I spend a lot more time in the city lately and am trying to make the most of it by checking out the local fare. This area, Pacific Heights, is filled with a ton of restaurants, from big to small, and shopping.
A recent place, Dumplings & Buns – Asian Comfort Fare, that I tried left me a bit frustrated, by no fault of the establishment, as I have food allergies. I had attempted to order several items but unsuccessful at my requests to exclude a certain ingredient. Although I did not order what I had really wanted, my ultimate choices ended up hitting the spot.
The staff member at the counter was incredibly helpful and patient in trying to help me figure out what I could and could not order. He was knowledgeable enough to even suggest that I don’t try certain items as they possibly could have included my food allergens even though it was not listed on the menu. Better safe than sorry!
Food is prepared fresh every morning, which is great. Who doesn’t love fresh food? Not so great for those with food allergies as you cannot exclude certain ingredients.
The barbecue pork buns, $2 each, $10 for 6 or $18 for 12, are pretty average, definitely not outstanding but certainly not bad. The bun has the desired spongy texture that you would expect and the barbecue pork stuffing is of decent quantity but not worth writing home about.
Kowloon Wraps did not exactly get my attention in the display case as I had a few other items in mind first but ultimately had to settle here. Initially, I was disappointed at not being able to have my first several choices… However, at the end of this experience, I was pleased with the Kowloon Wrap (filled with your choice of barbecue pork, chicken or tofu, pickled daikon, carrots, bell peppers and saffron garlic aioli) for only $6.25 each.
Of course, you have to have dessert. I chose the sweet bun filled with vanilla and topped with Godiva deep chocolate. For only $2 each, $10 for 6 or $20 for 12, how could anyone resist?
Serving sizes are average, not too big and not too small. I have a pretty decent appetite and my two pork buns, wrap and sweet bun left me full. However, the wrap alone would have left me still hungry.
I went in for a late lunch, around 2 pm, and the place was pretty much empty with the exception of one other patron who was already sitting down eating. During peak lunch hours, this place is pretty busy.
Pricing is on the reasonable end for this area but the portions are not exactly large which puts this restaurant back in line with the remainder of the restaurants in the area.
The seating area is small but cute.
Other items are displayed for sale, such as sauces, dressings, flavored mustard, jams, chutneys and kimchi. You can even sample the items.
Dumplings & Buns is located at 2411 California Street at Fillmore Street, San Francisco Ca 94115. (415) 292-6209 The hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm and closed on Mondays. Delivery is free with orders of $25 or more.
If you find yourself in the Pacific Heights area of San Francisco, Dumplings & Buns is a great place to check out.