The Hidden Chinatown of San Francisco

Most people know Imperial Palace  (818 Washington St) by its former name, Golden Dragon, mainly by the tragedy that happened there back in the 1970s . It does offer dimsum, but what most people fail to notice is just uphill from the main door, it actually has a "to go" door where you can buy steamed buns, and even lunch boxes. Unfortunately, neither turned out to be a good deal.  Updated August 6th, 2025: I tried going back in for a re-eval. Got a lunch box to go, and an order of siu-mai. She charged me $15! It should have been more like $12! And the food is bland and tasteless. (Pumpkin, tofu, and string beans). Even the siu-mai tastes a bit funny. I would NOT recommend this place ever again. ENDUPDATE When you go in, there are the buns in the window on the left, and a steam table on the right. I was there at 1:30PM, and there are only 4-5 items to choose from on the steam table. For comparison, Yummy Dim Sum (profiled elsewhere) has at least 10, plus chow mein and chow fun ...

Rice Roll Express's Chinese name is 金門腸粉 or Golden Gate Rice Rolls, this place tries Western style fast food service style in Chinatown. And if you like cheungfun / rice rolls, it's actually quite decent. However, they're cash or venmo only. No credit card.  Went in and looked at their menu... They serve rice rolls (duh) but also wonton and a few other stuff that can be pre-prepped. The #1 is a bit of everything: beef, veggies, and others. You can further customize by specifying extra this, extra that. I also ordered a small bowl of century egg rice porridge.  Everything is served on disposable plates and utensils, and you're expected to clean-up a little yourself.  The seats are extremely uncomfortable... Hard wood benches and hard plastic chairs.  Service speed is decent... In a few minutes the number is called, and a tray is presented with your order.  You can add chili and spicy soy sauce at the counter, or regular soy sauce and Sriracha at the table.  ...