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Dumplings and Buns - CLOSED
Categories: Restaurants Chinese Dim Sum Restaurants Asian Fusion Dim Sum, Asian Fusion [Edit]
2411 California St(between Fillmore St & Steiner St)
San Francisco, CA 94115
Neighbourhood: Pacific Heights
(415) 292-6209
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dessert, Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
100 reviews for Dumplings and Buns
Review Highlights
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"The vanilla custard bun was out of this world amazing." In 6 reviews -
"But it is very clean here." In 5 reviews -
"Had a soba noodle salad that was very tasty, crisp and..." In 3 reviews
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100 reviews in English
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Review from Holden L.
San Francisco, CA
12/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Simple quick snack will suffice for this place but if you've had real dim sum then you'll definitely not like this. But for newbies to dim sum, this is a good start.
This place is willing to experiment and I'm happy with that because in order for cuisines to continue to exist there must be someone who's willing to try out new stuff with existing food. And this will help keep it going in a new direction or it will make people realize "I wanna try the original" and this may help.
But I will give them credit for their savory sweet buns because its dessert buns and you can't really go wrong with desserts.
Give it a shot simply as a quick snack or as a newbie try it out. -
Review from Victor G.
2/26/2012
dumplings and buns is a small hole in the wall shop. there's a few seats along the walls and windows. environment is clean, vibes are modernist with a sterile ambience. (like, huh?)
menu "asian comfort fare": savory dumplings(crab, pork, shrimp, beef, veggies), custard buns (various flavors), savory bun(chicken, bbq pork, veggie), salads, entrees, soups, and 11ish combos.:
-eats(4 dumplings & 1 bun)5.50
-chicken bun (2)had tuna like consistency.
very small bun
-dumplings had mushy substance, couldn't taste the various ingredients inside (veggie, pork, beer, shrimp).
had look of a flat half crescent.
leftovers:
-very helpful, cordial service
-terrible execution of fresh ingredients
1.5 stars
-overpriced for almost nothing to eat.Listed in: take out dim sum
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Review from Katie K.
San Francisco, CA
2/4/2012
Now looking at the reviews, I kinda feel like Lucy psyching out Charlie Brown with the football, but I actually joined Yelp just to rate them. My BF and I have tried this place twice now and and in those two times we've gone from "Meh" to "Gaaa-ross".
The first time they only sold their namesake...Dumplings and Buns. We got a sampling of both in BBQ pork and Chicken. They were very expensive for what they were and they were only ok compared any other place. Oh did I mention that this was after waiting in their weird, stark "dining" area for about 15 minutes because they had to steam everything to order...good grief
The second time we came back to try their new entrees. We got the 24 hour kwan pork sliders and the Sweet & Spicy "XO" Dragon wings. We were so excited to try them out..and then we tried them out. There was more soggy breading on the wings then actual chicken and the pork sliders were literally inedible. I'm serious, my boyfriend HATES to throw away food and will eat anything that will go to waste but we both agreed that these sliders deserved to be thrown out immediately. They were the most salty thing I've eaten.
So to Dumplings and Buns, sorry Charlie Brown but you're food doesn't deserve to kick that football.
P.S. they only got two stars because the employees themselves were very nice and friendly both times. -
Review from Chase F.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2012
You spend a lot for very little.
Food- 2 star. It's def clean and healthy tasting, but in the end, I like the down and dirty aspect of Dim Sum type food.
Price- Expensive, left with a few buns and dumplings. One salad type entree, bill was around $30. I was starving. Headed across the street to Pizza Delfina to get a pizza to go. -
Review from Hannah A.
12/19/2011
I can't imagine how this business stays afloat with the surplus of authentic chinese eats in the bay area as competition. I should of listened to my first instincts and taken the 2 down to clement. I deserve it for being lazy.
The food here was really bad!
