Menkee Wonton

1701 Noriega St, San Francisco, CA 94122, United States
$$$ Chinese restaurant
(86 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you're on the hunt for authentic Chinese comfort food in San Francisco, look no further than Menkee Wonton. Nestled on Noriega Street, this charming hole-in-the-wall restaurant offers a delightful fusion of traditional Chinese flavors, particularly specializing in Chiu Chow-style dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

The ambience of Menkee Wonton is quintessentially casual, embodying that beloved "dive" vibe that makes you feel right at home. You might not find luxurious decor or the warmest service, but what you will discover is a bustling kitchen where culinary passion is palpable—summoned by the chef's spirited outbursts reminiscent of Chef Ramsay. This palpable energy translates directly into the addictive flavors of each dish served up.

Menkee's menu is filled with comforting options that cater to both adventurous eaters and fans of classic favorites. The House Porridge is a must-try, available in varieties like Fish Ball & Beef Ball ($3.95) and Pork & Preserved Egg ($3.50), which offers a warm, creamy embrace perfect for any time of day. For those who crave something a bit heartier, the Fried Flat Noodles stand out. The Combo Seafood Fried Flat Noodle ($5.50) and Beef Veg. Fried Flat Noodle ($4.50) are packed with vibrant flavors and perfectly cooked ingredients that sing with every bite.

Vegetable enthusiasts won't be disappointed either, as dishes like Broccoli with Garlic ($5.95) and Hot Garlic Eggplant ($5.95) capture the essence of Chinese culinary art—simple ingredients elevated to new heights through thoughtful preparation. Reviews from dedicated customers further speak volumes about the quality of the food; many have praised the unforgettable fried tofu and the unbeatable value for money, often remarking on the delicious dishes that come at nearly unbeatable prices.

Speaking of value, it’s hard not to be charmed by the affordability of Menkee Wonton. With many entrees priced around $4 to $6, it’s genuinely a rarity in San Francisco to find a spot that serves generous portions without breaking the bank. For the unadventurous diner, perhaps skip the service expectations and embrace the down-to-earth vibe of this culinary gem. One satisfied customer shared, “You are not paying for service here, so don’t expect a smile,” succinctly capturing the essence of the experience.

More than just a place to eat, Menkee Wonton is a beloved local institution, frequented by those in the know for its hearty meals that speak to the heart and soul of Chinese cuisine. Whether you're a fan of unique Chiu Chow-style dishes or simply on the lookout for comforting, delicious food, this diminutive spot will leave both your stomach and your wallet feeling satisfied.

In sum, if your palette craves authentic flavors and your wallet appreciates value, make Menkee Wonton your next dining destination and indulge in the memorable experience of true Chinese comfort food. Don’t forget to tip the hardworking staff—especially the owner's daughter, who ensures your experience is seamless!

Service options
Offers kerbside pickup
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
86 Reviews
Donna Leong

06 Sep 2025

This place has a fantastic owner cook who makes down home foods which is absolutely delicious. I really like his calamari which is light and tasty. His batter and the seasoning he uses makes this dish memorable. Too often you order calamari it comes out over cooked and rubbery. This place it's light and tender. My favorite dishes I like are his steamed pork with salted fish, lotus root with Chinese sausage, salted fish fried rice, Chinese gai lon with oyster sauce, and his mustard green soup with minced pork. Best part of all it is really reasonable to eat here and it really has good food.

kim

17 Aug 2025

my favorite to-go spot in the Sunset! they're almost always open when you're craving Chinese food. the main chef/owner is constantly yells like Chef Ramsay and it translates into his delicious food! you can taste the fiery wok passion! don't forget to tip their daughter working in the front! theyve hustle hard for many years and still keep their prices affordable for their customers. my fav dishes here: deep fried pig intestines shrimp and egg ho fun salt and pepper calamari salted fish eggplant minced beef tofu

Jeff Ho

12 Aug 2025

Menkee is an 80's era Chinatown restaurant. They do have unique Chiu Chow style dishes. Tonight I had their Chiu Chow style peanuts $1.75, Chiu Chow style egg rolls $2.50 for two small rolls, Chiu Chow oyster cake $6.95 and a BBQ pork wonton noodles $7.55. The Chiu Chow style peanuts were roasted peanuts served at room temperate. They weren't oily or salted. I'll skip that next time unless there is beer. Their egg rolls were pretty good. The filling is sticky rice with little pieces of Chinese preserved sausage (lap chong) served on a bed of pickled vegetables. The Chiu Chow oyster cake was not bad. Very doughy and didn't have that bitter oyster taste that I enjoy. There were little pieces of green onions in there. Finally the BBQ pork wonton noodles were acceptable. I didn't find the broth to be exciting or the BBQ pork to be succulent. The wontons were OK. This place feels dirty and run down. The waitress could use a lesson in congeniality. The food is pretty good though because of their Chao Zhou dishes. I wouldn't bring a girl here until they are down for hole-in-the wall establishments.

Erica Au

16 Jul 2025

The food here is excellent. I absolutely love their fried tofu and all their noodle dishes are amazing!! It is a true hole in the wall, down and dirty spot with the most amazing food. Don't expect good service but do know that your tummy will be happy!

Colin Noel

15 Jul 2025

1) crazy affordable prices. I genuinely can’t find a place in SF that still sells entrees in the 6-8$ range. 2) really good food 3) don’t expect amazing dine in service or the place to be beautifully decorated/clean. This is the purest definition of amazing hole in the wall Chinese food and if you know what you are in for than I deplore you to try this place. Ignore 1 star reviews that comment about communication issues or order issues, but if friendly service is imperative to you than I would recommend you look elsewhere.

DYJ1948

14 Jul 2025

Been coming here for 20 years, cheap and delicious down home chui chow food. You are not paying for service here so don’t expect a smile and this is the very best definition of a hole in the wall restaurant. Everything is sticky, the floor, the table, the menu, the bathroom and even the waitress. Also you’ll never ever have to wait for a table. Order the 5 course meal for $24, (it used to be $20) the flavors are great. Edited in 2025, this business is permanently closed and has been sold!!!

David C

12 Jul 2025

The food here really is delicious. Vegetables are prepared to Cantonese perfection. The food preparation is outstanding. The decor is not impressive for dining-in, and while the service is efficient, it's not exactly friendly or warm. If you feel put off by the look of the restaurant, get take out. You won't be disappointed. If you can't decide what to get choose one of the two lowest pieced fixed-price menus. It's a lot of food though! Someone else on google mentioned the beef chow fun - this was the dish I ordered the first time I went here. The noodles and vegetables were great. The wonton soup is great. The wontons themselves are really delicious, and the broth and cabbage make it a delicious starter for a hearty meal.

Checking
Listing Image

Flat-Out Burgers by Taster

459 Southbury Rd, London EN3 4HX, United Kingdom
Meal delivery
( Reviews)
Checking
Listing Image

Antigua Guatemala Restaurant

2741 W Flagler St #1, Miami, FL 33135, United States
Guatemalan restaurant
(3044 Reviews)
Checking Featured
Listing Image

Seven Reasons

931 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
Restaurant
(1728 Reviews)
Checking
Listing Image

Uncle Tetsu's Japanese Cheesecake, Yonge & Sheppard

4909 Yonge St, North York, ON M2N 5N4, Canada
Bakery
(43 Reviews)
Checking Featured
Listing Image

Pia's Trattoria

3054 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport, FL 33707, United States
Italian restaurant
(3217 Reviews)

Join the Menkee Wonton Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.