Eat in San Francisco: Mandalay Restaurant

Tea Leaf Salad (Lap Pat Dok) made with Burmese tea leaves, lentil, shrimp, garlic, green pepper, sesame seeds, peanuts, and dressing


Left: Balada crispy pancake with curry dipping sauce

Right: Coconut Rice


Pumpkin Curry Chicken

Last June, my dining companion and I visited Mandalay Restaurant, a cozy Burmese eatery on California and 6th in the Inner Richmond, for the first time. With many recommendations from friends as well as a new spot on the San Francisco Chronicle's Top 100 Restaurants in the Bay Area list for 2025 (see more winners here), and a James Beard Foundation Award for 2024, we were definitely in for a treat. They serve delicious Burmese classics like tea leaf salad, curry meat and vegetable plates, rice dishes, and noodles, which are bound to satisfy any foodie.

We tried a few things on our trip. We started with the Tea Leaf Salad (Lap Pat Dok) made with Burmese tea leaves, lentil, shrimp, garlic, green pepper, sesame seeds, peanuts, and dressing. The ingredients were fresh and had that crunchy texture I like. (Note: if you're sensitive to caffeine, this may keep you up at night.) We also shared the Balada crispy pancake with curry dipping sauce, which reminded me of the buttery rotis I've loved before. For our main course, we had the Pumpkin Curry Chicken with a side of Coconut Rice, both of which were a hit. I remember everything was well-made and flavorful, with incredibly hospitable service to boot.

Next time I would probably order the same starters and try a noodle or rice dish. Better yet, I'd go with a crowd so we can have a little bit of everything.

Mandalay Restaurant

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4348 California St., San Francisco, CA 94118

Open: Monday & Wednesday - Thursday 4:30 - 8:30pm, Friday 11:30am - 3:30pm & 4:30 - 8:30pm, Saturday - Sunday 11:30am - 8:30pm

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Eat in San Francisco: MOMO noodle

Momo Spicy Noodle made with spicy egg noodles, wood ear mushroom, green onion, roasted garlic, ground peanut, and greens

I tried MOMO noodle, a food truck and now restaurant serving spicy noodles at Saluhall on Market between 5th and 6th in SoMa, for the first time last May.

Given the four noodle varieties available, I opted for the Momo Spicy Noodle. These egg noodles are mixed with their signature chili oil sauce and Sichuan pepper and then topped with wood ear mushroom, green onion, roasted garlic, ground peanut, and greens. I remember thinking the noodles had a lot of flavor (perhaps too spicy for me!) and the dish was made with fresh ingredients. This flavor profile was new to me, making it worth a future trip.

Next time I may try Popo's Noodle, made with sesame and peanut paste, or the Spicy Chicken Noodle, featuring cubes of spicy garlic chicken.

MOMO noodle

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Located in Saluhall SF: 945 Market St., Floor 2, San Francisco, CA 94103

Open: Sunday - Thursday 11am - 7pm, Friday - Saturday 11am - 7:30pm

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Eat in San Francisco: Breadbelly (Pt. 2)

Rhubarb-Lychee Danish




Kaya Toast made with milk bread, coconut-pandan jam, and Maldon sea salt

I've visited Breadbelly, a popular bakery on Clement and 15th in the Inner Richmond, a few times since I first reviewed them in March 2023. (They're opening a new location in Pier 70 in the Dogpatch this summer.) In that post, I said I was hoping to try their famous Kaya Toast, which I can now say has been accomplished.

On this trip last June, I tried a couple of things on their tantalizing menu: the Rhubarb-Lychee Danish and the Kaya Toast. The Danish was as delicious as it was photogenic; this lovely laminated pastry had a nice balance of sweet and savory flavors. The Kaya Toast is composed of milk bread, coconut-pandan jam, and a hint of Maldon sea salt. The bread is a great base for the creamy pandan flavor I love, which is perfectly accentuated by the sea salt added on top.

