The culinary offerings at Yank Sing are delectable, earning a Bib Gourmand designation from the Michelin Guide—and the restaurant has the added benefit of being run by a third generation of the family. It began in 1958 on Powell Street and today has two locations: Spear Street and Stevenson Street (the latter has a heated outdoor patio). While the Spear Street interior at Rincon Center—a retail and dining complex inside a historic post office with an impressive atrium—isn’t especially elegant, just look down at the table and the profusion of expertly prepared dishes: chicken mushroom dumplings, turnip cake, crab claw, all served on simple white plateware. There are 100 rotating dishes on offer.
George and Alice Chan founded the restaurant after fleeing China during the Communist Revolution, and it has passed through several hands and locations over the decades, today run by Vera Chan Waller and Nathan Waller. A painted portrait of Alice Chan graces the pale yellow walls and a few orchids add a pop of color. Aware of being part of the fabric of San Francisco’s history, the restaurant’s website mentions the fun fact that the one-time Battery Street location operated for 20 years over the remains of an 1840 Gold Rush ship without knowing it; the General Harrison was rediscovered in 2001.
Michelin says, “Yank Sing is arguably the place in town for dim sum. The upscale setting boasts reasonable prices, and while peak hours entail a wait, one can be assured of quality and abundant variety from these carts rolling out of the kitchen. The signature Peking duck with its crispy lacquered skin and fluffy buns makes for a memorable treat, not unlike the deliciously sweet and salty char siu bao.”
The vibe: No-nonsense, delicious dim sum in the Financial District.
The food: Family-made dishes, delivered by cart service
The drink: Cutwater canned cocktails plus a small variety of all other beverages, including four separate teas.
Time Out tip: Vegetarians say this spot is one of the best for a variety of non-meat dumplings. Takeout and delivery are only available from Spear Street.