San Tung Restaurant Review, San Francisco

San Tung 1031 Irving St San Francisco, CA 94122 (415) 242-0828

San Tung is a popular Chinese restaurant in the inner Sunset of San Francisco. They serve northern Chinese food that has some Korean influence as the San Tung region of China is near Korea, hence the free Kim Chee. We have eaten here many, many times, back to when it was located west of here.

Decor, Vibe - Pretty generic Chinese restaurant decor, not much in the way of decorations. This is a busy restaurant with lots of people waiting to get in.  Try not to face the door, you will feel pressure to eat fast. Lots of families, small groups, friends getting together for the delicious fare.

Menu Pictures

Free Kim chee

Picks:

Shrimp and Leek Dumplings ($7.25) are 12 dumplings filled with a savory and tender mixture of ginger and garlic infused ground shrimp and Chinese chives.  These should be eaten quickly when they are piping hot. Dip in soy sauce or vinegar if desired.

Pork Dumplings ($6.25) are 12 dumplings filled with a tasteful and tender blend of ground pork and Napa cabbage seasoned with ginger and garlic.  Some prefer the shrimp ones over these, but both are very good.

Dry Fried Chicken Wings ($9) are deep friend in batter with garlic, ginger, and red peppers.  One of their signature dishes that everyone orders.  Sauce is a little sweet and zesty. These come hot out of the kitchen.

Sweet and Sour Pork ($8.50) is a pretty pedestrian dish we would normally not order, but they do it super well. Tender chunks of lean pork battered and deep fried tossed with bell peppers, onions, carrots and pineapple.  Could use more pineapple and less onions. Balanced sauce.

OK:

Dried sauteed String Beans ($7.50) flash fried and tossed in garlicy sauce with Chinese pickle were pretty standard fare.  Crunchy, not overly seasoned, fresh beans, a decent dish but not special.

Pans:

None

Service is slightly better than the average Chinese restaurant.  You still have to hunt down waiters to order, get refills, get the check etc.  One wonders why they do not move to a bigger location. Come early and get in line. The waiting usually starts as early as 5pm.

Update: Revisit in May 2009 shows that all is still the same. Lines are long as ever.

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