San Francisco culture is known for being a bit eccentric, and its food scene appropriately avant-garde. Do yourself a favor and try one (or all!) of these unique eats next time you’re in Golden Gate City. You won’t regret it.
1. Tacos Tropical from Loló
Among the avant-garde tapas from Loló hides a gem: tacos tropical. Thinly sliced jicama supplants the tortilla to create a unique vegetable crunch with each bite. Delicious, panko-encrusted shrimp and mango salsa make up the brunt of the toppings, but it’s the packaging that takes these tacos over the top.
2. Lamb Cupcake from Straw
Lamb is good, cupcakes are good, but lamb cupcakes? Out of this world, if you get them from Straw. The picturesque pink icing implies sweetness, but a bite of this mashed-potato-frosted treat is purely savory. If you have no regard for your cardiovascular health, the “ringmaster burger” (made with donuts instead of traditional buns) is another unique take on an American classic.
3. Dried Porcini Doughnuts from Rich Table
Another savory dessert? Whatever your stance on misleadingly meaty munchies, San Francisco loves them. These donuts from Rich Table are made with cheese and chunks of porcini mushrooms and are bursting with umami flavor. You won’t regret stepping out of your culinary norms to sample these unique eats.
4. Anything from Opaque
Okay, so there’s no meal titled the “anything” at this restaurant. But while the food at Opaque isn’t terribly unique, the dining experience is. Patrons consume their food in absolute darkness, to better evoke the sense of taste. Don’t worry—the servers are pros—they won’t spill anything on you (though you might spill on yourself).
5. Frito Pie from Chile Pies Baking Co.
Served in a mangled Frito bag, this meal might look more like garbage fare than something you’d order in a restaurant. Don’t let the presentation fool you, though—this New Mexico-style dish is packed with flavor (and probably fat, but who’s counting). Ground beef, pinto beans, red chiles, and a garnish of greens and sour cream make up this tasty meal from Chile Pies. The dessert pies here are excellent as well, if you want to play it safe.
6. Gaeng Pla Duk from Hawker Fare
Don’t worry about pronouncing this on. Just eat it. This jungle-invoking dish is a Thai specialty with catfish, lemongrass, lime leaves, and a range of Thai garnishes. Full of complex flavors that belie Hawker Fare’s city setting, this is as close to the Taiwanese jungles as you’re going to get in San Francisco.
7. California Croissant from Mr. Holmes Bakehouse
With all the cross-culture food fusions available in San Francisco, it takes something special to stand out. These sushi-croissant hybrids from Mr. Holmes Bakehouse do just that by replacing rice with an airy croissant shell. The salmon, wasabi, and ginger combination nestled in the middle of the pastry is an absolute delight to bite into.
8. Peking Duck Pizza from Mozzeria
If you’re out for traditional pizza, there are options all across the city. For this oriental powerhouse, however, you’ll have to trek to Mozzeria in The Mission. With strong flavors like sesame, hoisin, and green onion, this is a pizza experience unlike any other in San Francisco. Oh, and the regular pizza here is darn good as well.
9. Secret Breakfast from Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream
It’s only fair to close out such a tantalizing list with some ice cream. Humphry Slocombe is known for its unorthodox flavors, from Balsamic Caramel to Boccalone Prosciutto. Secret Breakfast may be their most beloved flavor, however, due to its sheer awesomeness. Crispy cornflakes cookies are spun seamlessly into a base of bourbon-flavored ice cream. The result? The apotheosis of out-there San Francisco ice cream. Don’t leave the city without trying some.
There you have it, nine zany dishes too decadent to miss. After a piquant day around town, skip the hassle of a San Francisco hotel and kick your feet up in a luxury vacation rental. PC Housing has properties throughout the United States and Canada. Contact us today to give your next vacation or business trip a well-deserved upgrade.