Next time I'll try their Kaya Bun – which is a milk bread bun filled with cream and reminds me of so many delicious buns I've had at Bake Sum in Oakland – or the Sesame Cookie, which is made with two kinds of sesame seeds (!!). 

Breadbelly

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1408 Clement St., San Francisco, CA 94118

Open: Wednesday - Monday 8am - 2pm

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Eat in San Francisco: Freshroll Vietnamese Rolls & Bowls

Garlicky Noodz made with grilled honey chicken, pickled onions, broccolini, and green onions




Fresh Sandwich made with grilled pork, NamNam Sauce, pickled veggies, cilantro, cucumber, and a toasted French baguette

Last May, I had Freshroll Vietnamese Rolls & Bowls, a casual Vietnamese restaurant at the Metreon on 4th in SoMa, for the first time. With locations in the Financial District and Berkeley, Freshroll serves a variety of rice and bowl dishes perfect for a delicious weekday lunch.

I ordered two items: the Garlicky Noodz made with grilled honey chicken, pickled onions, broccolini, and green onions, and the Fresh Sandwich made with grilled pork, NamNam Sauce, pickled veggies, cilantro, cucumber, and a toasted French baguette. Both were made with fresh ingredients, had dynamic flavor profiles, and elevated the quick weekday lunch.

Next time I stop by, I may have the Garlicky Noodz again or try the Pork Fried Rice and a Vietnamese Cold-Brew Iced Coffee.

Freshroll Vietnamese Rolls & Bowls

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157 4th St., San Francisco, CA 94109

Open: Monday - Friday 11am - 8pm, Saturday 11am - 7pm

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Eat in San Francisco: Sandy's

Classic Muffuletta made with Italian bread, mortadella, prosciutto, salami, provolone, spicy olive spread, and Duke's mayo

Last May I tried my first muffuletta from Sandy's, a casual New Orleans style restaurant on Haight and Ashbury. Mostly known for these hearty sandwiches, they also serve their own spin on deli staples, like Herby 'Slaw, Pickled Egg Salad, and Pimento Cheese.

I had the Classic Muffuletta made with Italian bread, mortadella, prosciutto, salami, provolone, spicy olive spread, and Duke's mayo. This sandwich was both packed with filling and flavor. It had a lot of ingredients, making it a great lunch option. Moreover, all of the savory, spicy, and creamy notes joined together to create a truly delicious meal that surpassed expectations. (Who knew a sandwich could be so good?)

I would stop by again, next time ordering the Roasted Mushroom Muffuletta or the Pickled Egg Salad Sandy. They also feature intriguing specials like the Red Beans & Rice Burrito, Buttermilk Biscuits, or Pimento Dogs.

Sandy's

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1457 Haight St., San Francisco, CA 94117

Open: Monday - Thursday 11am - 4pm, Friday 11am - 5pm, Saturday - Sunday 10am - 5pm

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Eat in San Francisco: Banh Mi Crunch

Meatball (Xiu Mai) Banh Mi

Last May I stopped by Banh Mi Crunch, a casual Vietnamese spot on Irving and 8th in the Inner Sunset, for the first time. In search of an affordable lunch option, I was pleasantly surprised to find this eatery that serves banh mi sandwiches, barbecue rice plates, and vermicelli bowls.

I ordered the Meatball (Xiu Mai) Banh Mi, which came with the usual mayonnaise, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, cilantro, and jalapeño. Although it's been a while, I remember really enjoying the sandwich and thinking the meatball flavor was everything I hoped for.

Next time I stop by, I may order another meatball sandwich or try a vermicelli bowl. 

Banh Mi Crunch

Yelp

646 Irving St., San Francisco, CA 94122

Open: Wednesday - Monday 9:30am - 7pm

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Eat in San Francisco: Cinderella Bakery & Cafe (Pt. 2)

Left: Borsch Soup made with chopped vegetables, cabbage, potatoes, beets in a broth, and sour cream

Right: Strawberry Croissant

Left: Baked Piroshki

Right: Babushka’s Chicken Soup made with shredded chicken, noodles, carrots, and chicken broth

I've visited Cinderella Bakery & Cafe — a popular Russian eatery on Balboa between 5th and 6th in the Inner Richmond — up to ten times since first reviewing it in 2020. On this trip in May of 2024, I went with my dining companion and parents, the latter of whom have never been.

