There are two locations in Downtown. Either would be the first place I’d take someone who had never had dim sum but wanted to try it. The food is authentic, but the atmosphere and English-speaking servers help put newbies at ease (compared to the screaming Cantonese ladies elsewhere…I’m Cantonese so I can say this). They serve all of the traditional dumplings (e.g., har gow, sui mai, etc.) but they also turn out innovative snacks, like curry-stuffed avocado shells. The restaurant is only open for lunch, so get there by 1:30 if you hope to eat.

Cuisine:	Chinese / Dim Sum
Price:	Dim sum is $2-5. Entrees like chow mein are $8-15. Every time I go, it’s about $25 per person. Expensive for dim sum but you’re paying for the location and better-trained staff.
Dress:	Casual and up. The faded 501s and shorts are technically OK, but you’ll be surrounded by the power lunch crowd.
Noise:	All dim sum houses are noisy, but that adds to the fun.
Reservations:	Be sure to make reservations to avoid a long wait. Lots of business lunches happen here, so the turnover isn’t quick.
Payment:	Cash and credit cards.
Parking:	Street parking is hard to come by during the day but there are tons of paid lots. Just take public transit. It’s close to the Montgomery BART station and Market Street buses.
Date place?	Not really. It’s only open for dim sum during the day.
Homepage:	www.yanksing.com