MaMa Ji&#x27;s

586

1246

1763

5 years ago

Mama Ji's is the moooove, no matter what you order here it's going to slap hard and numb your entire soul with Sichuan peppercorn! Must order: Hot and numbing fish - super crispy and soft on the inside but definitely a must try here. This dish gives you an introduction to Sichuan style cooking with that peppercorn and those red chili's. They won't kill your tastebuds but it's a very addicting flavor. Fish fragrant tofu - completely vegetarian and yet full of flavor. I'd come back to order this any day. We also ordered the veg chow fun noodles which were very similar to Thai pad see ew but I would highly recommend getting either fried or white rice to pair with these dishes. The clay pot chicken and mushrooms was also good but could use a lot more spice, I've noted to ask for it spicier but good thing they do serve chili oil on the side. Parking here is always available and service here is excellent. I'd come back for their addicting flavors any day. read more

MaMa Ji's - Hot and numbing fish Fish fragrant tofu Clay pot chicken and mushrooms Chow fun veg - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Michael F.

1 year ago

I really love this spot. Their food is on point. The Hot & Numbing Fish is our go-to. A little on the pricey side of things but always delicious. read more

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Nathan K.

183

150

2 years ago

This review is for Mama Ji's as take out / delivery. I have found Mama Ji's to be more consistent in person and dining in. We ordered cumin lamb, and what was delivered did not taste like lamb or cumin. The portion size for price also feels like it's too expensive. This is not the first time this has happened. Also, many of our favorites are not available for take out either, which is somewhat understandable. So, to add, I would suggest if dining at Mama Ji's, go in person. The take out experience is simply not the same. read more

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Bella D.

1 year ago

LOVE MAMA JI'S !!!!!! The food is amazing, the service is great!! Food comes out quickly and is piping hot! the server who works here is super knowledgeable about the menu and has great recommendations. Must see in San Francisco! read more

MaMa Ji's - Shrimp Stuffed Vegetables - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Lan L.

273

297

2 years ago

I went to Mama Ji's for dinner yesterday after spending the day at Dolores Park. It's a charming mom-and-pop shop. The owner was very nice, greeting us warmly and telling us about the specialty/off-menu items. These dishes were inspired by her recent trip to China, and her passion for them was evident in her descriptions. We decided to try one of the specialty items, a spare ribs dish, along with Szechuan fish in chili oil and dumplings. All the dishes were delicious, but I was most impressed with the spare ribs specialty. I definitely plan to come back, as the food was really good and the prices were very reasonable. Mama Ji's is truly a hidden gem, especially since it's not located in an area typically known for Chinese food. read more

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Mari H.

436

700

660

3 years ago

I was lured here with the promise of dumplings and Belgian beer one school night at about 8:30. Took a few minutes but we got in and shut the place down. We grabbed some pork and veggie dumplings, eggplant and chicken, an order of kung pao chicken, and the hot and numbing fish. I grabbed a Dupont Saison, which pairs with spicy Chinese food amazingly! I've never done the Szechuan flavor before, and while it's a little overwelming on its, own, it was still really fun with other spicy dishes. The flavors are full and perfectly seasoned. It's a little out of the way from the main restaurants in the Castro, but absolutely worth the extra trek! read more

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Joe P.

221

147

317

3 years ago

Good service... good food. A little pricey but good. It is a hole in the wall restaurant. The chow mien is great, and so are soup dumplings. read more

MaMa Ji's - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Winston C.

111

261

3 years ago

Came here on a weeknight and was pretty easy to find a spot to sit. Great place if you are looking for some delicious Szechuan food in the city but it's definitely on the more expensive side for similar food in nearby areas (Oakland, Richmond, Sunset, etc.). The vibes feels very authentic though as it seems owned by a local family and they offer nice beers (like fancy IPAs and Belgiums) which is a plus. Service is attentive and solid and they gave us plenty of time to consider what we wanted but it was a slower night. Some highlights based on what we ordered: - The Hot and Numbing Fish was the best dish we had and would definitely order again! Fried perfectly and full of that delicious mala, spicy numbing flavor! - The other two dishes of Ants Climbing Trees and XinJiang Cumin Lamb were good and would get again if one was in the mood. - Our appetizers with the Spicy Cucumber Salad and the Shanghai Dumplings were okay, probably could pass on them next time. The cucumber salad just wasn't marinated long enough in the spicy sauce and the dumplings were nothing to write home about. read more

MaMa Ji's - Shanghai dumplings - note just 3 to an order usually come in even numbers from experience - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

MaMa Ji's - Ants climbing trees - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

MaMa Ji's - Fancy IPA! The Crowns and Hops on draft - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

MaMa Ji's - Xinjiang CuminLamb with veggies - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

MaMa Ji's - Hot numbing fish - THE BEST - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

MaMa Ji's - Spicy Cucumber Salad - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Maxim M.

248

4 years ago

I love Szechuan and have been ordering from several SF places to find my favorite. I ordered from DoorDash and have to say that some photos were HUGELY inconsistent with the food. Still a lot of it was great. I'll go dish-by-dish: The best: --Hot and numbing fish: perfectly crispy fried fish with a spicy outer layer. Everyone's favorite --Cumin lamb: tender lamb with onions and green peppers, the meat was just really tasty --Shrimp stuffed eggplant: soft fried eggplant with shrimp filling --Crispy Eggplant: deep-fried eggplant. Not very distinctive (not much seasoning) but still a great add. These were all good/ok, not great but hard to mess up: --Dry fried green beans: this was not like other dry fried green beans, they were more soggy --Stir-fried pea leaves with garlic --Mother chen's bean curd (their version of mapo tofu) Bad: These looked NOTHING like the photos, which was pretty disappointing. --Beijing Style Chicken and Eggplant: The photo shows a more traditional garlic eggplant dish, this was extremely dry --Chongqing Chicken: this was red, in contrast with the photo and other dry-fried chicken I'd had. Very misleading and not good --Boiled Beef Slices in a Fiery Sauce: again, nothing like the photo. Very little spice and tasted more like a Chunkys beef strew... As a price reference, every dish was $20 except for crispy eggplant ($16) and the smaller shrimp-stuffed eggplant ($10, just ~4 pieces) Note: I couldn't add my full caption to the photo, here it is: Clockwise from top: Dry fried green beans, Beijing Style Chicken and Eggplant, Crispy Eggplant, Shrimp stuffed eggplant, Mother chen's bean curd, Chongqing Chicken, Boiled Beef Slices in a Fiery Sauce, Stir-fried pea leaves with garlic, Hot and numbing fish read more

MaMa Ji's - Clockwise from top: Dry fried green beans, Beijing Style Chicken and Eggplant, Crispy Eggplant, Shrimp stuffed eggplant... - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Qinnan L.

112

406

898

5 years ago

Wow how have I not tried this place before? The menu has so many classic Chinese dishes from my childhood that I haven't seen at other Chinese restaurants, like ants climbing trees (sounds gross, but it's just glass noodles with minced meat and mushrooms - haha get it?) and pickled long beans. I particularly liked the steamed buns, which were fluffy and filled with delicious pork Will definitely be ordering takeout again read more

MaMa Ji's - BBQ pork buns - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Melody L.

157

362

3 years ago

Really expensive dim sum for being just ok. Came here with friends who ordered some meat dishes, so not sure what their perspective is on this place. I would say that the dishes I got were solid, but not good enough to compensate for just how expensive they were. We ordered 7 dishes and two cups of tea (yeah no teapots to share here), and our total after tip was $106! Honestly, kind of atrocious. One order of rice roll was almost $12 and an order of buns (3) was $8. If you don't want to do the math, I'll do it for you: that's $2.60 PER BUN, for a bun that's 1/3 the size of your palm. Bruh. The buns were fluffy and had tasty fillings. The rice rolls were pretty good (bamboo shoots were a nice touch). The egg yolk paste in the lava egg yolk buns was really good. Cold noodles surprisingly not a lot of flavor. Spicy and mala, but lacking in any savoriness. Also noodles were a doughy and just kind of dense, not QQ at all. And it cost almost $16. I think if the price of every dish was cut in half, I would consider coming back. Otherwise, there are just so many other cheaper, better options in SF to be going to. read more

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Tina B.

