SoHoMei

Authentic Cantonese food. Delicious! Ordered: ChaoShan Beef Steamed Rice Roll Chao Zhou Pan Fried Oyster Cake Hot and Sour Lao Fun Soup

I’m writing this review while still at the restaurant- that’s how blown away I am. This was the most incredible chicken congee I’ve ever had in my life. Not only was service quick, efficient and mindful (it’s a cold rainy day here in SF, and instead of bringing me water, the waiter brought me a cup of hot tea- just what I needed!). I came here for rice porridge and when I saw it was $18 I was a little unsure- I am a chef and know how much wholesale ingredients cost, but SF is expensive to live/operate a business in & I like to support small family businesses, so I ordered. Well- this was absolutely worth every penny! The porridge is the perfect texture; flavorful, topped with fresh fragrant herbs and big meaty pieces of chicken within. It’s a huge portion, so it is more than worth the price. I ordered fried donut sticks to dip into the congee and oh my gosh…I have perhaps passed on and gone to heaven. This is PHENOMENAL. And nothing needed to be seasoned! It came out perfect, no need to add salt or white pepper or anything. The chef and kitchen team are true masters at their craft. If you are ever in the SF area and craving a good bowl of rice porridge, this is THE place to go. This is the kind of place that should have a line around the block. Absolutely divine.

Heard some great things about this place so I decided to give it a try with some friends. It's quite cozy and clean inside, and the staff members were welcoming and helpful, especially the owners who enthusiastically helped us navigate through the menu. After all, Chinese Chao Zhou cuisine is pretty rare in this area and new to many. We ordered their signature Chao Zhou Pan Fried Oyster Cake, Shrimp & Pork Shantou Steamed Rice Roll, Beef Ball Soup and Shantou Duck Porridge, all served quickly and looked super appetizing. The oyster cake was crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, and there was a generous amount of oysters which tasted fresh. The rice rolls look like semi-transparent enchiladas stuffed with shrimp, pork, eggs and wow were they good. I particularly liked the rice sheets since they were so soft, slippery and chewy, and paired well with the savory sweet sauce. The beef balls had this fine, smooth texture, almost bouncy. Last but not least, the duck porridge was quite warming and nourishing. I think the price is fair for the quality and amount of food, as well as the great ambience and services. All in all I'm very delighted we came across this little gem. It was money well spent and I'll FOR SURE (no puns intended) be back sooner than later!

The portions are huge. As a New Yorker, I'm used to rice rolls, noodles, and congee being half the size. I wish the waiter had reminded us that the rice roll we ordered came with congee, so we could have skipped the extra congee. We had a lot of food left over, but we enjoyed the Chao Zhou cuisine, especially the oyster pancake.

Very authentic place. I like the fish ball and beef ball the most. Only the homemade meatballs can be so bouncy. My American friends like the laksa noodle, however I like the seafood porridge more.