- Chinese Food
- Chinese Restaurant
- California
- San Francisco County
- San Francisco
- Russian Hill
- Chinese Restaurant in Powell Street
- Ma's Dimsum & Cafe
Ma's Dimsum & Cafe Photos










Hours
Monday, 9:00 AM - 8:00 PMTuesday, 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday, 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday, Closed
Friday, 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday, 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday, 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About Ma's Dimsum & Cafe
Welcome to Ma's Dimsum & Cafe, a Chinese restaurant situated at 1315 Powell St in the bustling heart of San Francisco's Chinatown. As a "Chinese Restaurant" that also operates as a cafe, Ma's Dimsum & Cafe offers a range of dishes, with a notable emphasis on their flavorful and popular rice clay pots. Based on customer reviews, the food is exceptionally delicious and appears to be a favorite among local Asian patrons, suggesting authenticity and quality of taste.
Regarding the environment of Ma's Dimsum & Cafe, one reviewer noted a concern about the "cleanliness of the location." While the specifics of this concern were not detailed, it is an aspect that potential customers might want to be aware of. On a more positive note, the reviewer also pointed out that "a lot of their customers are their locals and when all asians are the ones walking in to eat, this is always a good sign." This observation suggests that Ma's Dimsum & Cafe is a trusted and preferred dining spot within the local Asian community, often an indicator of authentic and well-prepared cuisine.
Information about the services at Ma's Dimsum & Cafe is somewhat limited in the provided reviews. However, the mention of ordering and receiving meals, such as the rice clay pots and soup, implies standard restaurant service. One specific detail regarding service was a reviewer's experience with the "Salted chicken and chicken rice clay pot," where they noted the absence of soy sauce at their table and only realized it was an option upon leaving. This suggests that while the food was still delicious, customers might need to be proactive in requesting condiments or additional items they desire.
The standout feature of Ma's Dimsum & Cafe is undoubtedly the food, which was described as "phenomenally delicious." The rice clay pots seem to be a specialty, with one reviewer ordering "two rice clay pots and the seafood claypot" and noting that the "Meal came out hot and sizzling." This presentation of hot and sizzling clay pots likely adds to the dining experience, enhancing both the aroma and the taste of the dishes. The seafood claypot was specifically mentioned, indicating a flavorful option for seafood lovers.
Another rice clay pot option reviewed was the "Salted chicken and chicken rice clay pot," which received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Despite the lack of readily available soy sauce, the reviewer still found it "delicious," highlighting the inherent flavor of the dish itself. This positive rating suggests that the salted chicken and chicken rice clay pot is a popular and satisfying choice.
In addition to the clay pots, Ma's Dimsum & Cafe also offers soup. The "Pea sprout soup" was reviewed and given a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. The reviewer described it as a "ginger garlic based soup" and noted that while it wasn't the best soup they had ever had, it was one of the few soup options on the menu. They also found it to be a "light thing" that "pairs well with the heavier chicken clay pot," suggesting it as a complementary side dish to balance a richer main course.
The fact that Ma's Dimsum & Cafe attracts a significant number of local Asian customers is a strong indicator of the authenticity and quality of their food. This demographic often has high standards for their native cuisine, and their patronage suggests that Ma's Dimsum & Cafe delivers on genuine flavors and traditional preparations.
Currently, there is no specific promotional information available in the provided reviews. Local users interested in any special offers or promotions would need to contact the restaurant directly.
For local users in San Francisco, particularly those in or around the Chinatown area, Ma's Dimsum & Cafe offers a promising dining experience with a focus on delicious and authentic Chinese cuisine. The rice clay pots, including seafood and chicken variations, appear to be standout dishes, served hot and sizzling. While there is a noted concern about cleanliness, the strong local Asian patronage suggests that the quality of the food is a significant draw. The pea sprout soup provides a lighter option to accompany the richer clay pot dishes.
If you are seeking flavorful and authentic Chinese food in Chinatown, and especially if you enjoy rice clay pot dishes, Ma's Dimsum & Cafe is worth considering. The positive reviews regarding the taste of the food, coupled with its popularity among local Asian diners, indicate a strong likelihood of a satisfying meal. However, being mindful of the cleanliness aspect mentioned in one review might be prudent.
To experience the "phenomenally delicious" food at Ma's Dimsum & Cafe, you can visit their location at 1315 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA. For inquiries or to place an order, you can contact them by phone at (415) 788-3532 or via mobile phone at +1 415-788-3532. Discover the authentic flavors that make this cafe a local favorite in Chinatown.
