+1 650-763-1668
Nestled in the heart of South San Francisco, Hing Lung Cafe offers an authentic Hong Kong-style fast food experience that delights both locals and visitors craving traditional Cantonese flavors. This lively eatery captures the bustling spirit of Hong Kong’s street food scene, delivering a menu packed with beloved classics that invite you to savor every bite.
Step inside and you’ll immediately feel the warm, bustling atmosphere reminiscent of a beloved neighborhood cha chaan teng. The space brings together a crowd of devoted regulars and newcomers eager to explore the rich flavors of Hong Kong cuisine. Despite the weekday or weekend rush, the staff remains attentive and welcoming, deftly accommodating diners with a genuine smile and nimble service.
The menu is a treasure trove for lovers of Cantonese comfort food. Standouts include the silky Sampan Congee, a soul-soothing rice porridge that embodies home-style nourishment. The iconic 乾炒牛河 (H K Style Beef Chow Fun) boasts perfectly stir-fried wide rice noodles enveloped in tender beef and wok hei, every mouthful rich with smoky, savory notes that make this dish an undeniable crowd-pleaser.
Don’t miss the Shrimp Dumplings Noodles Soup, where plump, juicy shrimp dumplings nestle in a soothing broth, providing a delightful contrast between delicate seafood sweetness and comforting warmth. The House Special Rice Noodle In Fish Broth stands out with an intricate medley of dace fish cake, fish ball, shrimp, and fish tofu swimming in a fragrant, umami-rich fish broth—a dish that customer DYJ1948 turned to for comfort, praising the quality and generous portions.
For those seeking crispy, savory appetizers, Hing Lung’s Salt & Pepper Tofu and Deep-Fried Vegetable Egg Rolls offer crunchy textures and bold seasoning that perfectly complement the heartier mains. Meanwhile, the Honey Glazed BBQ Pork entices with its caramelized exterior and tender, juicy interior, a perfect marriage of sweet and savory flavors that lingers on your palate.
Whether you’re sharing plates like the robust Peking Duck or enjoying individual delights such as the Beef Brisket Dry Lo Mein with Wontons Soup on the Side, every dish feels carefully crafted to honor authentic flavor profiles while delivering satisfying portions. The extensive rice and noodle offerings, from the fragrant Yang Chow Fried Rice to the slightly spicy Seafood Fried Rice with XO Sauce, round out a menu that’s as diverse as it is delectable.
Customers like Christina Ng note that while street parking can be a challenge, the warm and bustling environment makes the visit worthwhile. The restaurant’s willingness to accommodate larger parties and its generous portion sizes ensure you leave well-satisfied, often with leftovers to savor the next day. It’s an inviting spot where every dish tells a story of Hong Kong’s rich culinary heritage, brought to life by flavorful, fresh ingredients and passionate preparation.
For those longing for a genuine taste of Hong Kong without leaving the Bay Area, Hing Lung Cafe serves as a delightful culinary destination. Its blend of authentic tastes, cozy atmosphere, and dependable service makes it a standout that keeps diners returning for more unforgettable meals.
Street parking can be hard but we were lucky to find one not too far away. It was busy on a Saturday evening with what seems like a lot of regulars. We were a party of 5 and they sat us at a table for 4 and added a chair on the end. Once we ordered, they moved us to a big table. We ordered way too much for 5 people. Ending up taking a lot home. Everything was very good. Except the veggie was a little too tough/mature. And the mixed mushroom with egg tofu was not mixed mushroom but only one type of mushroom. The egg tofu was very good with the broccoli. The bbq pork with chicken appetizer was good too. The bbq pork was so juicy and flavorful. Portions here are very big and prices are reasonable.
First time at this restaurant, we were both under the weather and needed some soup. We were planning to get some pho but our place was closed today. We found Hing Lung and decided to give it a try. We had shrimp dumplings noodles soup and the fish broth soup. The dumplings were huge and there was four pieces. It was good but the soup was a bit salty. My fish broth cat with a lot of shrimp and fish cakes and balls. The soup was excellent, rich with a complex but neutral flavor. However the noodles in it reminded me of spaghetti noodles which downgraded the dish. The place was packed with 90% Chinese but service was quick. We’ll come back to check out other dishes. Prices were good.