Chinatown Part 1: A Spot For Tourists

They say there are two Chinatowns: One for the locals, the other to charm the tourists. They overlap and dance with each other, drawing more visitors annually than the Golden Gate Bridge.

It's popular because visitors look for something they won't find anywhere else. They come over to be stunned with visuals, enchanted with culture and stuffed with great food.

"You don't need an itinerary to tackle Chinatown. Wandering aimlessly, weaving between locals and ducking into shops is enough of a plan. Main Street for tourists is Grant Avenue, which is more about cheap and kitschy plastic Buddhas than the long heritage of Chinatown. It should definitely be seen, but moving on to the next block can be more rewarding."

Hunan Home's Restaurant

What's Special About it:
Hunan Home's Restaurant's standards have not dipped even though it has become tourist-heavy. They have the standard potstickers and spring rolls but also specialized dishes like the succulent bread called ningsi juen, steamed rolls that you can also order deep fried. Perfect with the Hunan spiced garlic prawns and orange beef.

What Customers Say:
"The thing about tChinatown, is that there are countless places to get chinese food. the only downside in the majority of these places is that whatever you order, it seems to all taste the same. That is not the case for Hunan Home's Restaurant."

What Else to Order:
Hot and sour soup, spicy garlic chicken and the pork fried rice

Location:
622 Jackson St
San Francisco, CA 94133

Neighborhood:
b/t Kearny St & Cooper Aly
Chinatown

House of Nanking

What's Special About it:
As it turns out, customers line up twice a day just to try the Shanghai-style cooking (and great noodles) at this restaurant -- just overlook the spare interior, long lines and brusque service.

What Customers Say:
"I was not sold on the idea of Chinese food for brunch so I walked in a skeptic and walked out a fan. The garlic green beans were phenomenal. The fried calamari had a refreshing yet rich lemon, butter sauce. The fried rice was very flavorful and the sesame chicken with sweet potatoes was delicious. I'll be back to try the impressive looking, exotic teas."

What Else to Order:
House Special Sesame Chicken and Calamari

Location:
919 Kearny St
San Francisco, CA 94133

Neighborhood:
b/t Jackson St & Columbus Ave 
Chinatown