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ZipPicks Awards
Best Late Night Chinese in Chinatown
Best Chinese in Chinatown
Best Dim Sum in Chinatown
Master Critic Review
Hang Ah Tea Room
7.8
America’s oldest dim sum parlor (since 1920) tucked off Sacramento Street, serving late-evening baskets and rice rolls in a cozy alcove. Reliability and nostalgia lead—perfect for a low-key night bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Har gow (shrimp dumplings), Siu mai, Shrimp rice noodle roll
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Historic alleyway dim sum house with late service hours.
Who should go: Dim sum fans seeking a relaxed night bite
When to visit: Thu–Sat after 8pm for quieter tables
What to order: Har gow, siu mai, shrimp cheung fun
Insider tip: Look for the alley entrance—follow signs off Sacramento.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—tight after 6pm near Sacramento and Stockton; best to use the Sutter-Stockton Garage three blocks away.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; jeans and sneakers are fine, no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly except for short peaks when large tables fill the back room.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes for small groups; larger parties may wait up to 45 minutes without reservation.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of vegetarian dim sum such as vegetable dumplings, turnip cake, and eggplant dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—most items use egg or shrimp, but a few steamed veggie options exist.
Gluten-free options: Minimal—most dumplings use wheat wrappers; rice noodle rolls are the safer choice.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you value charm over flash—the cozy, tucked-away setting feels intimate but informal. Ideal for relaxed conversation and shared dim sum baskets.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes—walk-ins are welcome, but expect short waits on weekend evenings or holidays. Smaller parties are seated faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families often dine here. The staff is accommodating, and the familiar dumpling dishes tend to please younger eaters.
Best For
Better for: Historic atmosphere and late-night dim sum—perfect for visitors seeking authenticity in Chinatown.
Skip if: You’re after ultra-modern presentation or extensive vegan/gluten-free menus; newer dim sum houses downtown fit that bill better.
Hours
Monday10:30am - 8pm
Tuesday10:30am - 8pm
Wednesday10:30am - 8pm
Thursday10:30am - 9:30pm
Friday10:30am - 10pm
Saturday10:30am - 10pm
Sunday10:30am - 8pm