There’s so much great food in San Francisco, it’s borderline overwhelming. There’s a lot to choose from because the scene’s so diverse, but if you find yourself craving Asian eats in the San Francisco, here are 5 must-try restaurants you need to experience. So, without further ado, let’s kick today’s post off with Rooster & Rice.
1. Rooster & Rice
Who knew something so simple could be so delicious? Located on 2211 Filbert Street and 303 2nd Street, Rooster & Rice specializes in Khao Mun Gai (aka Chicken and Rice). I know chicken and rice sounds quite basic, but this is Thai street food you don’t want to miss out on. They have a total of four menu items (variations for people with dietary restrictions), but I recommend getting the original if possible.
It comes with seasoned rice, broiled chicken that’s cooked to perfection, an egg, their special sauce, a side of cucumbers, and a small bowl of chicken broth soup. The cucumbers add a nice crunch, while the soup complements the rice bowl beautifully, especially during the wintertime. Make sure you get a side of their signature fried chicken skin and some habanero sauce to add spice. It tastes amazing when mixed with the accompanying brown sauce shown above.
Rooster & Rice, 2211 Filbert St, San Francisco, CA, Website
2. Perilla
Although they offer all kinds of Vietnamese food, they’re known for their garlic noodles. Prices are super affordable (from $7.50-$12.50), which is a bonus when looking for Asian eats in San Francisco! Their portions are huge so definitely count on having leftovers the next day. Each and every bite is jam-packed with flavor, and you can get it with the protein of your choice: five spice chicken, curry chicken, beef, prawns, pork, pork chops, or seasoned vegetables.
You can’t go wrong with any of the aforementioned options, but I highly recommend the five spice chicken. It has a subtle sweetness to it, which I love, and it’s as moist as can be. It comes with a side of fish sauce, which is nice for dipping but also unnecessary because everything’s delicious as is.
Perilla, 836 Irving St, San Francisco, CA, Website
3. Aria
If you’re craving Korean fried chicken, Aria is everything you’ve ever dreamed of and then some. Located at 932 Larkin Street, they do K-street food so unbelievably well. It’s a small mom and pop shop that’s been Korean owned since the 1970s. They started off as a fish and chips joint, but they pivoted in 2012, and the rest is history.
The restaurant’s not very spacious so your best bet is to take out unless you come during an off hour. The decor’s alternative and trendy with skateboards and stickers lining the walls. Go with friends and get a bunch of different things to share. Their combo platter’s definitely the way the go – just make sure you get an order of their sweet and spicy original Korean fried chicken. They use the freshest ingredients and only use the organic dark meat for maximum flavor.
Aria, 932 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA, Website
4. Chili House SF
Located on 726 Clement Street in the Richmond District, Chili House has some of the best Chinese food in the Bay Area. Their food definitely lives up to their name though so I hope you like spicy. They have a giant menu with a ton of drool-worthy options but must-tries include their Peking duck, their soup dumplings, and their Kung Pao Tofu.
If you’re interested in getting a duck for your table, you need to call in advance because they have a limit of 20 per day. FYI, their sister restaurants, Z & Y Restaurant and Z & Y Bistro are located in Chinatown and have similar menus so you could go to either of those if that’s more convenient for you!
Chili House SF, 26 Clement St, San Francisco, CA, Website
5. Kagawa-Ya Udon
If you’re in the mood for udon, Kagawa-Ya is an absolute must-try. Located on 1455 Market Street, it’s a quick but super tasty meal option. They offer traditional bowls here (like the Kitsune Udon), but they’re best known for pushing boundaries with their experimental combinations – think Creamy Kabocha with Chicken Udon or their Spicy Sweet Bean “Zhajiang” Udon. If looking for Asian eats in San Francisco, specifically udon, this is my top pick.
The owners imported an udon making machine straight from Japan, and they make fresh noodles in-house daily (a 2-day aging process) so you know you’re getting quality. They have a cafeteria style line where you customize your bowl however you please so feel free to go wild with tempura and other yummy toppings.
Kagawa-Ya, 1455 Market St #3A, San Francisco, CA, Website
Asian Eats in San Francisco: The Verdict
Alright friends, I hope you enjoyed reading all about the best Asian eats in San Francisco! If you decide to check any of these places out, remember to leave a comment below with your thoughts. A huge thanks to Jessica for letting me guest post today! If you want to see more from me, follow Sensible Stylista (my lifestyle blog) or Nomtastic Foods (my food blog) for new content on the regular.
