciated that you can get this in multiple sizes. $6.95 small

- House Special Chow Mein - Another standard as far as noodle dishes go.  Good wok air (hot temperature) and a variety of meat - chicken, beef, and a little bit of seafood. Noodles have a good bite to them.  Nothing particularly impressive, but no issues either.  Good. $9.95

- Cumin Lamb - The cumin offsets any game flavor that you might dislike from the lamb and with the sweet onions and the spicy chili sauce, the thinly sliced lamb takes on these flavors very well.  Good. $13.95

- Beijing Dalu Noodle - If you're not familiar with the effects of Szechuan peppercorns, let me warn you now.  It can be completely numbing to some folks as it was with me. While I've had many versions of this noodle soup, because of the peppercorn oil, I ate this dish and couldn't feel my lips for most of the evening, not to mention the heat.  It's very deceiving with the fresh cucumber strips on top and the noodles in a thick, almost soup-like sauce of minced meats and egg below, but watch out.  This dish is not for everyone. $7.95

- Peking Duck - What Chili House is known for is the Peking Duck carved table-side (great for Instagram or other social media posts).  You can see the duck steaming as it's cut hot.  While presentation is lovely, and the server will help you make your first couple of duck-stuffed pancakes (see photo of accompanying condiments - hoisin sauce, green onion strips, and cucumber strips), the flavor of the duck is just ok.  I've had more flavorful ducks at other places.  They will also give you the option of using the carcass to make soup or to make salt and pepper duck.  We opted for the soup and while there isn't a ton of meat left over, it makes for a flavorful broth. $39.95



- Sweet and Sour Fish special - A rather large tilapia is cut so that the body looks like spikes, and deep-fried.  The entire fish is served whole and gently covered in a gooey sweet and sour sauce.  The presentation is impressive and each bite has a great blend of crispy, sweet, and tender juicy fish.  I would definitely recommend trying out this dish for its unique presentation (I haven't seen any other local restaurant that serves it this way) and great flavor.  $39.95

While it's hardly a year later, the prices of all of these dishes, except the fish special, are now higher.  Portion sizes are about the same, and if you're a tourist or in a large party, the service is quite different.  They will offer to pick out the entire menu for you - I watched this happen during one of my meals, so if you're on a budget, be sure to tell them that if you let them design a menu for you.  I saw a few tourists shocked by the outcome when they gave them leeway.

Also, during my first few visits, I was with one other person and the service was pretty dreadful.  During my most recent visit, we went with a larger party and service was very good.  Perhaps it has something to do with what we ordered (we got slightly better service when the two of us ordered a duck).

Try Chili House for the fun presentation of duck cut table-side,  flounder dumplings, fried fish, or to numb your mouth with some peppercorn/chili oil.

Yuanbao Jiaozi - Chinese dumplings, San Francisco

2110 Irving St, San Francisco CA 94122
(415) 702-6506
Parking: street parking

Last Visited: June 10, 2018

Food: 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 2 to 3 stars
Price: $ to $$

Yuanbao Jiaozi is pretty unassuming from the outside.  Before the line starts to form outside, you might easily walk past it without a second thought.  The restaurant has been open for a few months, and focuses primarily on dumplings, one noodle dish, and a few side dishes.  While it's not very friendly for those whom require gluten-free diets, they do offer a few veggie side dishes.

Inside, the decorations are minimal.  One wall has a mural and the other is shown in the photo.  You'll be able to see the three ladies hand making dumplings and working the dough.   Overall, the food was very good, but service could use some improvements. 

- Marinated beef - The beef texture is right and the light brushing of chili oil paired nicely with the meat.  The meat is flavorful without being overpowering.  14 slices.  Good. $6.99

- House Special Beef Noodles (Spicy/Non-Spicy) - I ordered the non-spicy noodle soup this evening.  The noodles were excellent - al dente and cooked just right.  The noodles soaked up the broth without becoming soggy even as I got to the end of the bowl.  Marinated beef slices, beef stew cubes, and baby bok choy are served over the noodles in a flavorful broth that is just touch sweet.  It's a filling and delightful bowl.  Must try. $10.99

All dumpling dishes (14 dumplings) are available as Dumpling Soup (12 dumplings).

