San Francisco is the food city to visit for amazing culinary experiences. A melting pot of hundreds of cultures, finding mouth-watering foods to feed your hunger is an easy task when out in one of America’s most renowned foodie destinations. However, here are five of the most iconic foods in San Francisco to be tried at least once.
1. Explosive Chicken
One of San Francisco’s most iconic foods is the explosive chicken, a tasty dish that combines for chicken tights with peppers, scallions, cilantro, soy sauce and vinegar to create a truly explosive taste bud experience. For those who aren’t terrified of dried chili peppers, then you’re bound to love this overwhelming spicy dish. Just make sure you know where to reserve a table. The Z & Y Restaurant located on 655 Jackson St is your best bet for a delicious plate of explosive chicken.
2. Carnitas Burrito
While in San Francisco, don’t miss your chance at trying a delicious burrito. The city makes some of the best burritos in the country, and you’re bound to love the meaty wonder filled with guacamole, cheese, sour cream, pinto beans, and other tasty ingredients. So who makes the best burrito in town? Most San Franciscans would guide you to La Taqueria on 2889 Mission St. They’re famous for their traditional, rice-free burritos, and are definitely the spot to hit for great Mexican food.
3. Xiao Long Bao
Who says no to Chinese? Nobody, probably. Moreover, definitely not to the Xiao Long Bao, an iconic San Francisco dish consisting in steam buns prepared in small bamboo baskets. These soup-filled “dumplings” (just make sure not to called them dumplings when there are connoisseurs around) are hot, so make sure to let them cool before diving in. There’s some debate as to who cooks the best Xiao Long Bao dish in the city, but most foodies would guide you to Yank Sing on 49 Stevenson St. This bustling restaurant is the perfect place to try any Chinese dish.
4. The Rebel Within
San Francisco is an inventive city, that’s for sure. The Rebel Within dish is proof that there is no shortage of ways you can experiment with food. This ordinary muffin at first glance is filled with a… rebel. The rebel is nothing else than a soft-boiled egg, but it’s still a great food to try especially when looking for a cheesy-yet-light breakfast. For the best rebels in town, you may want to pay Craftsman and Wolves a visit. Located on 746 Valencia St, you’ll also find plenty of pastry, bonbons, and other appetizing snacks.
5. Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl
If you’re into cheesy dishes, then you’d definitely want to give the clam chowder in a bread bowl a go. This super-thick piping-hot “bowl” is made with clam, cream, and potatoes, and a seafood lover’s favorite for a “bready” lunch. There are many locations in San Francisco where you can try this delicious dish even if you’re not that much of a seafood person. You’ll enjoy it anyway, don’t worry. Just go to any Boudin Bakery in the city and ask for this must-try sourdough bread bowl.
Here there were, the five best foods to try when visiting the city of San Francisco. As a last tip, we’d also suggest finding a good San Francisco car rental company because there are plenty of eateries worth checking out and doing this by car is the best way to go about it. So, go out and explore, and don’t be afraid to stuff yourself with yummy San Franciscan goodies.