2 years ago

This place is one of my neighborhood favorites. The Hot & Numbing Fish is a must-try. Even if spicy food isn't your thing, this is so flavorful and the spice doesn't build, it's just delicious and spicy and tingling. The service is always super friendly and fast, and last night we go to Lily (Mama Ji!) about her dishes. She was so enthusiastic and energetic when she talked about her cooking. She clearly loves what she does, and loves the business. We will always be back. read more

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Chapstiq G.

165

2 years ago

Vegan review: Dunno how this spot came up on my google search for "Cheap Eats in SF"?? (my $18 tofu says different) NOTE!: The menu photos on yelp are extremely outdated. Service (take-out): Very attentive, kind folks. House Chili Oil: Easily a favorite (subtle hint of anise & peppercorn, unique) Veggie Potstickers: Only 3 for about $8? If i were on a date, I def wouldn't wanna split a dumpling. Happy they had thin wrappers, not clumpy. Nice filling & liked that there were mushrooms. Triple C Tofu: Sure the tofu dish was a standout (distinct sauce) but the $18 price tag is a bit of a reach. Dunno how I overlooked the cost on that when ordering. Yes, it was good. But I'd expect that price from a place a bit more upscale & think there may have been MSG since I don't feel rejuvenated but rather sluggish post-meal-- so perhaps not the cleanest ingredients I'd expect for the price. read more

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Dylan H.

2 years ago

Absolutely amazing!! The food is great and memorable! The service is always super kind and friendly and very welcoming in a way that makes you feel genuinely happy. This is a must go place in SF. read more

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Sha G.

389

1996

5 years ago

I think I'm addicted! The food is made with love and always taste fresh. This is my second time and I have no complaints. I do want to try other items on the menu, but I just can't get past the dim sum. I did try the baby bok choy and it was an unexpected treat. The dish is served cold and it has a pleasant kick of spice. It was crunchy, cool, and refreshing. read more

MaMa Ji's - Shrimp stuffed eggplant Vegetable rice rolls (a must have item) Shrimp and peashooter steamed dumplings Fried vegetable dumplings - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

MaMa Ji's - Sesame balls (3 balls per serving). - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Lisa R.

Elite 25

286

1111

3 years ago

We come here only for one out of this world item: Ma Po Tofu. It's perfection and we haven't been able to find any others that come close to this version. It has a great numbing heat, silken tofu, ground meat, and over rice - it's just to die for! I don't live in SF anymore, but we still daydream about this wonderful dish. read more

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Kaze L.

2 years ago

One of my favorite spots - the Tofu Orange C, Chinese greens are very yum yum give me some. One of my favorite dishes is the tingly fish! So good so yummy. The greens are a little pricey but.... Yummy read more

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Andrew H.

326

482

2018

6 years ago

I love to pickup Mama Jis for takeout. I haven't sat down for a meal inside for several years. Like most restaurants, some dishes just outdo the others. I've had the Dry Fried Green Beans a few times. I love the beans from Chubby Noodle in NB. These have a lil more ginger, but also good. Better value to add a protein. Fish with Chiles and Peppers, tried for the first time and was very impressed. Flavor popped and fish melted in my mouth. Sweet n' Sour Pork reminded me of the fried, sweet dish I used to get as a kid. Yummy. Maybe not everyones gig. Fried rice is good. Some places really mess up, and this is not one of them. Kung Pao Chicken was solid and I would get again. The Smoked Brisket Beef Special was similar to other beef dishes Ive seen on menus. It was good. I might try something different next time to keep exploring my palate. Both dishes brought some heat! Pork Buns, Dim Sum, Shu Mai, and all that other good appetizer stuff I didn't get this visit. Highly recommend you order from that side of the menu too. Service can be crazy because this is a very popular spot. Have patience, its tough, but worth it. read more

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Daniel Y.

4 years ago

This spot is a small neighborhood Chinese restaurant that makes a particular Sichuan dish that I love very very well: the Hot and Numbing Fish. I've ordered this dish at various restaurants up and down the Bay and nothing compares to the perfectly executed crispiness and the balance of numbing spices that Mama Ji's serves up. The cornmeal breading is a delicious shell that protects the delicate, moist fish inside from the maelstrom of chili oil and Sichuan peppercorn spices that coat the exterior. Every bite is a satisfying crunch and is great even when accompanied with just a bowl of white rice. 5/5 stars for that alone. Please don't ever change this dish. read more

MaMa Ji's - Hot and Numbing Fish -- absolutely delicious - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

MaMa Ji's - Chicken and Eggplant. Not too spicy and tasty too - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Sidni M.

1 year ago

What an establishment. The hot numbing fish is a must!! I have to get it every time I'm in the city.

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Aidan B.

3 years ago

Outstanding neighborhood restaurant. Not your typical americanized Chinese food (i.e. no sweet and sour here!). I can't go a week without Chongqing Chicken and garlic green beans. It's divine. There's no way I'd give this treasure less than 5*. But keep in mind it can be a little inconsistent. Sometimes the chicken isn't very spicy. Other times, the rice can be undercooked. I only notice this because I order this all the time and have been come a bit of an expert. I worry that if I didn't know better, I might be put off one bad dish on a bad night. Try again if you are disappointed; it might just be a fluke. read more

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Rachel H.

872

1487

8069

6 years ago

Super mediocre dim sum experience here at MaMa Ji's, but it certainly is a novelty to find dim sum in an old Victorian storefront situated in the Castro. A small, clean restaurant with a 40s diner vibe on the inside, unusual for a dim sum spot, I thought it would be a unique experience based on the favorable Yelps. While it was fine to be sure, fine is not exactly in line with the four to five star reviews on Yelp. I got a tasty, but fairly average order of their stuffed eggplant with garlic. While my meal seemed off to a fairly good start with this solid eggplant dish, then the rubbery, overcooked pork shu mai order was among the worst renditions of this dim sum staple that I have ordered in San Francisco. Disappointed is an understatement. There was nothing delicate, or translucent about these dumplings. They were tough. Next up, a generous plate of simple scallion and shrimp dumplings were back to "good" quality, with simple flavors. While the shrimp and chive dumplings where another solid dish, when paired with soy and vinegar, that didn't make up for the inexcusable shu mai. In all dim sum pricing, and some solid items but hit or miss. Not as light and transporting dim sum as hoped for unfortunately. read more

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Lisa M.

2 years ago

Awesome food and a nice place to relax while eating. It's very affordable and you get a nice big portion of food. The service was very nice and attentive. I like the small neighborhood feel of the place. I would highly recommend you try it! read more

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Lu R.

3 years ago

It's always hard to decide on a place when meeting up for dinner with friends though we knew we had a taste for Chinese. I was happy at the suggestion of MaMa Ji's. I'd been here once before and I really enjoyed it. It's a small neighborhood no-frills restaurant and anytime I've walked by it's full with people waiting outside. We were lucky and snagged a table when we arrived. The host/server set it up even though my other friends weren't there just yet. We decided to eat family style with multiple appetizers and entrees- some of the usual items rolls, shumai, and dumplings.chow mein. The items that stood out were the dry fried chicken and cumin lamb. Spicy hot and so tasty. It had one of us sweating and clearing our nose! All good! I want to go back to try some of the other dishes. It gets loud! I don't know why Americans are soooo fffin loud. That aside, check it out! read more

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Andrew S.

263

657

3531

7 years ago

This is a cute neighborhood Chinese restaurant in the Castro and I came here at the recommendation of a friend who I consider to be a real gourmand. He suggested that I order the fish with chiles and Sichuan pepper and he was right. This dish really represents good Sichuan food. It's the type of spicy that doesn't hit you right away but works slowly as you feel that numbing heat cause your face to start sweating profusely. It was great. I'd come back here again for this dish. I was told to skip the dim sum but I had to order the pork shrimp shumai just so I can do a fair comparison with other Chinese places in the city. My friend was right again - the dim sum here was mediocre and seemed a little pricey. read more

MaMa Ji's - Fish with Chiles and Sichuan Pepper - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

MaMa Ji's - Pork Shrimp Shumai - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Adam B.

