Jin Gege

Located at 1212 El Camino Real in San Bruno, Jin Gege is a recently established Chinese restaurant focusing on authentic Hong Kong-style barbecue, placing it firmly within the Chinese Restaurant category. This new establishment has quickly aimed to introduce the local community to the distinct flavors of Cantonese BBQ, with a particular emphasis on their signature dishes.

Upon its opening, Jin Gege has garnered initial attention for its specialization in Canto BBQ, a style known for its flavorful marinated meats and distinctive cooking techniques. One early reviewer highlighted the experience of trying their signature soy sauce chicken and roast duck BBQ plates. The roast duck was praised for its "crispy skin and not too fatty" texture, suggesting a well-executed version of this classic Cantonese favorite. The soy sauce chicken was described as "moist" and accompanied by a "little side of extra sauce," indicating attention to detail in flavor and presentation.

A notable feature of the BBQ plates at Jin Gege, according to one review, is the inclusion of side dishes that are not commonly found in many other restaurants. These include "those brown beans (looks like peanuts but smaller and they are actually soy beans in a somewhat sweet brown sauce)" and "suen choy (sour pickled mustard)." The reviewer found these additions to be particularly enjoyable ("Yum!"), suggesting that Jin Gege aims to offer a more comprehensive and authentic Cantonese BBQ experience by including these traditional accompaniments.

The ordering process at Jin Gege is facilitated through the use of iPads, which appears to be a modern approach to service. This system also presents customers with the option to add a promotional item before checkout. Specifically mentioned is the opportunity to add HK iced lemon tea for $3, a significant discount from its regular price of $4.95. The iced tea itself was described as "refreshing and perfect" with a balanced sweetness, making it an appealing beverage to complement the BBQ dishes. The service was also noted as "prompt," indicating an efficient and attentive staff.

However, the initial positive impressions were tempered by a word of caution regarding the BBQ items: the presence of "tiny bones" in the chicken and roast duck. This is a common characteristic of traditionally prepared poultry in Cantonese cuisine, and the reviewer advises diners to be mindful of this. Additionally, a significant point of concern raised was the quality of the rice served with the meal, which was described as "very dry and hard." The reviewer suggested that future patrons might consider ordering the BBQ items à la carte to avoid the unsatisfactory rice.

Subsequent visits by the same reviewer unfortunately confirmed the initial issue with the rice, noting that it remained consistently "hard and dry" on two separate occasions. This suggests a potential area for improvement in the restaurant's preparation of this staple dish.

In contrast to the generally positive feedback on the BBQ items and service, other reviews present a more critical perspective on various aspects of Jin Gege. One reviewer stated that the "newly open restaurant need a lot of work to improve both their atmosphere and food quality." This broad critique suggests potential shortcomings beyond just the rice, indicating that some customers have found the overall experience lacking in both the physical environment and the standard of the food.

Specific dishes beyond the BBQ were also met with negative feedback. The "signature rice pot" was described as "tasteless," which is a significant concern for a dish that is intended to be a highlight of the menu. Similarly, the "bbq pork" was criticized for being "too soft, salty and over cook," indicating issues with both texture and flavor balance. Lastly, a dessert item was described as having a noticeable "milk power taste" and being "watery," suggesting potential problems with the quality of ingredients or the preparation method.

The contrasting reviews paint a picture of a restaurant that shows promise in its signature Hong Kong BBQ offerings, particularly the soy sauce chicken and roast duck, along with unique side dishes and efficient service. However, there appear to be inconsistencies and areas that require improvement, particularly regarding the rice, the overall atmosphere, and the quality of other dishes such as the rice pot, BBQ pork, and desserts.

For local users considering a visit to Jin Gege, the initial positive feedback on the BBQ, especially when paired with the promotional HK iced lemon tea, might be appealing. The inclusion of traditional side dishes is also a noteworthy feature for those seeking a more authentic Cantonese BBQ experience. However, potential diners should be aware of the reported issues with the rice and the mixed feedback on other menu items and the overall atmosphere.

To get a firsthand experience and form their own opinions, local users can visit Jin Gege at 1212 El Camino Real in San Bruno or contact them by phone at (650) 636-4380 or via their mobile number at +1 650-636-4380. Given the mixed reviews, it might be prudent to focus on their specialty BBQ dishes and perhaps inquire about the current quality of the rice before placing an order. The promotional offer for the HK iced lemon tea is also worth taking advantage of. As a newly opened establishment, Jin Gege may still be in the process of refining its menu and overall dining experience, and feedback from early customers can play a crucial role in this development.