In summary, Ma's Dimsum & Cafe offers:
- A location in the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown.
- "Phenomenally delicious" food, particularly their rice clay pots.
- Popular rice clay pot options including seafood, salted chicken, and chicken rice.
- Dishes served hot and sizzling, enhancing the dining experience.
- A "Pea sprout soup" as a lighter, ginger garlic-based side.
- Strong patronage from local Asian customers, suggesting authenticity.
- A noted concern about the cleanliness of the location.
Local residents and visitors looking for authentic and flavorful Chinese cuisine in Chinatown, especially those interested in trying delicious rice clay pot dishes, should consider Ma's Dimsum & Cafe. The strong endorsement from the local Asian community highlights the genuine taste and quality of their food.
Ma's Dimsum & Cafe Location
1315 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Customer Reviews
Food was phenomenally delicious. We ordered two rice clay pots and the seafood claypot. Meal came out hot and sizzling. The only complaint I do really have is the cleanliness of the location. The good thing is that a lot of their customers are their locals and when all asians are the ones walking in to eat, this is always a good sign.
Salted chicken and chicken rice clay pot - 4/5, we didn't have soy sauce at our table and didn't realize it was an option until we left. Was still delicious! Pea sprout soup - 3.5/5 ginger garlic based soup, not the best soup I've ever had, but was one of the few soups on the menu, and being a light thing, pairs well with the heavier chicken clay pot
A Hidden Gem for Clay Pot Rice Lovers After returning from Hong Kong, I was craving authentic clay pot rice, but my search around the Bay Area often left me disappointed, overpriced and mediocre at best. I typically avoid Chinatown for Chinese food, as many spots cater to tourists and lack authenticity. However, this unassuming little restaurant defied my expectations. Let's address the elephant in the room first: it's your quintessential old-school Chinatown eatery. The tables and floors are sticky, there are mouse traps here and there, and cleanliness isn't exactly a priority. But if you can look past the ambiance, you'll find some of the best clay pot rice in the Bay, rivaling the flavors I experienced in Hong Kong. I tried two dishes: the classic Chinese bacon clay pot rice and the Four Treasures, featuring "yellow skin" chicken, spareribs, Chinese sausage, and Chinese bacon. At just $13.50 each, the portions were generous. Something you rarely see anymore, especially when most clay pot rice dishes elsewhere hover around $20 or more. I have to admit, I'm usually wary of Chinese sausage and bacon due to their funky aftertaste when poorly made. But this place wowed me with its quality. The Chinese sausage was juicy and tender without being overly fatty, and the bacon was thinly sliced, avoiding the overly fatty texture I dislike. The spareribs were tender and flavorful, with the meat easily separating from the bone. Even the scallions were vibrant and aromatic, adding a perfect touch to the dish. Now, let's talk about the star: the rice. This wasn't just any rice, it was fresh-crop rice with a slightly translucent appearance, a delightful chewiness, and a rich flavor. The grains were distinct and not clumped together. And yes, they nailed the crispy rice layer at the bottom of the pot. Waiting for it to crisp up is key, and they achieved it by perfectly oiling the pot. Unlike other places where the bottom layer is more gummy than crispy, this was a textural delight. The soy sauce deserves its own mention. They use the proper sweet soy sauce in a bottle, which is already great, but it would've been perfect if served warm in a bowl, like the traditional way. Overall, this spot delivers some of the best clay pot rice I've had in the Bay Area. While a few places attempt it, they often fall short on authenticity or execution. If you're a fan of clay pot rice, don't let the interior scare you off. It's worth it. Pro Tip: Parking is a challenge. Even on a Sunday evening after 7pm, street parking was nearly impossible to find. The nearest parking garage is less than a 10-minute walk, so plan accordingly. Whether you're here for the clay pot rice or their other traditional Chinese dishes (which looked just as tempting from what I saw others ordering), this place is a must-try for anyone chasing real flavors.
Great food, although with limited vegetarian options. We tried the clay pot rice dishes and they were great! I had a chicken mushroom clay pot and the chicken was really good and chewy. There was also free tea :) I saw from a review they had a noodle dish I wanted but they didn’t have it the day I went. Overall not bad, and it got lots busier after around 11am.
So happy we found this place! We got the chicken and sausage clay pot rice and lamb stew with bean curd stick. Loved the pairing of the crispy rice with the warm and flavorful stew. We appreciated the hole-in-the-wall vibes and supporting an authentic small business in Chinatown!
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