1334

2487

7222

7 years ago

A neighborhood gem serving up food much tastier than is typical for the Castro. It's got a wide variety of dim sum options as well as some reasonably priced main dishes. No carts here, just fill out you order on the card and then pig out. B.B.Q. Pork Rice Roll: I love the combo of BBQ pork with rice rolls, like two different cooking styles meeting in one delicious plate. The pork was well marinated and firm while the rice noodle was fresh and tender. I devoured these! Shanghai Dumplings: Meh, a tad skimpy on the "soup" inside. Normally I don't complain about too much meat in a dumpling, but it came at the expense of space for soup. And the meat itself felt rougher than typical finely minced pork. Noodle with Chili Bean Paste: So comforting! Thick and springy and chewy noodles covered in a delicious sauce. The bean sauce had a lot more personality than the Korean version (jajangmyeon). Here the minced pork seemed to be floating in a bean paste infused with tangy Szechuan spices. Perfect for a chilly-ish day. Steamed Golden Lava Buns: Thankfully, the "lava" was flowing quite freely. I hate when these buns are made too far in advance so the inside is coagulated. The texture was just perfect! It was sweet, but not too sweet. One wish would be if they brought this out the end; they basically take your order card and bring out stuff in whatever order they feel like. read more

MaMa Ji's - Noodles with Chili Bean Paste - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

MaMa Ji's - Steamed Golden Lava Buns - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

MaMa Ji's - B.B.Q. Pork Rice Roll - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

MaMa Ji's - Shanghai Dumplings - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Lisa X.

418

1465

14803

5 years ago

Yeah, so about this-- I came here with a coworker and it was just average. I guess if you are in the Castro and you don't get much dim sum, then this will satisfy. But I don't want to discourage anyone from trying dim sum in any way. Good to have this in the neighborhood. read more

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Bernadette C.

148

4 years ago

The restaurant was super cozy and the service was sweet. I got two dishes: twice cooked pork and chongching chicken. The pork was sweet and had a little kick of spice to it. The chicken had a salty spicy tingling flavor to it. Overall the food was good, but a little over priced and rice is not included with the entrees. If I came back, I would do take out only and make my own rice at home. Favorite Item: Twice cooked pork read more

MaMa Ji's - Twice cooked pork - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

MaMa Ji's - Chongching chicken - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Kate L.

430

2 years ago

Incredible dim sum. Every time I visit San Francisco with my Chinese fiancé who's from here, we have to visit when possible. Soooo good.

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Ziyan C.

3072

12612

4 years ago

Fine spot for dim sum. Pricey, but reasonable for Castro. No wait on a Saturday around 1:30pm for four. Food was all good, Shrimp Chive Dumplings was tasty and homemade. See my photos for additional details! read more

MaMa Ji's - Ants Climbing Trees $18.75 - 3 stars. Quite spicy! Sat lunch 2022-07-30 - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

MaMa Ji's - Shrimp Chive Dumpling $17.75 - 4 stars. Sat lunch 2022-07-30 - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

MaMa Ji's - Har Gow Shrimp Dumpling $9.75 - 3.5 stars. Sat lunch 2022-07-30 - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

MaMa Ji's - Shrimp Rice Roll $11.75 - 3.5 stars. Sat lunch 2022-07-30 - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

MaMa Ji's - Pork Shrimp Shumai $8.25 - 3 stars. Sat lunch 2022-07-30 - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

MaMa Ji's - Lunch for four, $24 per person total. Sat 2022-07-30 - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Aish N.

101

123

4 years ago

Yum yum yum! Lovely, flavorful Sichuan Food tucked into a quiet street, away from all the hustle and bustle of Castro District. read more

MaMa Ji's - String Beans - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

MaMa Ji's - Cold - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

MaMa Ji's - Kung Pao Tofu - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Tiffany F.

309

426

2295

5 years ago

WOW, a top destination for Sichuan food lovers Ordered takeout: --Ants climbing trees: spicy noodles with a mixture of veggies/chopped up pork, really good! my favorite dish from here, portions could be bigger --chongqing chicken: very good --hot and numbing fish: another delicious choice from here --fried rice: standard 100/10 for all the dishes (the first three are must-orders) Will reorder! read more

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Elaine H.

218

101

3 years ago

The service here is great and the food came out fairly quick. It gets pretty busy around dinner time and can get loud! The beef chow fun tasted typical to any other chow fun from many restaurants, however, I was disappointed with the green beans, Shanghai dumplings, and mapo tofu. They all lacked in flavor and it was quite unsatisfying. I didn't feel like I ate my moneys worth :( read more

MaMa Ji's - Mother's Bean Curd Tofu with Pork - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

MaMa Ji's - Beef Chow Fun - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

MaMa Ji's - Dry-Fried Green Beans - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Andrew R.

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

252

746

1692

5 years ago

Oh wow. Oh wow. This was some of the best sichuan/dim sum I've ever had. That chicken was legit spicy, like mouth numbing spicy. So good! And the pot stickers and dumplings were PERFECTION!!!! This truly was one of the tastiest meals I've ever had and I can't wait to come back already. Seriously go here and try everything!!! read more

MaMa Ji's - a plate of food with chopsticks - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Daelyn S.

1 year ago

We get Ants climbing trees and Triple C wings at least once a month in my house. Service is always incredible, shout out to Andrew for being so accommodating and kind!!!! read more

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Back

Page 2 of 24

4416 18th St
San Francisco, CA 94114
Castro
Directions
(415) 626-4416
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.mamajissf.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does MaMa Ji's open?

MaMa Ji's opens at 11:30 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.MaMa Ji's opens at 5:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does MaMa Ji's close?

MaMa Ji's closes at 2:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.MaMa Ji's closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Payment methods

Does MaMa Ji's take credit cards?

Yes, MaMa Ji's takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does MaMa Ji's have catering options?

No, MaMa Ji's does not have catering options.

Does MaMa Ji's have a happy hour?

Yes, MaMa Ji's has a happy hour.

Does MaMa Ji's serve alcohol?

Yes, MaMa Ji's serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does MaMa Ji's allow dogs?

No, MaMa Ji's does not allow dogs.

Does MaMa Ji's have TVs?

No, MaMa Ji's does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does MaMa Ji's have bike parking?

Yes, MaMa Ji's has bike parking.

Does MaMa Ji's have outdoor seating?

Yes, MaMa Ji's has outdoor seating options.

Does MaMa Ji's have parking?

Yes, MaMa Ji's has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Does MaMa Ji's have free WiFi?

No, MaMa Ji's does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

We're proud to serve the home-style Chinese food that Lily grew up eating with her family. She was born in Sichuan, and many of our specialties are home-style Sichuan dishes. Come in and enjoy: Delicious Sichuan specialties, Tasty Dim Sum made fresh daily in-house. A great selection of Belgian beers. As long-time residents of the neighborhood, we look forward to welcoming you to Mama JI's.

History

Established in 2013.

Mama Ji serves the home-style food she was raised on in China. Born in Sichuan, this includes spicy Sichuan classics, hand-made dumplings and tasty dim sum. Her food pairs well with our Belgian beer selection, 8 drafts + many more bottles, and outstanding wines.

Meet the Business Owner: Mama Ji J.

Born in Sichuan, China, Mama Ji arrived in San Francisco and immediately missed the flavors of home. After settling in the Castro neighborhood, she found the district she loved was missing good Sichuan food. So she decided to take matters into her own hands...and Mama Ji's restaurant was born.

MaMa Ji's Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - MaMa Ji's

Any estimate on a reopening date?

We’re hoping to be open in 2-3 weeks.

View question details

Are they temporarily closed for take out? I've been trying to order for a few weeks and always seem to be closed, even during listed open hours.

We have reopened

View question details

Do they have dry dan dan noodles? or any other dry sichuan noodles?

Does Mama Ji's have outdoor seating?

Yes, two small bistro tables at the front.