I wasted money and virtually skipped dinner. I had 2 bites of dragon wings, a couple spoonfuls of fried rice and just 1 overcooked pork won ton. I shouldn't have discarded the meal but I was not happy. My dinner ended up being a glass of milk as I grudgingly watched a red box special. The girl at the counter was clearly having a bad day and I don't think she said a word to me except for" $21.76 " without glancing upward. I figure, she is probably aware of the establishments impending doom and in that case, I can't say I blame her.Listed in: JUST SAY NO.
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Review from Denise W.
San Francisco, CA
1/15/2012
I regretted coming here the moment I walked in. The display shelf shows a sample of the menu they serve and it was the most unappetizing display of food I have ever seen. The dumplings are so tiny they look shriveled.
Anyways, I ordered the 5 Spice Chicken Sandwich hoping they will be as good as Bun Mee, but it was not. It was served on a butter croissant instead of french bread. First reaction, WTF?! Did they run out of bread? And the ingredients are similar, if not the same, as chicken salad mixed in mayo and lettuce. Why didn't they just call it chicken salad sandwich? How misleading.
This place embarrasses Chinese food. Never again. -
Review from Rachel R.
12/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
In theory Dumplings and Buns sounds wonderful, but in reality it's a sad, sad Asian fusion experience.
First issue, my friends and I noticed a big lack of organization and delivery of the actual food. If my friend hadn't asked, my food would have shown up 20-30 minutes after theirs got there (and they had finished eating).
I was willing to still give them a shot even though my friends had almost finished their food by the time mine arrived, I mean maybe their food is amazing. Let's break it down:
BBQ pork buns - a lame excuse for pork buns. Lack of flavor, way too many onions, not enough pork. Save your $2/small bun and go to dim sum!
Chicken wonton soup - while a nice flavor, still lacking in overall quality.
All in all, service was a big issue and then the food was not even that good. I could see someone coming in here and having a slightly better experience which just speaks to the inconsistency at this shop.
I'm not going back again. -
Review from John B.
San Francisco, CA
12/21/2011
Probably not the cheapest but what do you expect in this area. I was hungry and went in right before close. People working there were very helpful and nice. I had 4 dumplings, a savory bun, and won ton soup that hit the spot.
I was hungry, they served me food that I enjoyed at a price that didn't surprise me. -
Review from Bruce A.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 11/2/2011
I have really enjoyed their dumplings, and the price is just right. Generally, the dumplings are fresh, but every once in a while I'll have an order that has lost a considerable amount of moisture.
I haven't ordered their savory buns since I first tried them (a few times), but I do however love their chocolate sweet bun.
They stopped selling the Sokenbicha bottled tea. That was my favorite.
I'd be open to seeing different types of dim sum dumplings on the menu as well. Dumplings are the slightly healthier option over their savory and sweet buns.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/2/2011
I was so elated when I realized they were opening in my neighborhood.
When I think BBQ pork bun, I… Read more »
Comment from Joan S. of Dumplings and Buns 9/4/2011
Pork bun size & filling now larger. Thanks for your feedback… More » -
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Review from Adelina W.
San Francisco, CA
I should be beat with a feather duster for coming here. I knew it was a bad idea, but couldn't help myself.
The interior of this business is nice, very clean and welcoming. It's not your typical hole in the wall Asian joint. I came in around 5pm on a Saturday and the woman behind the counter didn't know what they buns they had available. I ended up with 2 custard buns and 2 boozer buns. The dim sum they had displayed, which they probably shouldn't do anymore, was dried up and looked unappetizing. I left with $9 less and 4 mini buns. These were nowhere near the size of traditional buns you'd get elsewhere. They were definitely catering towards the non-asian crowd who don't know any better. Again, I should be beat with a feather duster. My Grandmother would slap me silly for walking into this place.
The buns weren't terrible, but they weren't great either. It was about two bites, mostly bread. The ratio of bread to filling was way off. Sadly, I knew I wasn't getting a value but I just wanted to give them a taste. I'll stick to the greasy hole in the walls, better value and taste. -
Review from Shelly W.
