Ying Hui Chinese Restaurant

Ying Hui Chinese Restaurant, located at 5125 Mission St in San Francisco, CA 94112, is a neighborhood Chinese restaurant specializing in a wide variety of low-priced Cantonese cuisine. Situated near the intersection of Geneva and Mission, it serves the local community with a broad selection of dishes, primarily catering to those seeking affordable and familiar Cantonese flavors. You can contact Ying Hui Chinese Restaurant at (415) 333-5266 or their mobile number +1 415-333-5266 for inquiries or to place an order.

According to customer reviews, Ying Hui Chinese Restaurant is described as a "non descript neighborhood" establishment. Its location, in front of a bus stop near what is termed a "gritty intersection," suggests that its primary appeal might not be its ambiance or location as a "great dining destination." However, for those living in the neighborhood and those "in the know," Ying Hui is recognized for offering "good food at low prices." This indicates that the restaurant prioritizes affordability and the quality of its Cantonese dishes, making it a popular choice for locals seeking budget-friendly options.

One of the standout items frequently mentioned in reviews is their roast duck. Customers have specifically praised the quality of the roast duck, noting that it appears to be made with fresh, not frozen ducks, which is evident in its taste. This popular dish is currently priced at $20. The recommendation from a reviewer is to "Call and Order ahead on the phone and have someone drive you over there to pick up." This suggests that takeout is a popular option for enjoying their roast duck. The reviewer further advises taking the whole duck home, heating it in an oven to crisp the skin, and then cutting it up Chinese style into bite-size pieces, emphasizing that "It's worth the effort." This detailed advice highlights the perceived quality and value of their roast duck as a must-try item.

In addition to the roast duck, another customer mentioned that "Their roast pork is delicious too," indicating that Ying Hui offers other noteworthy roasted meat options. This suggests a potential strength in their preparation of classic Cantonese barbecue dishes.

However, not all feedback has been entirely positive. One customer shared a detailed account of a less than satisfactory dining experience. This review highlighted several issues, including a significant delay in the arrival of food after ordering (20 minutes, and only after a complaint), a lack of warning about the preparation time for a medium-sized clay pot (which eventually took 45 minutes from the initial order), and dishes that were not as expected (beef rice rolls described as the "skinny kind" rather than the wider dim sum style) or poorly prepared (cauliflowers with pork belly being "too salty with too much soy sauce").

The same reviewer also expressed concern about an undercooked chicken dish in the clay pot, which had to be sent back for further cooking. While the dish was eventually deemed "yummy" after the second cooking, the overall experience was marred by the long wait time and the initial issue of undercooked food. The reviewer also mentioned poor service, including a waitress complaining about a 10% tip after the negative experience. Additionally, the reviewer noted that the restaurant door was left open, allowing cigarette smoke from outside to enter, which was not addressed despite a complaint.

On a positive note, the reviewer did mention that Ying Hui has two restrooms on the first floor with no stairs, making them easily accessible for individuals using wheelchairs. This accessibility feature is a significant advantage for customers with mobility challenges.

Considering the available information, Ying Hui Chinese Restaurant appears to be a budget-friendly option for Cantonese cuisine in the Mission District of San Francisco, with their roast duck being a particularly popular and recommended item for takeout. The restaurant caters primarily to locals seeking affordable meals. However, potential customers should be aware of the mixed reviews regarding service and food preparation consistency. While some patrons praise the value and specific dishes like the roast duck and roast pork, others have reported issues with slow service, unexpected preparation times, and inconsistencies in food quality.

If you are in the neighborhood and looking for reasonably priced Cantonese food, especially their highly recommended roast duck, Ying Hui might be worth considering, particularly for takeout. Calling ahead to place your order, as suggested by a reviewer, seems like a prudent approach. However, if you plan to dine in, it's advisable to be mindful of the potential for slower service and to perhaps inquire about preparation times for specific dishes when ordering. The accessibility of the restrooms is a notable positive aspect for those who require it.

Ultimately, your experience at Ying Hui Chinese Restaurant may vary. The restaurant seems to have a loyal local following due to its affordability and certain popular dishes. However, the feedback regarding service and food consistency suggests that it might be best approached with tempered expectations, especially if you are looking for a refined dining experience. For those prioritizing budget and a taste of local Cantonese fare, particularly the praised roast duck, Ying Hui remains a viable option in the neighborhood.