Top 16 congee in San Francisco
Discover the delights of congee in San Francisco, where this comforting rice porridge is prepared with cultural diversity and culinary creativity. From traditional Chinese congee with savory toppings to modern adaptations featuring local ingredients, San Francisco offers a wide array of congee options to satisfy any craving. Join us as we explore the best places to try congee in this vibrant city.
- 1. Sam Wo Restaurant
- 2. Dragon Beaux
- 3. Begoni Bistro
- 4. Grant Place Restaurant
- 5. Joyful Kitchen
- 6. Sun Maxim's
- 7. Gourmet Dim Sum and Cafe
- 8. Piglet & Co
- 9. Tak Kee
- 10. Benihana
- 11. San Sun Restaurant
- 12. Osmanthus Dim Sum Lounge
- 13. Wing Sing Dim Sum
- 14. Yummy Dim Sum & Fast Food
- 15. Wing Lee Bakery
- 16. Venus Cafe San Francisco
1. Sam Wo Restaurant
Long-standing family-run business, Cash-only restaurant

Pork and Preserved Egg Jook, also known as congee, is a delicious and comforting dish. The texture of the congee was perfect, providing a soothing and filled sensation. The flavors were well-balanced, allowing each ingredient to shine while complementing one another.
A recent visit to a little congee shop resulted in a delightful culinary experience. The food served was delicious, with options such as fish congee, wonton soup, iced milk tea, and char shu rice roll. Each dish had its unique taste and quality, which made the meal enjoyable. Despite the shop's busy atmosphere, the waitress was attentive and ensured that customers were well taken care of. However, it is worth noting that the mustard dipping sauce has a strong kick, so be prepared for a spicy surprise.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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2. Dragon Beaux
dim sum specialist, modern atmosphere, creative menu

The beef congee lacked flavor and was a disappointing dish for me. On the other hand, there were several highlights of the meal. The scallop shumai was a standout, with its fresh and delicate taste. The chicken feet were another favorite, cooked to perfection and full of flavor. The bbq pork bao was a delicious and satisfying dish, with its tender meat and fluffy bun. The stuffed eggplant with shrimp was also a hit, with its unique combination of flavors and textures.
Overall, the meal had its ups and downs. While the beef congee failed to impress, the other dishes more than made up for it. The scallop shumai, chicken feet, bbq pork bao, and stuffed eggplant with shrimp were all delicious and memorable. The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, making it a great place to explore different flavors and textures. Despite the one miss, I would still recommend this restaurant for its tasty and authentic Asian cuisine.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
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3. Begoni Bistro
Family-owned bistro with a cozy atmosphere and friendly service

The congee at this establishment is a must-try dish, known for its rich and satisfying taste, reminiscent of homemade versions. Its warmth and comforting texture make it an ideal choice for those chilly days.
This restaurant's congee is a standout option, praised for its delicious flavor and satisfying consistency. Its warmth and comforting qualities make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a comforting meal, particularly on cooler days.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Lunch
- Dinner
4. Grant Place Restaurant
Family-owned establishment serving homestyle Chinese and Filipino dishes since 1979

The congee I tried was decent, but I found it lacking in flavor depth. The texture was smooth and enjoyable, but I was hoping for a more robust taste.
On the other hand, the congee at this same place is highly recommended. It boasts a rich flavor profile and a satisfying portion size. Among the various options, the seafood congee is a clear standout.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Budget-Friendly Eats
5. Joyful Kitchen
Family-owned for over 20 years, Known for their authentic Cantonese cuisine

We enjoyed a satisfying meal at the restaurant, which included the special rice noodle roll with pork and a hearty chicken porridge. Both dishes were flavorful and generously sized, leaving us stuffed to the brim. Fortunately, we were able to save the leftovers for another meal.
The rice noodle roll was a standout dish, with a delicate texture and savory pork filling. Meanwhile, the chicken porridge, also known as congee, was a comforting and soothing choice. Its creamy texture and tender chicken pieces made for a satisfying and delicious meal. We appreciated the generous portions, which allowed us to enjoy the leftovers for another meal. Overall, we had a great dining experience with delicious and filling food.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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6. Sun Maxim's
Family-owned for over 25 years, Serves breakfast and lunch

The Hong Kong-style congee is a popular choice at this establishment, often ordered with a request for roasted peanuts to accompany Chinese doughnuts. The restaurant is known for its delicious dim sum and affordable prices, with a meal for two including an egg roll, beef congee, and coconut soup with oolong tea coming in at only $21 before tips.
In addition to the congee, the clay pot rice is also a highly recommended dish. Like the congee, the clay pot rice is freshly made, ensuring a high-quality and enjoyable dining experience. The affordability and delicious food make this restaurant a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a meal of Hong Kong-style cuisine.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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7. Gourmet Dim Sum and Cafe
Dim sum carts with freshly prepared dishes, Cozy and inviting atmosphere

The congee served at this establishment is worth trying, known for its delicious flavor and desirable consistency. The restaurant has earned a recommendation based on the quality of this dish alone. However, there is variation in opinion, as some may find the congee to be merely adequate, without standing out as exceptionally remarkable.
In addition to the congee, the dim sum is a definite highlight of the dining experience. Even if the congee does not meet every expectation, the excellent dim sum ensures a positive overall impression of the restaurant. The qualitative distinctions of the congee may differ depending on the individual's taste preferences, but it cannot be denied that the dim sum forms an impressive part of the menu.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
8. Piglet & Co
Local ingredients, homemade sauces, and a cozy atmosphere

