Rice rolls and jook! January 14, 2026

Mentioned in this episode:

• Rice Rolls Wikipedia reference
• Rice Roll Express at 1131 Stockton Street, San Francisco
• Cafe New Honolulu at 888 Stockton Street, San Francisco (Cash Only)
• Good Mong Kok Bakery at 1039 Stockton Street, San Francisco

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Transcript

Jamie Whitaker: 0:17

Hey, how are you doing? This is Jamie, and you're listening to the To Do San Francisco podcast for Wednesday, January 14th, 2026. Thanks for taking a couple of minutes out of your day to listen. If you've never had rice rolls, also known as Cheung Fun, this is your sign to put them on your must-eat list in San Francisco's Chinatown. Rice rolls are a classic Cantonese comfort food made from the thin sheets of steamed rice noodle, rolled up and often filled with ingredients like shrimp, barbecue pork, beef, or simply served plain. They're soft, silky, and usually finished with a light soy sauce, sweet soy, or a drizzle of sesame oil. Simple, cozy, and incredibly satisfying. One easy place to start is Rice Roll Express, a casual, no frills spot that specializes exactly in what the name promises. The rice rolls are made fresh to order. It's fast, affordable, and perfect if you want to sample a few fillings without committing to a long sit-down meal. Next up is Cafe New Honolulu, a longtime Chinatown favorite known for classic Cantonese cafe fare. Their rice rolls lean traditional, smooth, delicate, and served as part of a larger menu that's great for sharing. This is a solid stop if you want to pair rice rolls with other comfort dishes and soak in a bit of a Hong Kong cafe atmosphere. And then there's Good Mong Kok Bakery, best known for baked goods and dim sum staples, but also a reliable spot to grab rice rolls on the go. These are perfect if you're wandering the neighborhood and want something warm, filling, and easy to eat between stops. Pro tip, no matter where you go, consider ordering jook or rice porridge on the side. The creamy, savory porridge pairs beautifully with rice rolls and makes the whole meal extra comforting, especially on a cool San Francisco morning. Whether you're new to rice rolls or revisiting a favorite, Chinatown in San Francisco is one of the best places to enjoy this humble, delicious classic. Today's act of kindness: Let someone merge in traffic or step ahead of you in line. Wishing you a calm, kind, and joyful Wednesday. Thanks for listening.