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Do you have outdoor dining yet?

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

Do you serve Dim Sum all day?

Dim sum is served during morning service only.

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Szechuan Cuisine

If you don't know what to order try their Twice cooked pork and House Dumplings, its just amazing…read moreand Me and my wife pay the bridge toll at least twice a month just to eat here. I was also a huge fan of the Half Fried Chicken and bring it to work all the time. Definitely recommended.

Lunch Meal Under $20: Came by jonzing for some Chinese food and ordered a takeout lunch. Comes…read morewith veggies, soup and rice. If you're hungry in the Central Sunset, give this place a try. This is a neighborhood favorite!

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Sichuan Tasty Restaurant

What I love about Sichuan Tasty is that there's a back room for parties and large groups. The food…read moreis served family-style on lazy Susans at big round tables, which makes the whole experience feel festive and communal. It was so delicious. We had around 20 people and ordered tons of dishes to share. Everything was fresh, hot, spicy, and flavorful without feeling overly heavy or over-seasoned. My favorites were either the green beans or the tofu. Every dish that came out disappeared fast. This is definitely the kind of neighborhood spot we'll keep coming back to for group dinners and celebrations. We ended the meal completely stuffed but still somehow made room for sesame balls at the end.

Great place if you like sichuan spice! The sichuan chicken is very crispy and provides a good…read morenumbing flavor to it. We also ordered the sweet and sour chicken which provided a nice balance to the spice. I also really enjoy the eggplant with chili oil! The texture is great and sauce is tasty. Overall a cute restaurant! Staff are all really friendly. It wasn't crowded at all when we went and there was no wait time.

Shanghai Steamed Buns (Xiao Long Bao) $10.95

9/23/25 FYI. Specials

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Broccoli Chicken /a tad too salty.

Chong Qing Xiao Mian

If you want authentic Chongqing dishes , go to here located in SF Chinatown. I have been going here…read morewith my parents for awhile , and it my parent's favorite spot for their noodle soup ! What we ordered: *Bean Jello In Red Chili Sauce * Couple's Delight (my favorite) * Szechuan Style Mouth Watering Chicken * Pork Belly With Preserved Vegetable Rice * House Cold Noodles (my favorite) * Beef In Pickled Mustard Green Noodle Soup

Food: 4/5 Service: 4/5…read moreAmbiance: 3/5 Portion to Price: 4/5 Overall: One of my go tos in Chinatown if I want noodles. The extended review... Food: Guilin Beef Rice Noodles - 4/5 - There's a hearty potion of beef and noodles and the flavor is quite nice. What u don't know is if you get a bone every single time. I may have just gotten lucky. Service: 4/5 - Friendly and attentive service. Ambiance: 3/5 - Seating is a little tight in this spot. Portion to Price: 4/5 - As I mentioned above the portions are quite good here compared to others.

Single Cooked Noodle Soup

Interior

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Beanjello in red chili sauce

Mr Szechuan

Ordered food and it was supposed to be ready by the time the delivery driver arrived and he had to…read morewait so long that he cancelled he order and another driver showed up and also had to cancel because they took so long. Not worth ordering form here Update: the food was incredible but it did take a very long time so just be prepared to wait

So overdue for a review of Mr Szechuan - one of my very favorite restaurants in the Sunset and on…read moreTaraval. It is consistent, reasonably priced, fast, polite service and the dry pot is absolutely delicious. It's so good I bring out of town friends here and also have also visited solo (which is rare for me especially because their dry pot portions can feed 3 people). Love love love. And open late - unheard of in the Sunset. Long live Mr Szechuan!

Super Dry Pot with Minced Pork Rice

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Noodles

Z & Y Restaurant

Locally owned & operated

Such good food! The atmosphere is so lively and nice, and the staff are very kind. The service is…read moregreat! The food is also amazing. We got the explosive chicken and the wontons which were amazing!

Really good place, my fav is the spicy oil fish, also tried the orange chicken, it was really good…read moreas well

Stir fried crab with house spicy saunce z&y restaurant make a reservation

Couple"sdelight (beef shank beef tripe &beef tendon w/chili oil)Couple's Delight | Top Chinese Food in San Francisco @confession.of.a.foodie

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Z&y restaurant menu Best chinese in San Francisco, CA

Sichuan Home

All good. Taste original…read more10.95 lunch specials excellent ........................aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaa

Was looking for authentic Szechuan cuisine in San Francisco and this perfectly satisfied my…read morecravings. The only thing I was disappointed by at the end of the meal is that Sichuan Home is not closer to where I live! :( What I ordered : + Eggplant in Garlic Sauce 鱼香茄子 [4.5/5] - Really great dish! The sauce on top is really flavorful and unique. The only thing I didn't like was that the eggplant is crunchy in some parts and mushy in others. + Fish Fillet and Chinese Cabbage in Hot Chili Sauce 水煮鱼 [5/5] - SUPER spicy and chock-full of fish and cabbage. The flavor of this is very impressive and the portion size is perfect. + Couples Delight (?) [5/5] - I think this was the dish we got (by recommendation of the server). It's the sliced beef and tripe and it was SOOOO freaking good. I would get this again and again. Service was extremely friendly and very Chinese. Quick heads up that they prefer that you pay in cash. I will definitely be back. :)

50. Chongqing Style Spicy Chicken

Interior

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45. Spicy Tea Smoked Duck

San Tung

A very popular fried chicken spot hidden inside a small Shanghainese restaurant in San Francisco…read more The dry fried chicken is the highlight. It is crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and coated with a rich sauce that is spicy, savory, slightly sweet, and very addictive. It has a bit of a Korean fried chicken vibe but with a distinct Chinese flavor profile. The hot and sour soup is also very solid. It comes with large pieces of shrimp, mushrooms, and wood ear fungus, and the flavor is nicely balanced between tangy and spicy. It gets busy quickly around lunch, and both dine in and takeout are very popular. Definitely a must try if you are in San Francisco.

We had food to go and the chicken wings did not disappoint! Fried rice and dumplings were equally…read moreas good! Can't wait to come back again and try more dishes!!

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Little Szechuan

Don't change a thing, the spice level is perfect!…read more Sincerely, I'd like to meet the people who think Little Szechuan goes easy on the heat because to me, it's a blast of mala spice and numbing sensation- and I have a high tolerance. The Spicy Garlic Pork with vegetables was HOT and there was no escape: Like an opponent's chess pieces trying to grab your king, one bite after the next puts you in jeopardy. It was a good kind of peril. The Chow Mein Select noodles with lots of fresh crunchy vegetables was nicely executed with firm, plump chow mein. It was a very generous helping. I thanked my stars for the relief of white rice. The quart of hot and sour soup will have to wait until tomorrow, so much delicious food. For vegetarians, lots of menu options for you as well as those looking for unique dumplings and lots of offal dishes for those who crave it. Ambience is fresh, polished, non-touristy yet in the very heart of Chinatown where this is not always guaranteed. Locals and visitors alike, bookmark this restaurant. Little Szechuan was another Too Good to Go find. We'll be back soon, before Chinese New Year. 新年快乐

This is my go to spot in the city when I'm craving authentic Sichuan food. Tucked in the heart of…read moreChinatown, this place delivers a punchy, numbing spice that's hard to find anywhere else in town. I usually get takeout or delivery, but the food really shines when you dine in. First off..this is a Sichuan restaurant so Skip the dim sum and orange chicken, that's not what you come here for so don't order it and then complain they're not good. My favorites: Flaming Chili Oil Beef and Flaming Chili Oil Fish. The meat is perfectly "velveted," giving it that smooth, slippery texture that soaks up the hot oil and chili flavors. Each bite hits with layers of heat, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns that tingle and numb your tongue. the kind of burn that makes you want to keep eating even tho you're sweating like crazy. They can tone down the spice if you ask, but I'd recommend keeping it medium or higher; the mild version loses a lot of the oil which is key to the overall experience. The Sour Pickled Fish. It's not the bright red kind of spicy, but it sneaks up on you with tangy, mouth watering broth full of pickled mustard greens, Thai chilis, and that signature Sichuan mala numbing. It's sour, savory, and deeply umami, the kind of dish that wakes up your whole palate If you can, eat in. The dishes come bubbling hot and the aromas fill the table which is way better than eating out of a takeout container, where the oil separates and the textures get a little lost.