Piglet & Co serves a congee that is truly exceptional, with perfectly balanced flavors that make it one of the best I've ever had. The creamy texture is reminiscent of comforting homemade dishes.
The congee at Piglet & Co is a must-try for any congee lover. Its rich and creamy texture is delightful, and the balanced flavors are sure to impress. This dish is a standout and is sure to leave a lasting impression.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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9. Tak Kee
Family-owned restaurant serving comforting Hong Kong-style dishes

The congee brought back memories of how it was prepared by the listener's grandma, making it a nostalgic experience. Its taste was delightful, and its comforting qualities were particularly notable. Its delicious flavor made it a perfect dish for a chilly day.
In describing the congee, the listener emphasized its delicious taste and the comfort it provided. Its ability to evoke nostalgia was also highlighted, indicating its sentimental value. The congee was especially enjoyable during cold weather, making it an ideal dish for chilly days.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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10. Benihana
Hibachi-style dining, Full bar with signature cocktails, Attentive and friendly service

Benihana is a popular restaurant known for its lively atmosphere and friendly staff. However, potential guests should be aware of the possibility of long wait times, especially during holiday weekends. The restaurant's food has received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its bold flavors, while others describe it as heavily seasoned and lacking in depth. Unfortunately, there have also been reports of missing items in orders and long wait times without food delivery.
Diners at Benihana should be prepared for the potential of delays and subpar food quality. While the restaurant can provide an enjoyable experience with its entertaining chefs and energetic environment, guests may be disappointed with their meal or have to deal with order issues. It is important for guests to manage their expectations and be aware of the potential drawbacks before dining at Benihana.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- High-End
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11. San Sun Restaurant
Authentic Cantonese cuisine with a modern twist

The congee offered at this location is a delicious and satisfying choice. Its texture is well-prepared and it comes with a generous serving of toppings. Overall, the congee is a comforting and flavorful dish, making it an excellent option for those cold days.
In particular, the toppings add an extra element of enjoyment to the congee. They provide a range of flavors and textures that complement the smoothness of the congee. The combination of these elements results in a truly delightful dining experience. Whether you're looking for a hearty breakfast or a warming lunch, this congee is sure to hit the spot.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
12. Osmanthus Dim Sum Lounge
Unique and traditional Chinese teahouse ambiance with an extensive tea selection

The congee offered at this location is a must-try for anyone looking for a comforting and flavorful meal, especially on a chilly day. The texture of the congee is smooth and satisfying, and it is served with a variety of tasty toppings that add an extra layer of flavor and satisfaction.
I had the pleasure of trying the congee and was impressed with its rich, savory taste and filling quality. The toppings provided a great textural contrast and added even more depth of flavor to the dish. I highly recommend giving this congee a try if you're looking for a delicious and satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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13. Wing Sing Dim Sum
Serving dim sum and congee since 1986, Friendly service, Cash-only

The congee offered at this location is a must-try for any visitor. Its flavorful and comforting qualities make it an ideal choice for a chilly day. The congee is delicious and features a range of toppings to choose from, enhancing its appeal.
This establishment's congee is highly recommended for those seeking a satisfying and enjoyable dining experience. Its taste and comfort level are standout features, and the variety of toppings available make it a versatile and appealing dish. Whether you're looking for a hot and comforting meal on a cold day or simply want to try something new and delicious, this congee is an excellent choice.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Asian Cuisine
- Lunch
- Dinner
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14. Yummy Dim Sum & Fast Food
Authentic Hong Kong-style dim sum, Freshly made to order

The congee offered at this establishment is a must-try for any visitor. It is well-seasoned, providing a depth of flavor that enhances the dish. The texture of the congee is also worth mentioning, as it is smooth and creamy without being overly thick or thin. It is clear that they have put thought and care into the preparation of this dish.
I had the opportunity to try the congee for myself and can confirm that it is indeed delicious. The consistency was spot-on, with just the right amount of body to make it filling without being overwhelming. The flavors were rich and satisfying, making for a truly enjoyable dining experience. Overall, the congee is a standout dish that should not be missed.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Lunch
- Dinner
15. Wing Lee Bakery
Family-owned for over 50 years, Cash-only, No seating available

Wing Lee Bakery is known for its delicious congee. The pork congee, in particular, is a standout option with its flavorful taste and satisfyingly filling quality. The dish has a great texture that adds to its appeal.
Overall, if you're looking to try some tasty congee, Wing Lee Bakery is the place to go. The pork congee is a must-try, with its perfect balance of flavors and hearty ingredients. Whether you're a fan of congee or just looking to try something new, this dish is sure to impress.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Vegetarian Options
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16. Venus Cafe San Francisco
Cash-only, small and unassuming storefront, long-standing family-owned business since 1980

Congee, a type of rice porridge, is a popular comfort food in many Asian cultures. At Venus Cafe, the congee is a must-try dish that strongly resembles homemade versions, particularly the way moms make it. The Venus Cafe congee is hearty and satisfying, complete with an assortment of tasty toppings.
Nostalgia and deliciousness are the hallmarks of Venus Cafe's congee. This comforting rice porridge takes diners back to their childhoods, evoking memories of being cared for and nourished. The heartiness of the congee, coupled with its array of toppings, ensures a satisfying and flavorful dining experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
- Dinner
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