- Shiitake Mushroom & Fish Dumpling - 14 dumplings are served plain with dipping sauces (soy sauce, vinegar, chili sauce) available on the table. The fish takes on the mushroom flavor more than anything else, so if you like mushroom, the delicate texture of the fish takes on this flavor well.  The skins are made on site, so they're thin and tender without falling apart.  Very good. $8.99

- Pork & Three Delicacies Dumpling - The photo would have looked the same as that for the mushroom and fish dumpling.  Inside the pork dumpling mix, there is also shrimp, green chives, and a little bamboo shoot. The chives stand out in this dumpling and the texture is more dense than the fish dumpling.  Very good.  With this dish, we were told that one dumpling unraveled during cooking, so they owed us one and to enjoy the others for now.  About ten minutes later, a whole plate came, so there was clearly some miscommunication occurred.  Another ten minutes later, when we were nearly done eating, the final one arrived with an apology. $8.99

- Tea - Each cup comes with a tea bag.  It appears that aside from tea, there aren't other drink options.   ~$1/cup

While the food is quite good, there is a lot of room for improving service.  The two ladies serving are friendly and polite, but some changes are simple - bring a serving spoon when you're serving up the dumplings as almost everyone is sharing the plate.  When you bring the cold water pitcher, bring a hot water pitcher to refill tea cups too.  Improve communication behind the scenes so that the dumpling incident above gets resolved seamlessly.  If you say you're bringing bowls for the noodle soup, then do it.  When you bring the check, use a glass or some kind of holder; include the prices for each item (that's part of the reason I don't know how much tea cost because it's not listed on the menu or on the check), and bring a copy of the credit card receipt for the customer.  Don't make customers wait for the check - 20 minutes of waiting is pretty slow.   Get these kinks worked out and tables will turn faster and patrons will be happier.  The food will keep people coming back for sure. 

Dumpling Time - Chinese, San Francisco

11 Division Street, San Francisco CA 94103
(415) 525-4797
Parking: small parking lot and street parking
Hours: Lunch daily 11am-3pm, Dinner Mon-Thurs 5:30pm-10pm, Fri-Sat - 5pm-11pm or sold out
https://www.dumplingtimesf.com

Last Visited: June 22, 2017

Food: 3 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 3 stars
Price: $$ to $$$

Dumpling Time calls itself "a dumpling-and-beer house from the acclaimed restaurant team behind SF's Okane, Live sushi bar and Michelin-starred Omakase." They focus on locally sourced ingredients, unique fillings and shareable plates. Fellow foodie friend Winnie suggested we give it a try.

Large glass windows and a patio are the first thing you notice about Dumpling Time.  Even though it was a week night and we arrived before 6pm, the place was already packed and a line had formed outside despite there being over 70 seats.  An open kitchen allows those waiting to be seated a view of dumplings being made and colorful dough (green, purple, turquoise, orange, and yellow) was out on display. The back wall is used as a projection screen and the game was showing.  A couple bright neon signs have words in both English (dumpling time) and Chinese characters which say dumpling.

The menu is small compared to that of most Chinese or Japanese restaurants, but includes dumplings, baos (buns) available both steamed or pan seared, salads such as garlic seaweed salad, gyoza (pan crisped dumplings), noodles, and dessert (sweet buns).

We sat at a communal table and put in our order.