Sesame Chicken (ig:@heatherr.eats)

Inside

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Fish Fillet Boiled W. Flaming Chili Oil

Spices

The restaurant is situated in a part of clement street where you have alot of metered parking…read morespots. However, if you park one street down like Geary street, chances get alittle higher. The restaurant ambiance is very formal I would say. You have your standard tables and chairs and everything in between. Clean and tidy, most important. Nothing blocking your view of the whole rest from where ever you sit. The service is quite fast actually and food comes out hit and freshly off the burners. I would recommend coming here. OH also, this is one of the only places that serve stinky tofu in the city that I now of. Hehehe

Hubby wanted to try as we were walking by, it was an interesting dining experience due to a…read moreextremely unpleasant / rude customer keep on yelling and pointing finger at the host/ waitor. Never seen such unkind human that treated other in such disrespect. Crudo to the waitor for his patience and putting with her. Granted she was an elderly person, but that just sad to see. Overall, the food was good, Spices is spicy...lol. Perhaps my day of setting tougue numbing food is over cause I couldn't handled it. My husband enjoyed it.

Wonton In Red Oil

Dry Braised String Beans

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Griddle Clam Iron Pot

Spicy House

Came in and our server said: "do you want your usual or do you want to add more things?"…read more Just feels so nice having that comfort place where they do not just serve good food but actually get to know their customers too! Hands down one of the best Chinese restaurants I highly recommend these 3 dishes but if you're gonna choose between the 3, I'd say get the Szechuan Spicy Beef or the Dry Fried Chicken Wings.

Spicy House was recommended by a friend. But after trying it today it's not worth it…read more Lunch specials come with egg roll, small soup and steamed rice. The eggplant tofu lunch special at $10.95 is cheap but not good. The sauce is salty and the tofu is mushy. The orange chicken lunch special at $10.95 is soo bland and flavorless. You might as well just eat boiled chicken. If you want a cheap lunch special available everyday until 4 pm that'll fill you up. You should try it.

12. Eggplant with Tofu Lunch Special

Interior seating area

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Fried chicken wings

Tony's Pizza Napoletana

After a short wait I was seated at - what I think - the best spot in the whole restaurant, right by…read morethe large pizza oven. My pizza teleported me right to Naples, service was nice and the tiramisu was exceptional. Whenever I'm in the area again, I will be back for the wonderful dining experience.

Service was quick , and it's best pizza I have had in my life ! Vibes are great can't wait to have…read moresome again definitely driving 4 hours again for this .

Il Padrino Sicilian pizza

The place we sitted

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Margarita pizza, award winning for a reason!

Fog Harbor Fish House

Family-owned & operated

Full bar

Daniela was absolutely amazing! She was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and generous throughout our…read morevisit. She gave us fantastic recommendations, not only pointing out the great items on the menu but also sharing her personal favorites--and they did not disappoint! The food was outstanding, the waterfront atmosphere was beautiful, and every dish was well worth the price. I would absolutely come back just to see Daniela again and enjoy another meal at this wonderful waterside restaurant. Highly recommend!

Carlos was incredible. Warm, funny and accommodated my dietary restrictions subtly and without any…read morehesitation. So grateful for that and our family had a wonderful time. Food was delicious and was a beautiful sunset throughout dinner. We stop in at Fog Harbor every time we're in SF. Thank you. We'll see you next time!

Fresh Local Dungeness Crab

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SF Classic - Cioppino

Udon Mugizo - San Francisco

Locally owned & operated

Our server jane was very sweet and explained the menu for us as first timers. Food came out in less…read morethan 5 minutes and it was very delicious. Everyone was attentive to their tables and guests and every employee greeted their guests as they entered. 10/10 im coming back here ASAP

Loved the place, food was awesome, service was perfect! Not too loud. Thank you Jeff!read more

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Dumpling Home

Yummy dumplings and chinese food! Xiao long baos were were juicy with thin skins which hit the…read morespot. They're known for their pan fried baos with lots of juice in them, so those are fun but a bit thick imo. Everything else fantastic. Put your name down earlier because there's usually a wait.

i always love coming back to dumpling home! i tried the dry cooked green beans for the first time…read moreand they were so delicious, i highly recommend and will be getting them again for sure. i also tried the black bean noodles with pork, those were still good but a bit less flavorful than expected. service is quick and friendly as always! if you go during dinner time, expect at least a bit of a wait. i love dumpling home and can't wait to be back!

Inside, packed even during a Wednesday lunch

Pork Xiao Long Bao (4 pcs.)

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Dry fried Chicken Wings

Four Chairs

Amazing! I'm actually going there for the second time today!…read more My family arrived early, so the wait was only about five minutes before we were seated. I don't remember if there was music, but it was a busy, lively place with multiple conversations happening at once. It was definitely a cozy, home type atmosphere. A few people ordered chicken and waffles, so I had the chance to try it, and it was delicious! The waffles melted in my mouth! That's what I plan to order next time. I order a Korean chicken sandwich. It was very tasty and large. I had leftovers! I was disappointed because I forgot my leftovers on the table . Note to self: NEVER DO THAT AGAIN. The lemonade was very flavorful, and my kids enjoyed it too. I even tried an alcoholic beverage, I can't remember the name, but I swapped it for lemonade because it was THAT good. As I mentioned earlier, I will definitely return to this restaurant and highly recommend it.

The dining room was beautifully laid out, and while the service felt a little rushed at times, it…read morewas easy to understand why. This place is clearly popular, and they do an impressive job of turning tables without sacrificing friendliness or efficiency. I'm genuinely happy to see them doing so well, though I'm not sure I'm ready to wait an hour for a table again. That said, I'd gladly come back during a less busy time to explore more of the menu. BB

Chipotle Benedict, Mascarpone Pancake, & Chicken Apple Scramble

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K-bomb chicken benny

Surisan

Locally owned & operated

10 years in business

My wife and I ate a several fancy restaurants for our anniversary weekend, but by far our favorite…read morewas Surisan. The location is fantastic, the service was the best, the food was divine, and the value was great! I ordered the raspberry lemonade which came fresh and delicious, and my wife and I split the blueberry mascarpone crunch french toast, the bulgogi fried rice, and the famous millionaire's bacon sampler platter. The French toast was just perfectly prepared and the flavors are amazingly on point. Just the ultimate morning sweet treat! Not joking or exaggerating, the bulgogi fried rice was the best I've ever had, and we have some very good options in Reno, but this was served so perfectly cooked, seasoned, and with the best quality beef that it was immaculate. The beef melted in my mouth where usually bulgogi is very chewy, this was not, just perfection. Then, while I would be guaranteed to return for the bulgogi alone, the millionaire's bacon flight was absolutely fantastic. Each piece of bacon was buttery smooth, extremely flavorful, and absolutely tasty in every way. My wife's favorite was the cinnamon, but I think mine was the original closely followed by the rosemary. The citron was sweet and light, the cinnamon was sugary and savory, the original was saucy and spicy, and the rosemary was fragrant and smoky. I am adding this place straight to my favorites and cannot wait to return. I'd recommend you do the same!

I love Korean food and I love brunch, so I knew I had to check Surisan out during my SF trip…read more My husband and I ordered the bulgogi fried rice and galbi sando. Both dishes were sooo delicious and I'd highly recommend them! The portion sizes are also pretty big--I actually only ate half of the galbi sando and saved the other half for another meal. Service here is friendly and we were checked up on often. The ambiance here is pretty nice and they offer both indoor and outdoor seating. There was no wait when we came on a Saturday around 11:30AM. Overall, I'd highly recommend checking Surisan out!

