Asian Eats: San Francisco to Miami, Part One

John Zur

Far East Cafe

​The largest Chinatown outside of Asia is found in San Francisco. The city that columnist Herb Caen called "Baghdad by the Bay" boasts some of the most diverse, and incredible Asian cuisine in the country. Miami, which has come late to the Asian-fusion trend with restaurants such as 2B Asian Bistro and Gigi, could learn something there.

Here are a couple of the most memorable, and unique, Asian eateries around the city of San Francisco. We'll have more tomorrow, Saturday:

John Zur

Tian Sing dim sum cart

​Tian Sing

More than 80 kinds of dim sum are served in this Chinese restaurant located in Union Square. Carts with show food are wheeled through the dining room by staff, wearing red vests and bow ties. Prices are not revealed when you order, so beware of choosing more than your belly can accommodate. We tried the beef dumplings ($3.88) -- a trio of the softest stuffed pasta one will ever taste. The Chilean sea bass roll ($6.88) included four pieces of delightfully deep fried goodness -- though of course the fish is disappearing so the place has little concern for sustainability. We also chose Chinese broccoli ($5.88) and a modest dessert of sesame seed balls with red bean paste ($3.99). Excellent.

Service is questionable and tip is required. We had to wait 20 minutes for a check which came without prices. I had to walk to the register to pay.

John Zur

Tian Sing steamed dumpling cart

​Tian Sing
138 Cyril Magnin Street, San Francisco
415-398-1338