We tried a few soups and baked goods for lunch. The classic Borsch Soup was made with chopped vegetables, cabbage, potatoes, beets in a broth, and sour cream, while Babushka’s Chicken Soup had shredded chicken, noodles, carrots, and chicken broth. The Strawberry Croissant had a buttery, flakiness and fresh strawberries, while the Baked Piroshki was very comforting. 

Next time I stop by, I will definitely order a few fruit pastries and maybe a boiled dumpling plate to share.

Cinderella Bakery & Cafe

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436 Balboa St., San Francisco, CA 94118

Open: Daily 7am - 7pm

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Eat in San Francisco: Joe’s Ice Cream & Burgers

Left: Mint Oreo ice cream

Right: Black Sesame ice cream

After having dinner at Volcano Curry of Japan last April, our group made our way next door to Joe’s Ice Cream & Burgers for dessert. Located on Geary at 19th, Joe's serves a variety of ice cream flavors, like Dalgona Coffee, Maple Nut, and Sweet Red Bean, as well as burgers, fries, and other savory foods.

I tried a cup of the Black Sesame ice cream, while my dining companion had the Mint Oreo. As a big fan of black sesame, I remember enjoying the flavor a lot and thinking it was very creamy.

I would definitely stop by again to try some more ice cream, like the Salted Caramel, Earl Grey, or Mango. If I'm craving something saltier, I may order the Tokkochi or Gochujang Fries.

Joe’s Ice Cream & Burgers

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5420 Geary Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94121

Open: Monday - Thursday 11am - 9pm, Friday - Saturday 11am - 10pm, Sunday 12 - 9pm

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Eat in San Francisco: Volcano Curry of Japan

Pork Katsu Curry with rice, potatoes, and carrots


Mini Sandwich

I've visited Volcano Curry of Japan, a casual Japanese curry restaurant on Geary and 19th in the Outer Richmond, twice since I've lived here. 

On this visit in April of last year, I ordered the Pork Katsu Curry with rice, potatoes, and carrots. Their curry is very flavorful, while they give you a sizable amount of perfectly crispy pork. The rice and vegetables round out each bite, making Volcano Curry a spot any Japanese curry fan would love.

The next time I stop by, I will most likely order the Pork Katsu, maybe experimenting with the Potato Croquette or the Chicken Karaage. (Check out their menu for more details.)

Volcano Curry of Japan

Website | Yelp

5454 Geary Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94121

Open: Daily 11:30am - 8:30pm

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Eat in San Francisco: Sunny Wheatfield Cafe

Left: Curry bun

Right: Red bean pastry

Left: Taro cake

Right: Egg tart

After moving from Oakland to San Francisco in April 2024, I explored new parts of the city that were previously far from me. One of those areas included the Outer Sunset, which is where Sunny Wheatfield Cafe is located. Found on Irving between 24th and 25th, this Chinese bakery serves the sweet and savory treats you're looking for.

I grabbed a few things on my visit: a curry bun, red bean pastry, taro cake, and egg tart. Although I don't remember the specifics, I remember thinking this is a good place to return to when I'm craving these types of treats in the area. The curry bun had a nice flavor, while the red bean had a nice balance of sweetness and flakiness. The taro cake is quite photogenic, but I don't believe it was too sugary. The egg tart had that nice buttery crust I like.

The next time I'm in the area, I'll definitely pick up an egg tart and a few new-to-me savory goods for the road.

Sunny Wheatfield Cafe

Yelp

2305 Irving St., San Francisco, CA 94122

Open: Daily 8am - 5pm

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Eat in Oakland: Almond and Oak

Buttermilk Biscuit with butter and house strawberry jam

Fried Chicken Sandwich served with mixed greens

I visited Almond and Oak — a popular brunch spot serving New American food on Grand near Elwood in Grand Lake — with a good friend at the end of March 2024. Although this was my first time here, I had previously visited the restaurant it was before, Penrose, years ago.