Flight of millionaire's bacon

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Pimped up ramyun, locomoco, Blackstone benedict

The Buena Vista

Awesome spot! Stopped in for an Irish coffee & a snack after a long day. Cute ambiance and we're…read moreable to take our baby which was nice. The staff were great. Our waiter Ryan went above and beyond! He was so friendly and really lite up the room. We just casually went in but left feeling so great because of him! The Irish coffee foam was so freaking good! Already craving another. Plus the garlic fries were also super flavorful. Was just nice for a quick pit stop for a pick me up and a great chat with Ryan who was running around like crazy working hard but still had time to be super friendly & helpful!!

We've visited the Buena Vista three times, and it remains consistently excellent. The Irish coffee…read moreis every bit as good as its reputation--rich, smooth, perfectly balanced, and served with the kind of care that makes it feel like an experience rather than just a drink. The atmosphere is classic San Francisco: lively, welcoming, and full of character. Even with its fame and steady crowds, the service has been friendly and efficient each time we've visited. A must-stop for visitors and a place worth returning to for locals.

Summer of love 2017 at the Buena Vista

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70 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Barry W.

13 years ago

I was a big fan of the Dim Sum at Mama Ji's before the remodel and, so, was really anxious to get back to try the new Sichuan dinner menu after returning to SF from a month long vacation. We went last Saturday evening around 7:00 and were surprised to find the place pretty crowded. One of the owners ("The White Guy") greeted us as we sat down and took time to explain each item on the dinner menu. NOTE: This is REALLY helpful as it is often so really understand what some Chinese dishes are! My husband and I don't eat red meat so we stuck to the vegetarian and chicken and fish/seafood dishes. The Hot & Sour Soup--vegetarian--was fabulous and a great way to begin. It's really hard to find a good, vegetarian version of this dish here. We continued with the Ma-Po Tofu, the Chongqing Chicken and one of the fish dishes (can't remember what it was called but it was amazing). The Tofu dish was delicious--large cubes of silky tofu perfectly cooked in a spicy, delicious sauce. I'd never had Chongquing chicken before but I'm a big fan now. It's deep fried and, then, cooked in the wok with lots of Sichuan peppers. Yum. The Castro has really been lacking in decent, let alone really good, Chinese food. I really think that Mama Ji's is going to make up for that That said, they really were very busy on Saturday night and the place filled up just after we sat down. But, while there were some service issues--and this is to be expected in a new restaurant--the owner went out of his way to apologize for any lapses in service and even offered us complimentary wine and dessert (a very generous gesture). So, I'm going to be going back again and again for the great food. All new restaurants need a bit of time to get their momentum going. The really good food makes Mama Ji's stand out. Service issues can be fixed! Give it a try--you won't be disappointed! read more

Krystal F.

13 years ago

I have been Mama Ji's couple times already, and that's my first time to write a review. First, I agree someone said their Szechuan food are better than the dim sum. I don't mean anything bad. Mama Ji's dim sum are good. No complain. But I think their Szechuan food are more traditional, and more precious in this city! Especially a lot of Cantonese style restaurants or American-Chinese food in the city, it's hard to find an authentic Chinese restaurant here. Right now I'm so happy that I don't need to drive to Millbrea or San Mateo or LA to find a restaurant. Back to their food. Last weekend,I brought some of my friends to go to Mama Ji's. Two of my friends are really from Szechuan. We order Chongqing chicken, Country-style pork, Fish&tofu in Hunan sauce, Boiled beef in fairy sauce... (we love meat :) Basically, we order all spicy food. Those two Szechuan friends told me they love these food. They said:" the food just like what we eat in China!" For me, I like the country-style pork. My father cook all the time when I was home. I was sick of the food at that time but I miss it so much now!!! Thanks Mama ji's, let my miss my hometown. Speak of the service, it's really much better than other Chinese restaurant. When I go to some other restaurants in San Francisco, their waitresses even doesn't speak English and Mandarin, only Cantonese. OMG,I have to order food by pointing a menu. The owner in this restaurant is very nice. She gave us really good advice for ordering food. She also are fully confident about her food. Their waitress keep refilling our water and hot tea. Although their menu is a kind of small, not much items, they will always have some specials but you have to ask. I think that's good! They can just focus on those food and make people happy. I love Mama Ji's food~ I'll be back again and again. read more

Dan E.

See more unrecommended reviews

3 years ago

I nearly had a heart-stopping moment when MaMa Ji's closed temporarily, fearing it might be gone for good. But lo and behold, they reopened and the improvement in flavor and consistency was immediately noticeable, great job team! Let's start with the crown jewel: the Har Gow shrimp dumplings, they're my go-to and the hot and sour soup is the city's best. Now, brace yourself for the Hot & Numbing fish. This dish stole my heart. The fish, unbelievably tender and moist, retains an impeccable balance of crispy exterior and succulent meat. The Szechuan pepper's magic is woven throughout, making it a culinary masterpiece. I've never tried it anywhere else but I can guarantee no one does it better than MaMa Ji's. Let me share a little secret with you--order the fried rice and chow mein, and then top those dishes with the boiled beef slices and their fiery sauce. It's a flavor bomb that keeps on giving. Plus, the leftover broth from the beef makes a killer homemade ramen the next day! Trust me, whether you're seated within the cozy confines of MaMa Ji's or indulging in the comfort of their delivered delights, this place is a flavor haven you won't want to miss. Without a doubt, this culinary sanctuary holds the top spot as my favorite restaurant in the city! read more

Katherine V.

12 years ago

I love spicy Chinese food. And this place is by far my favorite! The food has the flavors and intensity that you would expect from an "authentic" restaurant, with the quality of ingredients that you would get from a more Americanized establishment. I have been there about four times and it's packed every time. The place is a bit cramped and can be a bit noisy, but that's part of the how it is. It's also amazing how all the guests seem to know each other, I guess it's a neighborhood restaurant after all. My favorite dishes are the country style pork and the Cheng-Du style fried chicken. The dim sums are great too! Love this place. It's my favorite Chinese restaurant in the city. read more

James J.

10 months ago

Went for a late dinner and ordered the House Special Clay Pot and a bowl of rice. Tiny morsels of chicken breast, broccoli, fish and cuts of tough pork were overcooked and mushy and lacking in flavor except for vinegar. The bowl of rice was hard and lukewarm and packed so tight in the rice bowl that my chopsticks barely loosened the grains. When I received the bill, I mentioned to the server how bad the meal was. Service was good but I overheard the server comment to the cook about my displeasure and he laughed, not knowing I understood his Chinese. I do not plan on returning to this Chinese restaurant. So sad for this Castro restaurant that I cannot recommend. read more

Bud M.

13 years ago

have curiously been waiting for them to open...we live in the neighborhood. they have really brightened up the place, hopefully they'll soon have some artwork on the walls. we were very impressed with the food. we tried several of the dim sum items. particularly enjoyed the Shanghai vegetarian buns, the seafood shumai, and the pea shoot and shrimp dumplings. the potstickers were the best I have tasted. We also tried a few of the Sichuan items. The chongqing chicken was crisp and spicy. The fish in the flaming oil was outstanding. And the pea leaves with garlic was clean and fresh tasting. can't wait to go back again. read more

Nance W.

Elite 8

239

163

11 years ago

The food overall tastes ok; we had beef chow fun, fried rice, and crispy eggplant... But I almost ate a piece of plastic (film, probably from some packaging) that was in the beef chow fun. At first I thought it was a piece of shrimp shell (there was no shrimp in that dish) but I was mortified when I realized it was a piece of plastic! I notified the server about it and all I got was an apology. No discount on the bill or anything comped. You can bet your ass we didn't leave a tip. Horrible service that left me hugely disappointed. Never coming back again! read more

Jon J.

12 years ago

MaMa Ji's is a hidden gem in the heart of the Castro neighborhood. It's made all the more quaint by the fact MaMa Ji herself even serves tables, alongside her husband and son. Their dim sum options are a classic mix, nothing too crazy, like chicken feet. For dinner, choose among many a spicy dish, we've had almost everything on the menu - nothing has disappointed. It's a mom and pop shop, with few servers to handle an always-packed house, but flag any of them down and you are met with great hospitality and willingness to help. read more

C J.

