Eating near the Asian Art Museum – Part 3

Continued thoughts on where to eat near the Asian Art Museum (check out Part 1 and Part 2 for more yummy ideas).

My last post talked about selected dining options near the Asian Art Museum. I have to say that the new menu at the Café Asia has some really delicious items. I love the Orange Glazed Duck Salad and the Shanghai Dumplings (in case the Shanghai exhibition makes you hungry for Chinese food), not to mentioned the Furikake french fries (they come with the salmon sandwich or as a side). If you are really hungry for some meat try the new Puxi sweet ribs.

If you want to try dining somewhere outside the Museum here are some more suggestions:

I was very excited about a new find that is in the most unlikely neighborhood. It is called Passion Café and is open for lunch and dinner. Located on Sixth St, just south of Market. It is an attractive bistro serving French specialties (tartines, onion soup, croque monsieur, quiche, boeuf bourguignon). For those in a rush, grab-and-go at the walk-in counter. There will be an expanded menu coming soon. On a nice day enjoy the roof-top terrace.

Passion Cafe roof garden

If you are willing to walk about 15 minutes north of the Museum, I adore A La Turca. Informal atmosphere, super delicious hummus, excellent pides (a long flat piece of dough, stuffed with various ingredients and then baked). They make their own bread on premises and if you are lucky you will get it right from the oven. A perfect companion is their Turkish tea.

I could eat Korean food every day. If you are brave enough to hike up through the Tenderloin you can find Dong Baek . They serve a decent Korean lunch at good prices. It is a sketchy walk , but I have been doing it for years and still live to talk about it. They have a lovely variety of Ban Chan and all the classic dishes such as Bibim Bap, Bulgogi, Jap Chae, Soon Dooboo.

If you want a fantastic deli sandwich just a block north of the Museum is Morty’s Delicatessen. Huge, fresh sandwiches (they have salads and soups too) including a killer reuben. They are passionate about using quality ingredients.

Figure 2 - Morty's Delicatessan (photo by Noreylee)

In the mood for some spicy Thai food? Another well kept secret nearby is Lers Ros Thai. Some say it is the best Thai food in San Francisco. I definitely recommend Som Tom Khai Khem (#14), green papaya salad with salted egg. Just a warning that the food is super spicy – if you ask for it mild you will get it less spicy. If you are in good health I might suggest Pad Kra Prow Moo Krob (#62), stir-fried pork belly with crispy rind and basil leaves.

If you are in a hurry, or just want to grab a snack break while touring the Museum you can run over to UN Plaza to La Estrellita Snack Bar (open Monday, Thursday and Friday only) near the BART escalator and check out the freshly made to order El Salvadorean Pupusas. Made to order with a variety of filling choices for only $2.50 each, they are a bargain.

Check out my future posts – when I will hit Hayes Valley…