I have read a lot about Tom Kiang lately. Last time I was in SF I had dim sum at Yank Sing and thoroughly enjoyed it. Which of these two do you think is best?

Jean,

Tom Kiang is definitely better than Yank Sing. I used to work downtown in the Financial District and would eat at Yank Sing at least every week. A friend introduced me to Tom Kiang about a year ago, and since then, i've only been back to Yank Sing once - YS just didn't compare!

Although I haven't eaten at Ton Kiang, my son must go there at least once a week since he lives not far. As I understand it the food is from the Hakka area of China with some Cantonese things as well. The area around it is called the "New Chinatown" and has loads of little Asian restaurants from all countries. It's fun to wander and stop in where you smell good things. Yank Sing specializes in dim sum and is superb. Hong Kong Flower Garden Lounge has two restaurants--one in the Richmond District not far from Ton Kiang and the other down in Millbrae near SFO (actually the original is in Hong Kong). The one near SFO is the first one and is always packed and consistently good. Harbor Village is another Hong Kong/Cantonese restaurant that is tops.To recommend one over the other is something I can't do. I'm sure you'll enjoy any of them or consider taking a Wok Wiz tour of Chinatown that ends in a dim sum lunch. Your guide will explain all about various dim sum items if you don't know too much about it.They take you to a smaller restaurant in Chinatown which is also quite good.

Can somebody please me what the Hakka stlye of Chinese cooking is all about. I guess I familiar with some of the more basic stles of chinese cooking, Hunan, Cantonese, Manderin, Szechan, etc. but I have never heard of Hakka. Thank you
Jean

Yank Sing is excellent. TOn Kiang is even better. Best Dim Sum I've ever had. Was just there with a friend who lives around the corner and was knocked off my feet.

If you REALLY want good dim sum, the suggestions above are great, but most of the locals go to Serramonte and eat at Khoi Palace. Usually, you can tell if a chinese restaurant is good by how many people line up. This place lines up by 10am on sat. and sun., and doesn't let up until 1pm.