San Francisco, CA
10/27/2011
I only tried the sweet custard buns. I thought they were very yummy and they were still warm. I highly recommend the vanilla. It's the standard yellow custard with a kick of vanilla. I ate it so fast I almost choked. I'll be back to try the dumpling, savory buns and other custard buns another time.
Btw, people always complain about the prices in Pac Heights. Every place in this neighborhood is pricy. Given that you can buy 6 buns for $10 isn't bad...considering people pay $3.50 for a cupcake. I love the fact this place will save me a trip from Chinatown. Seriously, Chinatown is my least favorite place in SF...parking is impossible, everyone can't drive, old people push you, it smells, etc. (I'm Chinese and don't even like going there) -
Review from Stephanie T.
San Francisco, CA
11/7/2011 4 photos
I was super excited to see that a dim sum place opened up right down the street from my house. I stopped in one night for dinner and ordered the salad and dumping combo with the Chinese chicken salad and three steamed pork pot stickers and one baked pork bun on the side.
The salad was pretty basic and kind of boring. It came with kind of wilted lettuce, cilantro, chicken, and canned mandarin oranges, the dressing was kind of oily. What this salad was really missing was a bit of crunch, it would have benefited from some nuts or crispy wontons on top.
The steamed pork pot stickers were gross. The wonton was really thick and bland and there was barely any filling inside of them. The sauce they were served with was my favorite part of this meal. It was slightly spicy and covered the blandness of the pot sticker.
The steamed pork bun was just ok. There was a lot of bread and very minimal filling.
I might be willing to give this place a second shot in the future, I understand that they are a new establishment and are trying to iron the kinks, but I will not be rushing back any time soon.Listed in: Dim Sum
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Review from Enji L.
San Francisco, CA
11/12/2011
Are you kidding me? Over-priced (even for this neighborhood) for mediocre food. If you cut the price down by 50%, the food might be decent but nothing out of the ordinary.
My chicken bun was small; it was doughy with barely any fillings. The dumplings? Mehhhhhh! I live 2 blocks away so I am quite familiar with food prices around this neighborhood but I'd rather take the trip down the neighborhood on Clement St. for 1/3 the price and 10 times the flavor.
UNsatisfied. -
Review from Sayaha A.
San Francisco, CA
11/28/2011
I'm all about supporting local businesses, but I was disappointed...
I went in three times, and my experiences were below...
1st time --- Machines were not ready or broken so I could not get anything....
2nd time --- I got the food, so was happy finally to be able to try hot dumplings on a cold evening in SF. Tastes just okay, little too salty for my taste.
3rd time --- It was the worst. I was waiting at the counter for 5 mins while two guys at the front taking care of the other customers. For the 5 mins I was there, they did not even look at me once nor say "I'll be with you shortly..." I thought it was super rude... I walked out after waiting there patiently for 5 mins and went to get a Vietnamese food just around the corner..
I love dumplings so I went in twice more after the initial experience. After the 3rd one, I don't think I like to go in any more.... I'm a happy smiley person, little smile could make the food 200% better, but poor customer services could run everything ... too bad. -
Review from Miss H.
San Francisco, CA
10/6/2011
Great idea, poor execution.
The dumplings are the dim sum variety with the translucent chewy skin. However Dumpling and Buns' version is made without any technique involved; it's almost barbaric how it's put together. Thick skin that is not pleated, but just folded over so it's a half moon shape with no more than a teaspoon of filling each. I had one dumpling that was sitting in the steamer so long, the skin was dry and hard on one side. Gross. I also ordered the BBQ Pork bun and if you are familiar with this type of bun, you'll be sorely disappointed. D&B's is like eating a big white roll with some meat inside; it's just pure doughy-ness. A true BBQ pork bun is delicate and light (brioche like) with a glazed sticky topping and tons of meat inside.