I ordered a fried chicken sandwich, while my friend had the Benedict. Although it's been a while, I remember being pleasantly surprised with the meal, as was my friend. The chicken was juicy and perfectly fried. We split a Buttermilk Biscuit with butter and house strawberry jam, which was as buttery as desired. 

If I'm looking for brunch in the area, I would be sure to check out Almond and Oak, opting for a new dish like the Shrimp & Grits or the Quiche. Some of the salads on the dinner menu are also appealing.

Almond and Oak 

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3311 Grand Ave., Oakland, CA 94610

Open: Tuesday - Friday 5 - 9pm, Saturday 10am - 2pm & 5 - 9pm, Sunday 10am - 2pm

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Eat in Mexico City: Brujas

Hummus with Peanuts made with roasted eggplant, charred cucumber, jicama, and chile de árbol


Left: The Naked Mask made with Sotol, Bonanto, and citric peel cordial

Right: Amazona made with Chivas Extra Tequila, yucca, honey soda, cinnamon, and pepper tincture

My dining companion and I visited Brujas — an amazing, woman-run cocktail bar located in La Casa de Las Brujas building on Calle Rio de Janeiro in Roma Norte — last March. With its dark interiors, Brujas has a menu of beautifully made, moody cocktails to match, all of which have a story of their own. 

Since we stopped by before dinner, we ordered two drinks and an appetizer to share. The Hummus with Peanuts was made with roasted eggplant, charred cucumber, jicama, and chile de árbol; like much of the food we had in Mexico City, it was as delicious as it looks. It came with lightly baked pita chips that were perfect for the hummus made with fresh ingredients. 

The cocktails were equally impressive. Given my affinity towards sweet drinks, I had the Amazona made with Chivas Extra Tequila, yucca, honey soda, cinnamon, and pepper tincture. My dining companion ordered The Naked Mask made with Sotol, Bonanto, and citric peel cordial. They were both expertly prepared and refreshing in the warm weather.

Beyond the excellent food and drinks, Brujas creates a fun atmosphere worth checking out. (I will definitely be back!) I would highly recommend taking a peek at their Instagram as well. 

Brujas

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La Casa de Las Brujas, Calle Rio de Janeiro 56 Local B Col, Roma Nte., 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Open: Tuesday - Saturday 5pm - 1:30am, Sunday 5pm - 12am

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Dessert in Mexico City: Churrería El Moro, Amorino, and Pazzesca Pizzeria

Churro from Churrería El Moro


Left: Coffee, Mint, and Hazelnut gelato from Amorino

Right: Mango, Tiramisù, and Stracciatella gelato with a Strawberry macaron from Amorino

Tiramisu from Pazzesca Pizzeria


Right: Margarita from Pazzesca Pizzeria

My dining companion and I tried a variety of desserts while exploring Mexico City last March. 

We first tried a churro from Churrería El Moro, a popular churro chain found on Génova in Juárez as well as throughout Mexico City and now in some parts of California. The churro was perfectly sweet, had the crunch we were looking for, and was pretty inexpensive. It is no surprise that churros are a must-try when you're in town. Next time, I might order one with a chocolate or caramel dipping sauce.

To cool off on a warm day, we stopped by Amorino for gelato: a gelato chain on Av. Emilio Castelar in Polanco with locations across Mexico, the US, Europe, and elsewhere. I ordered a cup with three flavors — Coffee, Mint, and Hazelnut — all of which were delicious. My dining companion had Mango, Tiramisù, and Stracciatella gelato, served in the shape of a flower, with a Strawberry macaron on top, which he also enjoyed. They actually have a location near San Francisco's Union Square, which I can easily visit the next time I'm craving gelato.