2 years ago

While at the Castro post office this rainy morning, I suddenly had a craving for Chinese food and I immediately thought of Mama Ji's up the street. I used to come here often with a friend but then the pandemic hit. Luckily Mama Ji's stayed open for takeout which I did often but it was really nice to return in person today. It was very cozy inside and the waitstaff is always friendly. As a vegetarian, the chow mein and clay pot entrees are solid choices. And if you have room for dessert, definitely order the delicious sesame balls! read more

Joe P.

12 years ago

I have traveled the world and have eaten Chinese in many places and Mama Ji's is by far the best I have ever had. Every time I go the owner Marv just brings me what ever he wants and it never misses. Always amazing always different. This is real szchewan home cooking. The quality and freshness is tasted in every spoonful. Forget Chinatown when you come to San Fran, go to this little place in the Castro district and you won't be sorry. It's a very small place so expect to wait on the weekend. read more

Abel T.

9 years ago

Honestly I didn't have anything to eat, but I walked in and politely asked to use the restroom. It was a bit urgent and the restaurant was empty of customers. Three people kept talking to each other in an Asian language, pretty much ignoring me for a couple of minutes. I asked again politely. They further deliberated in a foreign language for another minute before one of them turns to me and says "No". I said "Ok" and left. Not the best way to win over future customers. read more

Sharron N.

2 years ago

Delicious Chinese food served promptly and with a friendly smile. The food was so good and they have pretty amazing options. Everything was fresh and so appetizing! Came there for lunch with my mom and ordered the caramelized tofu, Shanghai Dumplings, Chongqing chicken, and Chow Mein. Taste was so good and very delicious. Satisfying portions and we are so full. This restaurant is highly recommended for Chinese food! We will back again. read more

Yoss A.

115

13 years ago

My fourth time to this restaurant. First three, it was great. Yesterday was not. Mama J's was not there, and the staff, who doesn't speak English very well, is clueless about the menu and the underlying ingredients. And...the bathroom..was simply disgusting. In my book, the cleanliness of the bathroom is a reflection of that of the kitchen. Bottom line: make sure mama J is in the house BEFORE seating down. read more

Daniel J.

1 year ago

The staff made us feel welcomed and the ambiance was warm and inviting. The menu had a great selection of fresh seafood, and it was hard to choose everything sounded so delicious. We ordered the Chongqing Chicken and Shanghai Dumplings which was perfectly seasoned and packed with flavor. They have nice food and it was cooked to perfection, so fresh and tender, I could tell the ingredients were top quality. read more

Ruby B.

4 months ago

I have visited this restaurant about three times, and it has been packed each time. The space is a bit cramped and can get quite noisy, but that's part of its charm. It's interesting to see how all the guests seem to know each other. I suppose it's a true neighborhood restaurant. My favorite dishes include the country-style pork and the Chengdu-style fried chicken. The dim sum is great as well! read more

Sherilyn S.

215

7 years ago

Have visited this restaurant a few times never given them a review before. The place is always busy and reservation is recommended. Excellent food no complains yet. Just didn't get the best of services today. The server was just not available to help us with anything. I still enjoyed the food and would recommend for sure. read more

David E.

12 years ago

We have been there 3 times and each time has been great! We always ask them what they recommend for the night and we have yet to be disappointed. Love the pork buns and very diverse beer selection. Staff is friendly and eager to do what they can to make it a wonderful experience. We will be back soon. read more

Heather Y.

12 years ago

Went here with a few friends. There was a line going down the sidewalk when we arrived. Food must be good, right? You bet! If you're looking for a great place for dim sum then you need to check this out! The regular menu looked really good also. I'll come back for dinner and post a review... read more

Harold T.

4 years ago

Live in the neighborhood and often get takeout here for dinner if I'm feeling lazy. Food is always tasty with an adequate spice level. Personal favorites are their dumplings and dry fried green beans. If you want something to numb your mouth, get the mouth-numbing fried fish. read more

Lasai L.

12 years ago

Great food! Love spicy, the beef & fish are so good. Love Mama Ji keep some dim sum for dinner menu, my son can eat no spicy food! my family love to go there, it's like our home dinning place. They have great selection for the beer, spicy food + beer are perfect! read more

MaMa Ji's - dimsum - Updated August 2026

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4.4

(77 reviews)

It's really close to my house but this is the first time I've been. I probably would have…read more continued to overlook it as Yelp has it marked as kind of expensive except Jennifer O recommended it. She was right on. It is NOT at all expensive. Two of us just had a giant meal (as in couldn't finish it) for $30 INCLUDING tax and tip. I can't even remember the last time I had a meal that cheap in SF. Also, Yelp says there are limited vegetarian options. I counted at least 14 vegetable dishes on the menu, so I beg to differ. You can definitely bring your vegetarian, vegan and msg sensitive friends here. Enough carping...back to the review. A ton of food delivery guys and neighborhood construction workers were crowded in front waiting to pick up orders when we came just before noon. Staff did not prioritize them over dine in customers (thank you very much). The people waiting to pick up were actually really nice. There is super limited seating and they got up so we could sit without anybody needing to say anything. The menu is extensive and varied, so whatever it is you are craving is probably on the menu. It is billed as Chinese American food but there are some Japanese and Filipino appetizers, drinks and desserts maybe from its last incarnation as a sushi place? But primarily it's Chinese food. Good Chinese food. We got two lunch specials to split- sesame chicken and garlic broccoli. They came with rice and a very good hot and sour soup. They were both absolutely delicious. This location has been home to many restaurants over the years. I really hope this one makes it. I'm sure the F Market muni drivers are keeping their fingers crossed as well since the restaurant is right at their 17/Market stop...

Hulu Wa is a very small space. Three tables and a few stools at a bar. It's on 17th Street near…read moreJane Warner Plaza where the F-Market streetcar ends. They do a brisk takeout and delivery business, working with most of the delivery apps. The people are nice. The menu is full of familiar Chinese dishes. Nothing too fancy. Chow mein, fried rice, sweet & sour. They do have some dumplings and a couple of surprises: lumpia (didn't try that today) and a few specials (see photo) posted on the wall. I'll need to come back and try their egg foo yung. I love soup, but they don't seem to offer cups, just large portions. Tonight I had combination chow mein and fried prawns. I really liked the prawns. The batter was more crunchy than shattery, and had a nice flavor. Also, the prawns were cooked just right. Sometimes fried seafood can get overcooked and a little rubbery. I was happy with these. Everyone does chow mein a little differently. Here I was pleasantly surprised to find they put some bok choy in theirs, along with the bean sprouts and onions. There was a good portion of meat and some prawns in the mix. This isn't a good place to go with a group, but if you're wondering which option to pick under "Chinese" on that delivery app, or where to go for a quick bite before the show, give Hulu Wa a try.

Dumpling Union

4.1

(105 reviews)

First time here, and everything was delicious! The garlic chicken wings were perfectly crispy with…read morejust the right amount of garlic. The food came out quickly. Our server Harvey made the experience even better. He was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. He recommended several of the dishes we ended up ordering, and every one of his suggestions was excellent. The spicy pork dumplings had a nice kick without being overwhelmingly spicy. We also ordered the combination xiao long bao, and the tom yum were my favorite from the assortment. They also have a large variety of soju to choose from. Between the delicious food and Harvey's outstanding service, we'll definitely be coming back!

Came for lunch on a Tuesday. Three tables were occupied. The waiter pointed me to a QR code but I…read moresaid I'd prefer to order with him. I got a beef with broccoli with 1 rice but I wanted the beef and broccoli cooked with ginger. I also ordered the shrimp & pork XLB. I think they were overwhelmed either way take out orders since only one waiter was working this day so the service seemed off. The door was open so it was cold inside. Someone actually asked the door to be closed (61F today)

Pho Star

4.4

(80 reviews)

Good fun, great service and a spacious restaurant. I tried their vermicelli bowl and it was really…read moregood and a generous portion size. I also try their Vietnamese coffee and it was very strong, I loved it. I would definitely come back again.