Not worth a trip. Save your dollars and go elsewhere. -
Review from Lolia S.
San Francisco, CA
9/19/2011 5 photos
The space feels empty and the display cases are empty as well. The menu offerings were very limited: chicken, pork or veg dumplings, $3.75; baked savory buns: pork & chicken $2, vanilla sweet custard bun $2, vegan soba noodle salad. The baked buns are 1/2 the size of the usual Chinese baked buns. They also sell sauces, dressings, and drinks.
* Steamed pork dumplings ($3.75): 3 translucent, moon shaped, chewy, flat dumplings filled with a sweet and savory mixture of pork, shitake mushrooms, water chestnuts. It reminded me of the filling for those deep fried pork stuffed glutinuous rice balls, haam sui gau. The starchy skin was very oily. The dipping sauce tasted like plain soy sauce, too salty. I liked the filling, not the wrapper.
* Baked Chicken bun - the dough was very soft and dense and seemed undercooked. The filling tasted similar to the filling for the pork dumplings, only with diced chicken instead of pork, and once again, water chestnuts, shitake mushroom, and scallion.
* Baked vanilla bun - doughy again, but with a crunchier top piece, the creamy sweet custard was nice but the dough seemed underbaked.
Order online from their website.Comment from Joan S. of Dumplings and Buns 10/1/2011
Now serving full menu with shrimp dumplings., wonton soup… More » -
Review from Annie D.
Sunnyvale, CA
9/23/2011
Fusion dim sum! Super cute and amazing idea, I'm surprised it wasn't done earlier! This place is great for a quick bite to eat while you're out and about shopping and tired of the standard fare. My personal favorites are the sweet buns. The pastry is perfectly baked and the filling is delicious. The savory items are super tasty too--my favorite are the dumplings. The wrapper has the perfect texture and the filling is amazing--I love the sauce for it too!
Sure, things here aren't your regular dim sum prices, but many of us pay ~$3 for a cupcake(!!!!) without complaining, and we all know those aren't going to fill you up (or at least you shouldn't fill up on those).
The store itself is very cute and clean, definitely way comfier than Chinatown! Can't wait until the next time I go back! -
Review from Nobu K.
San Francisco, CA
9/12/2011
The Most Rip-Off Buns Ever!
2 dollar Buns!
You'll pay twice more and get twice smaller buns.
When I saw the size of the bun, I was like "WTF?"
Sadly disappointed.
The place is super clean so you feel safe, al least.
I know the funnky feeling every time you want to go in a dumpling place but many Chinese restaurants are lookin' pretty dangerous and filthy as fxxx and you don't feel safe to eat anything in there.
I know the feeling.
But it is very clean here. They must see the new movie contagion.
Loved the movie!
I understand the place trying get a high-end Chinese take out place but it isn't working because:
1. Who wants high-end Chinese food in U.S? People wants CCC, Cheap Chinese Crap. Chinese is cheap food, period. Nothing more than that, nothing less than that.
2. Most Chinese take out places have 1 woman who takes care of casher and server, 2 jobs. But here has 2 persons, casher and server. They can not do 2 jobs. That is the reason the price is twice high than any other dumplings and Buns. Of course, the rent must be very high.
Well, Most Chinese take out places who does 2 jobs are very much Chinese women from China. They may not finish school but they can do multiple things with counting money at once.
There are so many dumbass college graduates don't know how to count, no matter what, text messaging while driving on the freeway and crash cars.
Do we still need higher education? For what?
To me, higher education is such BS.
So, why I have to go back there for Bullshit Buns?
The place Sucks same as the Saigon sandwich shop on Filmore.
I think I learned something.
If you find a super clean Chinese place.
You end up paying more for that.
They think they can charge for clean Chinese food.