My dining companion is a big fan of tiramisu, which we tried at a cool pizza spot known as Pazzesca Pizzeria on Calle Marsella in the Juárez neighborhood. This beautifully made dessert was as good as expected, while we also enjoyed a couple of drinks to end the night. I would definitely stop by again the next time I'm nearby. 

Churrería El Moro

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C. Génova 59, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Open: Sunday - Thursday 8am - 10pm, Friday - Saturday 8am - 11pm

Amorino

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Av. Emilio Castelar 107H, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11550 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Open: Monday - Wednesday 8am - 11pm, Thursday 8am - 12am, Friday - Saturday 8am - 1am, Sunday 10am - 10pm

Pazzesca Pizzeria

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Calle Marsella 59, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Open: Monday - Tuesday 1pm - 10pm, Wednesday - Thursday 1pm - 11pm, Friday 1pm - 12am, Saturday 10am - 12am, Sunday 10am - 8pm

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Eat in Mexico City: Wabi Sushi

Fried Tofu made with silken tofu, ginger, scallion, soy sauce, and mirin 


Korean Spicy Tuna made with masago, avocado, and cucumber

Spicy Tuna & Unagi Tempura Maki


Gyu Gyozas made with rib eye


Left: Shiso Sour made with Sake Junmai, shiso, yuzu, ginger syrup, egg white, shochu, and sansho

Right: One Lychee Nigiri Please! made with Tanqueray London Gin, sake, lychee, pixtle syrup, rice vinegar, and orange bitters

Last March, my dining companion and I had a wonderful meal at Wabi Sushi — a sleek sushi and sake restaurant on Orizaba and Colima in the Roma Norte neighborhood of Mexico City.

We started with a couple of cocktails: the Shiso Sour (made with sake Junmai, shiso, yuzu, ginger syrup, egg white, shochu, and sansho) and One Lychee Nigiri Please! (made with Tanqueray London Gin, sake, lychee, pixtle syrup, rice vinegar, and orange bitters), both of which were dynamic and delicious. 

We then had the delicately Fried Tofu, made with silken tofu, ginger, scallion, soy sauce, and mirin, and beautifully pan-fried Gyu Gyozas with rib eye. We shared a couple of sushi rolls: the Korean Spicy Tuna, made with masago, avocado, and cucumber, and the Spicy Tuna & Unagi Tempura Maki. Although it's been a while, I remember that everything was as flavorful as it is photogenic.

I would definitely stop by again in the future, perhaps trying another amazing cocktail, the Tuna Drum, or the Mango Sticky Rice.

Wabi Sushi

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C. Orizaba 76, Centro Urbano Pdte. Juárez, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Open: Daily 1pm - 10:30pm

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Eat in Mexico City: Mux Restaurante

Tender Nopales Salad made with avocado, queso criollo, artisan cream, and regional fruit, served with tostadas




Chicken with green pipian mole


Tamal and rice


Left: Berry mocktail

Right: Lemon mezcal spritz

Along with Pasillo de Humo, Mux Restaurante served one of our favorite meals during our trip to Mexico City in March 2024. Located on Jalapa and San Luis Potosí in the Roma Norte neighborhood, Mux features cuisines from across the country. 

My dining companion and I started with a couple of drinks: a fruity, berry-infused mocktail and a lemon mezcal spritz, both of which were refreshing. We then shared the Tender Nopales Salad made with avocado, queso criollo, artisan cream, regional fruit, and tostadas. Although it looks like the most beautiful take on "chips & guac," it also had a dynamic flavor profile and showcased the diversity of fresh, local ingredients in which Mux is known. We then had the Chicken with green pipian mole — another mouthwatering mole that we made sure to finish every bite of. I remember the chicken being perfectly tender. We also enjoyed the fire-roasted tamal and rice.

Considering this night of wonderful food and service, we would definitely visit Mux the next time we're in town. Their menu changes seasonally, but we'll be sure to order another mole dish, stop by for brunch, or try something fun like the gordita bandera. 

Mux Restaurante

Instagram

Jalapa 189, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Cuauhtémoc, CDMX, Mexico

Open: Daily 9am - 11pm

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