- Shrimp Toast - This is not served on toast as what you would traditionally see.  Instead, it's shrimp stuffed in fried dough (Chinese style fried dough like those served with congee).  I found the presentation to be nice - each piece had a parsley leaf on top of it.  However, the overall mouth feel was a bit greasy.  The shrimp was nicely browned and the center pieces were a little crispier than those on the ends which seemed more laden with oil.  It seemed novel, but I wouldn't get it again.    $8

- Xian Dumpling - The presentation of the dumplings was definitely modern and different than what you find at most places.   Pork, cabbage, and green onion fill the dumplings.  A small square shaped dish holds dipping sauce, but it was so small that it made dipping quite awkward.  Fennel slices, microgreens, tomato halves, and slices of spicy red peppers top the dumplings.  Since the peppers had seeds in them, and there was no warning that these might be spicy, I made the error of putting one in my mouth and preventing my tastebuds from fully enjoying the dumplings.  Okay. $9

- Beijing Noodles - A large bowl is filled just under halfway with noodles, ground pork, green onion, ginger, and soybean paste.  I also think there was lemongrass in the dish.  The sauce leans more on the dry side.  While the flavors are strong and the noodles have good texture, there isn't much in the bowl and this serving may not be sufficient to fill one person.  It's more like an appetizer size.  Okay.  $9


- Trio of Buns - Green tea and milk bun, beet and taro bun, egg yolk bun.  The novelty of this dish is the colorful dough and the variety.  The green tea flavor was mild and the milk custard filling was equally light.  The beet bun is very pretty and the taro filling inside was the most prominent in flavor compared to the others.  The egg yolk bun was just ok - nothing special.  $5.50

Noise levels are very high no matter where you sit in the restaurant. We were almost yelling or asking one another to repeat much of our conversation because of the noise levels.

Service was okay, but the servers were not particularly knowledgeable.  When we asked what was inside the buns, we were told by the server that it was her first day, so we had to ask someone else. This indicated the lack of training since if you're bringing the dish, you should know what's in it.  If you're looking for tapas style dumplings and noodles and a different spin on presentation, you'll enjoy Dumpling time.  If you're looking for a lot of food for good prices, you may want to stick to more traditional dumpling shops.

Note also that they charge the SF Mandate tax of 4%.

Shanghai Bistro - Chinese, Millbrae

1055 El Camino Real, Millbrae CA 94030
(650) 692-8858
Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-3pm, 5pm-11pm, Sat-Sun 10:30am - 11pm
http://www.shanghaibistrousa.com
Parking: in shopping center parking lot

Last Visited: September 16, 2012

Food: 3 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 1 to 2 stars
Price: $$ to $$$

I've been driving by this place for a while and decided to finally check it out.  When we went it, it was packed with just one table free which we ended up taking.  They set up the table as we were sitting and after giving us menus, it took them about ten minutes to come back and check on us. 

After ordering, it had to be another ten to fifteen minutes before the first dish arrived.  Like many other Asian places, items that are typically thought of as appetizers don't necessarily come first. 

- Beef Tendons Noodle Soup - Large chunks of beef with tendons are served with a few spinach leaves and noodles in a five-spice flavored broth.  The beef was good and the noodles were al dente.  I would have liked a few more spinach leaves to balance soak up the flavor. Good - on par with what I would expect elsewhere. $7.50

- Pork Potstickers (6) - The potstickers are filled with pork filling and fried until golden brown on the bottom.  I thought the wrapper texture had a little more chewiness than usual probably due to rice flour.  Other than that, it was fine.  $5.50

- Steamed Dumpling (8) - These steamed dumplings had seemingly the same filling as the potstickers.  With a decent amount of soup inside and a dumpling wrapper that wasn't too thick, these were also good.  $6.50

While the food as a whole was fine, the experience was not an enjoyable one due to the service.  The servers are so busy trying to get tables in and out that they forget that we're not cattle.  When our bill was almost ready to come, they pointed to the people waiting that they could have our table.  The staff started to clean up the table and even took the tea away before the bill arrived.  To add insult to injury, before I had even finished paying our check, while my dining companion had stepped away, one of the patrons waiting for a table headed to my table and sat down.  The staff should have stopped this from happening.  Saving two to three minutes isn't worth it when you rush people out and leave them stunned by the lack of service - we're not in a communal table setting so this was completely inappropriate.  Lastly, they told me the credit card machine ran out of tape, so they couldn't produce a copy for me - huh?  I've seen people put in a new tape and make a copy - this was just a sad customer service experience and the food just isn't superb enough to draw me back again.