Laurence H. said:
"Cheap Chinese Crap is still better than most Western food. Also, there are also an abundance of better quality Chinese restaurants that will cost you more than $10. Chinese cuisine along with French, Japanese, and Italian is considered world-class. You might want to try South Sea, Koi Palace or Mayflower and find that Chinese food is more than sweet and sour pork..."
What I ment to say that was What the FXXX with the 2 dollar Bun?
Because on upper Filmore?
Maybe most Asian place on Filmore are Rip-Off, include the Japo restrant callsTen-Ichi and the Pseudo Viet sandwich shop.
I'm just sayin'. -
Review from Nilu r.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 11/21/2011
I tried again and this time, came away super satisfied. The chicken wonton soup was perfect on a cold day, lots of wontons, lots of chicken, lots s of flavor.
I also tried the shrimp dumpling which were tasty.
The service was very helpful and friendly...I will be back...I am glad I gave them another try.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/9/2011
Way too expensive and small for what you get. Taste was ok but for $2.20 I need a bit more than a… Read more »
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Review from SF Diner A.
San Francisco, CA
10/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I thought the effort was good, but the price for dumplings shouldnt be this high.
I ordered their pork buns and chicken buns. As much as I liked their green packaging, i would say work on lowering your costs like packaging to give it to the customer. I spent 20 bucks on 10 pieces of food, when I couldve gone to Chinatown and gotten 10 different tyoes of dim sum + buns for 5 bucks. She kind of sweetens her bread and adds flavors like chocolate to pork buns. Inventive, but if you have to sell Chinese dim sum, at least match the prices in chinatown....
Not sure how long this place will last. -
Review from Emily T.
9/10/2011
I wanted to go to burger king down the street after my $12 lunch to get a decent sized bun to fill my tummy....
Another mediocre fillmore establishment.
Pork dumplings: dim sum style with clear skin. I'm really disappointed in the flavor and content of the dumplings. They were cold and unimpressive.
Chicken dumplings: same. flavor is slightly more complex than pork, but still can't even remotely justify the outrageous fillmore real estate (3 for $3.75)
Pork buns: tiny and again, disappointing.
Vanilla buns: COLD and tiny. repeating the theme. I've had much, much, much better.
I'm really sad to give such a bad review for a local business. The service is excellent, hence the extra star. Will probably never return again for food. -
Review from Genevieve Y.
San Francisco, CA
9/1/2011 7 photos
Date & Time: Thursday September 1, 2011 @ 1pm
Company: The Husband
Crowd: Ladies Who Lunch in Elizabeth & James
Atmosphere: Pleasant
Decor: Minimalist w/ Asian Touch. White Cupboards Filled w/ Jams & Chutney, Novelties, Kim Chee & Loose Tea. Counter Window Seating
Service: People-Oriented
Imbibe: Japanese Iced Tea & Hot Tea
Devour: Savory BBQ Pork Bao & Chicken Bao. Sweet Very Vanilla & Coconut Creme Buns. Jar of Sinto Gourmet Kimchi- Available at Rainbow Grocers & Coming Soon To Whole Foods
Total: $15.30
Note: Only Buns Available Now. Dumplings on The Menu After Labor DayListed in: Cheap Eats
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Review from Wana C.
San Francisco, CA
I was the first one to order and my number is 0. Ha!
Came here for their pre opening event. It's pretty warm in there even with their door open.
pork dumpling- YUM!
pea shoot dumpling- not my cup of tea. I'm sure vegetarians would like this one
pork bun- I guess I'm used to the ones you get at Chinese dim sum places. This one was pretty small and honestly I couldn't even see any pork inside. What I did see and taste was the sauce and loads of onions.
chocolate custard- this one was the BEST! I loved the sugar crusted coating on top. The bun itself had just the right amount of sweetness to it. The chocolate custard was really good. They need to put in more chocolate filling. There was maybe only 1/8th filled.
Everyone was friendly. Will definitely come back to buy more custard buns. I also want to try their other menu items they'll be offering. -
Review from Rigs R.