Ordered from DoorDash while being knocked out by a 24-hour viral bug, and this meal was the…read morewelcoming hug my stomach needed. Got the Five Spice Chicken Pho (because that sounded interesting that just regular pho) and half order Pork Fresh Roll. The pho arrived with the broth and components in separate containers, which I actually appreciated. The broth had a distinct, unique flavor I haven't tasted in pho before. The chicken thighs were juicy and full of flavor, though I wish there was a bit more of it. Same goes for the garnishes - could've used extra onions, herbs, and bean sprouts to bulk it up. I swapped the rice noodles for lai fan, which added a nice new textural component to the bowl. Even though you can't customize directly on the DoorDash app, there's actually a lot you can add or take away if you swipe down. The Pork Fresh Roll was a welcome order - nice and crunchy with the herbs, and the wrapper was less chewy than I've had at other spots. When you're feeling sick, that lighter mouth feel is exactly what you want/need. The dipping sauce was interesting, though not quite my preference - it was more soy sauce-forward and darker than the typical nuoc mam I'm used to. Definitely unique, just not what I expected. Overall, this meal helped me feel human again after a rough day. Highly recommend for anyone looking for something comforting and a little different from your standard pho spot. Hope to visit in person soon!

House of Thai 2

3.4

(385 reviews)

Decor is on the old school rustic but still nice. Wooden benches with cushions along the wall and…read morechairs on the other side. Food was pretty good. We had one of their fried rice dishes and a curry. The curry was very good with lots of fresh veggies and it was seasoned nicely. The fried rice came a little more moist than I was expecting for a fried rice. It had good flavors though, but a bit on the salty side. Bathroom use requires a key that's readily available. It was very clean.

Five stars for the food! This is the best tom yum noodle soup I've had -- and I've had a lot! It…read morehad three kinds of pork in it - thinly sliced, ground and pork balls. A wonderful spicy broth snd ground peanuts mixed in. Sooo good. When I can tear myself away from the tom yum soup I also really like the stir fried noodles with veggies and pork and pork and the wonton noodle soup. I want to try other things on the menu but those three really call out to me..... Good service. I have only gone for lunch and it is never busy so you won't have to wait long to taste that yummy soup.

Nute's

4.3

(417 reviews)

What I ordered: Khao Soi Gai…read moreGuay Tiew Kua Poo Fried mushroom The first bite immediately made me understand the hype! Everything was so good I could literally cry. Every dish was executed perfectly, and surprisingly, my favorite was the fried mushroom, definitely a must-try! The khao soi had a very creamy coconut base with amazing flavor and a generous portion of chicken. The soup was rich, comforting, and full of depth. The guay tiew kua poo (fried crab noodles), which was a Saturday special, was super delicious, not greasy at all, packed with crab meat, and came in a huge portion! They have a waitlist but we didn't wait too long, and as a Japanese-Thai fusion restaurant, they also have plenty of ramen dishes that I would love to try, so I saved it for next time! Overall, great restaurant, I'm so happy with this meal!

The staff is a no BS kind of lady, she was strict on us all being there before she seated us. I…read morealso gotten Nute's through Doordash. Mushroom Fries $11 This was good with the sweet and sour sauce but the batter was either overdone or just not great because it was very hard and randomly shaped. Way too much batter to actual mushroom ratio. Tebasaki Chicken Wings $11 The crunch and chew was good but the chicken meat itself can be more flavorful and seasoned. The sauce on the skin was pretty good. Khao Soi Gai $18.50 i personally did not like the crunchy noodles on top, I think there was too much of it. The flavor of the curry is heavy and the oil separates a little if you take this to go. Pad Kee Mow It is good here, can get quite spicy quick. Yakisoba I crave this, love the vinegary taste of this noodle. Tofu and chicken tend to be a bit tough though.

Thai House Express Restaurant

3.5

(711 reviews)

Delicious Thai food right on the outskirts of Castro street, Amal little restaurant with a quaint…read morecozy atmosphere perfect for a little date spot. Food came out so so fast and was delicious! They kept checking in on us to make sure everything was good too The pad see ew was soft salty and a littttttle sweet and the yellow curry has all dark meat!

Once again this neighborhood staple is here to stay and not play around! The peanut curry is a…read more10/10, the jerky is chewy and salty just the way it's supposed to be. The hen is juicy and has a beautiful crust and don't miss those sauces!!!!! That pork belly is something I'm going to crave again and again. Perfect texture, so satisfying . Always get the papaya salad to cleanse the palate with its clean and light flavor. If you care about local restaurants that stand the test of time and deliver in flavor, come to this local Thai spot! Plus the workers are super sweet

Hem By Lequy

4.4

(90 reviews)

I've walked by this place a couple of times and finally tried it last night. So glad I did! I…read moreordered the bun cha ha noi. I've only ever had this in Hanoi, so I was pleasantly surprised how authentic the bun cha was here! However, service was a bit slow and inattentive. We had to flag down the staff multiple times to get the bill, and we never got our empty water glasses refilled. Despite poor service, the food more than made up for it. The menu had so many items that you don't typically see at most other Vietnamese restaurants in the city, including lots of seafood that looked pretty good. So I'm interested in coming back to try some more dishes another time.

I came during their soft opening and was pleasantly surprised! We were one of only two tables there…read morefor lunch, but the interior is spacious and just renovated so plenty of room for business. The menu here is big and focuses on a lot of different Viet foods besides pho. I tried: * Buttery garlicky Escargot: Interesting flavors! The snail meat was big and chewy and the dressing tasted a bit like thousand island dressing with basil. Snail could have been more tender * Special clay pot rice: Yum, very well marinated meat that was tender in thin slices (reminded me of galbi) over rice * Quail eggs in Scallop: Probably the star of show, with these flavorful garlic crisps on top of perfectly fried little eggs. Highly recommend. Overall, would love to come back and try more dishes. Hopefully more folks come to the Mission to try the place out so that it becomes livelier :)

Papa's Kitchen

3.9

(127 reviews)

Great food and service from mama. Got to do some people watching as well - turtles all the way downread more

Always Great Food. Thank you for the service!…read more 1244567890123558555434&578875446677887886665 and then xxx

Burma Classic

4.3

(65 reviews)

Burmese food is one of my favorite cuisines, so I was really excited to try this place. I ordered…read moreto-go, and the restaurant definitely feels way more catered toward pickup vs dine in. I tried: -Burmese spicy noodles with shrimp - The shrimp were really good, but there were only a few. The noodles were alright, but lacking any amazing flavors and there were far too many compared to the qty of shrimp. -Chili chicken - this was my fav, the dish was super flavorful and exactly what I hoped for. -Coconut rice - really good, and I love that they give more than just a tiny amount of the little coconut flakes on top lol. Overall a really solid option for Burmese takeout, but I wouldn't say it's one of the top Burmese restaurants in the city.

Ordered from Doordash…read more I ordered the Tea Leaf Salad & Vegetarian Samosa Soup,Mohin Gha (Puréed Catfish Chowder), and Platha. I really appreciate how Burma Classic took care in packaging the food. Nothing leaked and the salads were perfectly intact. The tea leaf salad was fresh and delicious! Full of flavor and fragrant, with a nice mixture of crispy, soft, and crunchy textures. I would definitely order this again. The catfish chowder was very good as well. My go to was Ar Har Ya but they closed so I've been on the hunt to find a similar level of quality. The chowder has less pureed fish than Ar Har Ya's but the flavors were pretty decent. Definitely sufficient to fulfill the cravings. And the soup was piping hot. The rice noodles, egg and chickpea crisps were packaged separately. I wish there was more noodles though. The samosa soup was very interesting to me. The tangy veggie soup really gets the appetite going. Also really like how the crispy samosa, veggies, and falafel-like fritter were packaged separately. I personally didn't care for the platha. It was quite thick and kinda sweet and gummy? I feel like it could be flakier and softer. My friend ordered the chicken set with basil chicken and the garlic eggplant, which I had also tried. Both were good flavorwise but the chicken was a bit dry, as it was chicken breast pieces. The garlic eggplant was done very well. The shape, color, and flavor were all on point.

Little Szechuan

3.6

(704 reviews)