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ZipPicks Awards

Best Late Night Chinese in Chinatown Best Chinese in Chinatown Best Dim Sum in Chinatown

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Hang Ah Tea Room 7.8
Chinatown
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