San Francisco, CA
9/2/2011
Yummoful!!!!! (Is that a word?).
So I have been reading some of the other reviews. Yes they are correct you could go to chinatown or clement where you will get more bang for your buck.
However, the word heigene comes to mind when I think of those places and food poisoning....
Here at Dumplings and Buns you can leave those thoughts at the door. This place is located where it caters to a more upscale clientel. Not saying they won't serve anyone but sometimes price has to do with location.
Now most important the food. You cannot go wrong with the custard buns (mouth is salivating as I type this). The pork buns were very tasty and "petite". They were the right size in my opinion as with a "normal" sized bun you typically take two or three bites and toss out the rest. With these you toss it all in your mouth :) And the dumplings were great!
You can tell that the food/menu was well thought out and made with love. The owner is a sweetheart and goes out of her way to make all customers feel welcome.
As this is a new place you have to give them a lil time to "iron out" some of their problems. But if their main problem is that they run out of inventory that means their food is good!
Great to know we have a new dim sum place to go to whenever you get that "craving"! -
Review from Lisa B.
San Francisco, CA
8/28/2011
Can't wait to try this place when they are officially open and they have a full menu, but I really enjoyed what I tried. The pea shoot dumpling was not my cup of tea, but the flavors in the pork dumpling were amazing. The pork bun had a delicious bbq pork filling and the bun was soft and doughy just they way I like, and small so there was a perfect pork to bun ratio. The vanilla custard bun was out of this world amazing. The staff seemed friendly, but they are too too new to rate officially. I would say that
D & B is off to a great start and I can not wait to see what they can do. -
Review from Lana C.
San Francisco, CA
9/3/2011
i had one of their chocolate buns on the Monday they opened. It was delicious. The slightly crusty top was nice, and it was generously filled with a very well-flavored chocolate custard. The bun itself is a little bit dough-ey-er (?) than I like; I think they need to work on that.
It's a tiny bit on the pricey side ($2 for the bun), but worth it in terms of convenience. If you're "in the hood" and in the mood for a sweet, it should compete well (from a value perspective) with Citizen Cake's tropical shag, Fillmore Bakeshop's truffles, and Boulangerie's macarons.
[ The "pineapple bun" at City View is slightly better, but it's a hassle (and quite expensive) to eat there too.]
I look forward to trying their har gow and siu mai when their steamer is working. I've eaten millions of pieces of dimsum in my life, and would like to see how theirs compares. -
Review from Jade W.
4 dumplings plus 1 bao - under $6
Baked Pork Bau - def not char sui (bbq pork) has a sweet southern style BBQ taste to it. Too much onion. Dough okay, good texture not too doughy and not overall sweet. May need an egg glaze to give sheen and that yummy little crunchy at more traditional dim sum houses.
Chicken dumpling - dough waaayyy too thick and gummy. chicken okay
Vegetable dumpling - again dough too thick and gummy. Veg was actually good. Nice taste and crunch from water chestnuts.
Pork dumpling - same dough problem and tasted exactly like the chicken - okay.
Overall good thing this place is in Pac Heights because there's no way this place could compete with any other dim sum to go restaurants all over the city. Honestly this is accessible dim sum for people who aren't adventurous enough to wander into China Town, Irving, or even Clement. I doubt I'll be back.
price for 4 dumplings = $3.75, at good luck dim sum 3 dumplings for $1.60 that blow these out of the water - your taste buds.... -
Review from Erika K.
Burlingame, CA
9/4/2011
I'm so happy D&B finally opened. It's different, unique, chic, and brings great cultural flare to Pac Heights. The artwork and photos around the shop give it a very home-like character and the staff is really energetic and great. Now to the food -- it's a 5 star because it's makes you want more.
