Hang Ah Tea Room, Bay Area Travel Guide

Name: Hang Ah Tea Room
Address: 1 Pagoda Pl, San Francisco, 94108, US
Telephone: +1415-982-5686
Price range: 2
Rating: 4

4 (498)

America's oldest dim sum house in San Francisco's Chinatown alley, serving steaming Cantonese classics amid vintage charm since 1920.

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Hang Ah Tea Room

Nestled in a hidden alley of San Francisco's Chinatown, Hang Ah Tea Room is America's oldest dim sum restaurant, established in 1920. This historic spot serves authentic Cantonese dim sum like shrimp dumplings, BBQ pork buns, and pork meatballs alongside soups, clay pot dishes, and fried rice. With its vintage ambiance, red vinyl chairs, and kitschy decor, it offers a nostalgic dining experience in a cozy, multi-level setting. Open daily from 10:30 AM, it draws locals and visitors for flavorful bites and house-made chili sauce.

A brief summary to Hang Ah Tea Room

1 Pagoda Pl, San Francisco, Chinatown, California, 94108, US
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Duration: 0.75 to 2 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Monday 10:30 am-8 pm
Tuesday 10:30 am-8 pm
Wednesday 10:30 am-8 pm
Thursday 10:30 am-9:30 pm
Friday 10:30 am-10 pm
Saturday 10:30 am-10 pm
Sunday 10:30 am-8 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Hang Ah Tea Room.

Seek out Pagoda Place alley off Sacramento Street—it's hidden but worth the hunt for an authentic Chinatown experience.
Order dim sum combos for variety; plates arrive hot and fresh throughout the meal.
Try the house-made chili sauce—spicy, garlicky perfection available to buy.
Visit early to avoid weekend crowds in this historic spot.

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Explore Hang Ah Tea Room on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

5-10 min walk from cable car stops at Powell & Jackson; $0, easy alley access.
Public Transit

BART to Montgomery, then Muni bus 1/8/45 to Chinatown; 20-30 min, $2.50-$8.
Rideshare

Uber/Lyft from downtown; 10-15 min, $10-15, drop-off at Pagoda Pl alley.

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Discover more about Hang Ah Tea Room

History and Legacy

Hang Ah Tea Room, founded in 1920, holds the distinction of being the first dim sum restaurant in the United States. Tucked away on Pagoda Place in San Francisco's vibrant Chinatown, it has served generations with traditional Cantonese fare. The multi-story building reflects over a century of continuous operation, blending immigrant heritage with enduring culinary traditions amid the bustling alleyway atmosphere.

Signature Dim Sum Offerings

Dim sum reigns supreme here, with steamed delights arriving hot from the kitchen. Standouts include shrimp dumplings ($9 for 4 pieces), Hang Ah purse dumplings ($8 for 3), pork meatballs ($8 for 4), and BBQ pork buns ($9 for 2). Other favorites encompass pot stickers, soup dumplings, scallion pancakes, chicken feet in black bean sauce, and sticky rice with pork and chicken. Combo platters like A or B ($22 each) provide variety with items such as foil-wrapped chicken, egg rolls, and fried shrimp balls, perfect for sharing.

Main Dishes and Beyond

Beyond dim sum, the menu expands to soups like wonton ($14.95), hot and sour ($14.95), and sizzling rice ($14.95/$25.95). Clay pot specialties feature beef stew ($22.95), seafood with tofu ($22.95), and beef ginger with green onion ($19.95). Vegetable dishes highlight deluxe vegetables ($15.95), snow peas with water chestnuts ($15.95), and sauteed string beans ($16.95). Fried rice options include BBQ pork ($15.95), chicken ($15.95), and pineapple chicken ($16.95), alongside entrees like orange chicken ($17) and walnut prawns ($18).

Ambiance and Service

The interior evokes old-school charm with red vinyl seating, nostalgic decor, and a lively hum during peak hours. Food arrives promptly as prepared, creating a stream of surprises at the table. Friendly service complements the casual vibe, with takeout and delivery available. Highchairs, wheelchair access, and alcohol service cater to diverse diners in this family-friendly haven.

Practical Details

Located at 1 Pagoda Place off Sacramento Street, enter the alley near Stockton for this hidden gem. Hours run 10:30 AM to 8-10 PM daily, varying slightly by day. Moderate pricing suits casual meals, with signature house chili sauce available for purchase.