Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant
Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of San Francisco, offering a unique blend of Halal Chinese cuisine with a touch of authenticity. Located at 3132 Vicente St, this restaurant is a must-visit for food enthusiasts looking to indulge in flavorful and aromatic dishes.
The chef's specials at Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant are truly a culinary masterpiece. From the mouthwatering Cumin Lamb Stir-Fry to the tantalizing Crack Fish with spicy numbing sauce, each dish is a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more. The meticulous attention to detail and the use of fresh ingredients make every bite a delightful and unforgettable experience.
The dim sum selection is another highlight of this restaurant, with options like Beijing Beef Pancake and Pan Fried Seafood Bun that will transport your taste buds to the streets of China. The noodle and flour specials, including Beijing Cold Noodle in Sesame Paste and Spicy Beef Stew Noodle Soup, are a perfect comfort food choice for any occasion.
The extensive menu at Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant caters to all preferences, with a variety of options for beef, poultry, lamb, seafood, vegetables, and tofu lovers. The Clay Pot dishes, like Boiled Lamb with Pickled Cabbage and Seafood Combo with Chicken, are a must-try for those looking for a hearty and comforting meal.
Customer reviews rave about the impeccable service and the warm ambiance of the restaurant, making it a welcoming and cozy dining destination. Whether you're looking for a casual lunch with friends or a special dinner with family, Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant offers a delightful dining experience that will leave you coming back for more.
Overall, Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant stands out for its incredible blend of halal Chinese cuisine, impeccable service, and inviting ambiance. With a diverse menu full of chef's specials, dim sum delights, and noodle and flour specials, this restaurant is a culinary haven for those seeking an authentic and flavorful dining experience in San Francisco. So, don't hesitate to visit Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant and embark on a culinary journey like no other.
Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant Menu
Location
Address: 3132 Vicente St San Francisco, CA 94116
Phone: (415) 564-3481
Business info
- Offers DeliveryYes
- Offers TakeoutYes
- ReservationsNo
- Vegan OptionsYes
- Many Vegetarian OptionsYes
- Accepts Credit CardsNo
- Accepts Android PayNo
- Accepts Apple PayNo
- CasualYes
- Moderate NoiseYes
- Offers CateringYes
- Good for GroupsYes
- Good For KidsYes
- Good for DinnerYes
- Street ParkingYes
- Beer & Wine OnlyYes
- TVYes
- Gender-neutral restroomsYes
- Outdoor SeatingNo
- Wi-FiNo
- Happy HourNo
- Dogs Not AllowedNo
- Provides reusable tablewareYes
- Bike ParkingNo
Last Reviews
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Author: Mike C.
Why did it take me thirty years to return here? Quite honestly, I'm not really sure. My last memory of coming here was with my parents and brother for a weekend dinner. With my brother and dad being spice sensitive, we passed on most if not all spicy dishes. I do remember, on one visit before, we did try the hot pot and, despite it being spicy, my dad was still able to enjoy the meal. Back to today, I studied the menu photos on Yelp and crafted a menu of several of my go-to's and a couple of their staple items. The first item that I tried was the spring rolls (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=eLJ2D1s2nwE5xDuu96udtQ), which were comped; being fried and still warmer than warm, I shared this with the family when I got home and we enjoyed them, nothing like fresh food. Shortly after, we tried the Beijing beef pancake (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=X6ZvuY7ggTWXbpKp2vE_1w), again almost immediately after I got home since it was warm. Similar to a green onion pancake, the two layered pastry is filled with tender and seasoned ground beef. For my dinner that night, I had the lamb brisket noodle soup (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=kM0p3BUgQFft1zFvXeh4Zw) which was packed very well; I reheated the broth and added the noodles in making this bowl (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=xk3cZn-M-W9BOhc-L-urVw), making about 2/3rds of the portion as I knew that I'd be unable to finish it. This was especially impressive because the lamb had no hint of the usual gameiness and the broth was a five-spice broth that paired well with it. The noodles were the thick kind which made for a hearty meal. The next day, I decided to reheat some of the hot & sour soup (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=emfeEDFGX8cZn0fBYkGzew) to pair with some leftovers for lunch. I poured 2/3rd of the container into a bowl and steamed it. There is no meat in it so definitely a plus if you are vegetarian though there is egg in it. My favorite part of this soup were the ingredients used, the standard wood ears, shredded tofu, and bamboo shoots. The kicker was the gum choi in Cantonese which is golden needle vegetable in English. This fibrous and crunchy vegetable adds an element that I remember in old time versions of this, seldom found in most restaurants these day. A few days later, I steamed a portion of the mapo tofu (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=y_qt_-bHrOhx5KP7zl2bQQ). Heating up some leftover rice, I steamed half of the container for my dinner. Ordered medium spicy when asked, I enjoyed the variety of non-traditional ingredients which includes water chestnuts, straw mushrooms, and baby corn to pair with peas and carrots. I will order this again. The final item that I tried was the cucumber and tofu (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=h0uYkpZYYPMgmnd0BO1Wug), which I gifted to my friend. She was not impressed by the visuals of this so she returned it to me and I ate this as a salad. It has a light sesame oil dressing and clear rice noodles. Big thanks to Shuai, who packed my food thoroughly to prevent leakage, double and even triple bagging when needed. Coming at 4:30 pm, the restaurant was empty. I'm looking forward to exploring the menu for other different items. I'm sure the soup and tofu will likely be on my order next visit.
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Author: Ishac O.
The family eatery is a clean, welcoming place with great service. I was seated right away and the food was promptly served. The best Chinese food I've ever had! I would recommend trying the lamb! It's so tender! Thanks for the great service and delicious food!
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Author: Saher A.
What a great experience overall. I came here with my best friend and her family and we had a great experience. - the interior is quite small but it is such a nice ambiance. Very homey feel. - the food beats it all. I am a Vegas local and only wish that we had a restaurant that served halal Chinese food close to this. My favorite was the crack fish soup as well as the sweet and sour chicken. - the service was great! The waiter knew my friend's dad from previous visits and remembers the family which is very genuine. Will definitely go back next time we are in town.
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Author: Chelsea M.
14-16 years later, Old Mandarin Islamic deserves all of the accolades it has received over the years. It's Shandong cuisine that transports me to my travels in China as an undergrad. Our vegetarian friends found new beloved dishes like the Shoestring Potato, Sauteed String Bean and Tofu, and Green Onion Pancake. I loved that the server captured in a blur in the background of the older photo was our same server today. The lemon chicken, sweet and sour shrimp, egg rolls and fried rice we also got were delicious. It was such a treat to visit this place, impressive to be a restaurant that survived the pandemic! I look forward to my next visit in the future.