Since the opening day I've noticed the pork buns have gotten slightly bigger and better with even more pork, which is always a plus. The sweet custard buns are out of this world, it's truly something I've never tasted. Orange Ginger and Chocolate are my favorites. You definitely have to try the buns here. The people who compare these chic buns with Chinatown's humungous airy buns have got it all wrong, it's about top quality ingredients and actually savoring the buns you eat. I'm sure it's healthier too.
As for the dumplings, they are tasty when dipped in the sauce (delicious sauce). The owner told me they are experimenting with the vegetarian version, so I can't wait til they perfect them.
Boozer buns are coming their way I heard, so I'm definitely coming back again to try them....maybe the chocolate kalua or the Amaretto. -
Review from Luis C.
San Francisco, CA
9/9/2011
This is the first time that I have such good buns, and I live in SF, a lot of traditional chinese restaurants around, but not one with such yummy buns.
The pork and chicken buns are awesome. I also tried the sweet vanilla and chocolate buns and couldn't had enough!
Really nice place too, great for a quick snack before going out. -
Review from Kim S.
8/27/2011 2 photos
Great soft open party! Friendly service that handled the rush well with a smile.
Pea shoot dumpling had a lot of flavor for veggie, the pork less so. The "skin" could be thinner, more delicate.
BBQ Pork Bao had a delicious filling without lots of goo - wish the bun wasn't undercooked, probably bc of the rush of customers.
The hits were the sweet custard buns - heaven!! I restrained & only bought 1 vanilla & 2 chocolate - OMG, deeelish! The crust on top was perfect! Just wish there was more chocolate - because there is never enough chocolate. -
Review from Randy T.
9/20/2011
Friday night. Around 6PM. And you run out of almost everything on your menu? That's peak dinner time! Workers clueless on when new buns and dumplings are coming out. Makes me believe they opened too soon before they got all the kinks out.
Sizes are ridiculously small for the price. I guess that's what you can get away with by planting yourself in the trendy Fillmore/Pac Heights area.
Tried the chicken dumplings since that's all that they had at the time and they were nothing to write home about. The BBQ pork bao was miniscule compared to one you can get in Chinatown. The May's Favorite Amaretto Boozer Bun which we waited patiently for was only a glimmer of light in otherwise a deep disappointment of a visit.
Just head to Chinatown. You'll get buns triple the size for half the price and the same amount of wait time if not less. -
Review from tina f.
San Francisco, CA
9/19/2011
I randomly felt like getting a special treat for the bf one day (let's face it, special treat for myself too!), so I decided to get a couple of buns. We tried the chocolate and vanilla buns, and they were decent. Yes, these are not Chinatown prices, but I don't mind paying a little more for convenience and cleanliness.
The boyfriend really enjoyed the crust on the buns, so I'd probably stroll in again every now and then to grab some more stuff to go. Definitely will try the dumplings next time. Service was good. The owner is actually Chinese, which gives the products a little more authenticity. -
Review from Chris T.
Clayton, CA
9/9/2011
Delicious dumplings, great sauces, awesome buns! Pork buns are my favorite. Brought my 7 year old son who is a very picky eater and he started eating mine. The buns are tasty, hope that they do some seasonal flavors like pumpkin.
Great value, easy to access location, awesome comfort food. Cant wait to get back. -
Review from Lisa L.
Pricey Asian food boggles my mind.
Yet, I keep coming back for more. Tried this spot while in the neighborhood. The chicken dumplings were really good - but 3 for $3.75 is a little on the pricey side, no matter HOW good it is. A pork bun (think char siu bao) the size of a golf ball... was twice the price it is in Chinatown... and wasn't significantly better - actually, it wasn't better at all.
I give them credit for giving away buns while folks had to wait for their orders... but unfortunately, I can't see this establishment around for the long run. -
Review from Kris L.
8/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you want more bang for your buck, go to a dim sum place in Chinatown (or Clement Street or Irving Street, etc.) because you'll pay less and get more. These buns are $2 each and much smaller than what you'd get one of these other places.
I had a BBQ Pork Bun and a Sweet Vanilla Custard Bun. The BBQ Pork Bun was okay. It was a little small for my taste and I seriously did not see any meat in mine. I'm sure there was some in there because it had the taste (at least a little) but it wasn't bursting with meat like most are. The Vanilla Custard Bun was good. It had the pineapple crusty stuff on the top (which I love) and the vanilla custard filling was different. I'm not sure I'd get a chocolate filled one. Growing up eating dim sum, having a chocolate filled bun seems weird.
Not sure I'd go back simply because I'm all about value, but not too bad.Comment from Joan S. of Dumplings and Buns 9/1/2011
When considering "value" vs. quality remember that we use… More » -
Review from Victor L.
San Francisco, CA
I tried this place several months ago and I have to say I wasn't thrilled about the buns i ordered at the time. Upon my 2nd visit today, the expanded and grouped item menu such as the Lai Fong I ordered was delicious. 4 dumplings (your choice of Pork, Chicken, Shrimp or Dungeness crab), 1 bun (pork, chicken or veggie) and a Roasted Chicken Salad for about 12 bucks. The hand shredded Roasted Chicken adds great flavor unlike the bland chicken you get at most restaurants. I still didn't love the bun for it's overly doughy recipe but the BBQ was fresh and not as fatty as traditional dim sum places. Def would go back again.
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Review from Kath v.
San Francisco, CA
9/20/2011
First let me say, I don't understand why they still don't have all of the items on the menu. If you are running out, MAKE MORE!!!! This in and of itself is a disappointment.
Dumplings were just OK. The pork with mushroom was tasty, except it had a fishy aftertaste that I didn't care for. The chicken was bland but didn't have the aftertaste. The buns were a total disappointment - the bread was so dense it completely overwhelmed the fillings. How can you make pink pork and have it be bland? I just don't understand.
Oh how I wanted to love this place but I just can't. There are too many other places in SF to find dumplings and buns that are more delicious than these. -
Review from Donna H.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 9/21/2011
I previously reviewed the savory dumplings, which while spendy (hey, it's Fillmore and California) were 100% delicious. Bought some of the ponzu chili sauce for home use.
Stopped in this past weekend to test drive the sweet buns. Alas, not feeling the love for these. The vanilla pastry cream filling was delicious, but the sweet bun around it was not to my liking. The chocolate bun was not pleasant for me. Ended up tossing out the extra buns, sad face. Purely subjective on my part.
I wish D&B the best of luck, but I do not think I will be a regular, sorry to report.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/3/2011
Stopped in here today to do a test drive.
They do have some service kinks to iron out, they're… Read more »
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Review from cc c.
San Francisco, CA
10/8/2011
In-and-out dim sum fare but at Yank Sing prices!
+ Mix and match three dim sum dumplings for like $5. Got the veggie, chicken and shrimp. The other choice is pork. They have that translucent skin which is standard of most dim sum places. Palatable but not exactly memorable.
+ Great staff. All attentive and check-in and check-out was seamless
+ Dessert is like $2 for a custard bun. It's a nice alternative to the fro yo that is popping up too much on the Fillmore strip. Select vanilla, chocolate or orange and ginger. That day there was chocolate peanut butter as a special.
- Great concept and alternative to the standard fare in the hood but I'm not sure I'd go back for it unless I was just seriously craving for dim sum which means never really filling up for the price I pay. -
Review from Bobby D.
Jamaica, NY
9/1/2011
Go to Chinatown if you want the real stuff...
And if you want to get shoved, stepped on and get dirty looks from old chinese women who are carrying their goodies for the day.
Dumplings and Buns is a good spot, but nothing special. The custard buns were yummy. I love BBQ pork buns, and these were mediocre.
If you live nearby and don't mind paying a lil' extra for these morsels...fine. Otherwise, head into the city.
