Bay Meadows

Gather your friends for some dim sum, create a Chinese banquet to celebrate the Lunar New Year, or call ahead to spend an evening picnicking at home with chopsticks and a favorite flick. We’ve rounded up some regional favorites complete with recommendations for you to try:

Gau Poang, San Mateo: A friendly Peninsula spot for over 30 years, Gau Poang is a favorite among locals who say the owner (Judy) provides excellent customer service. Must Order: Hot and Sour Soup (you can ask to add wontons in it!) The Chicken Chow Mein or Chinese Chicken Salad are also favorites.

Taylor G. says, “Their potstickers are definitely one of the biggest hits in the office, as well as their garlic tofu and mandarin chicken. I also recommend the mongolian beef and spring rolls. Both are also delicious.”

Insider Tip: Dine-in Happy Hour is 8pm – till close/ Half off Appetizers, $1.00 off Wine, Sake & Beer. Call: 650.286.9386

China Bee, San Mateo: Recently named one of the best Taiwanese Restaurants in the Bay Area, Nancy Bee and family have a loyal following in downtown San Mateo. Must Order: XLB (xiao long bao) and the Beef Noodle Soup!

Kitai P. says, “Seriously, if you like Taiwan style braised beef noodle soup, this place is for you!  I was born and raised in Taiwan so I miss stuff like this. I have tried many many beef noodle soups in the bay area from south bay to east bay to the peninsula and I have to say their version is by far the best.  The taste is fairly authentic and you can ask for mild, medium or super spicy.  You can also get a half and half of beef and tendon.  The noodle soup normally comes with the bigger flat noodles but you can ask for the thin noodles if you like.”

Insider Tip: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, Open Wed – Sunday. Call: 650-348-1889

Hot Wok Bistro, San Mateo: Hot Wok is a cute, funky place where you can sit diner-style at the counter and watch the chefs cook your food.
Must Order: Tan Tan Noodles, Kung Pao Chicken and Potstickers.

Angelo A. says, “This is a regular spot for me, Chinese food is my favorite type of food, and this is my favorite Chinese restaurant. So that’s saying a lot. My favorite dish is the Chinese bok choy and chicken stir fry. Great food “real” Chinese food, and would definitely consider it my favorite “hole in the wall.”

Insider Tip: Be sure to ask about daily specials! Call: 650-548-1758

Oceanic Restaurant, San Mateo: Oceanic offers plenty of vegetarian options and does amazing things with eggplant that will leave you a fan. Must Order: Hong Kong Crispy Noodle, Green Onion Pancake and Garlic Eggplant.

Vanessa T. says, “I am so happy that this place is so close to my home! I will be a repeat customer. We went with our 3 year old and it is a welcoming place for kids. Even free chocolate ice cream! And egg rolls! The general’s chicken is amazing. Addicting. I will definitely be back soon. Excellent customer service and friendly staff.”

Insider Tip: Complimentary Hot and Sour Soup is served at lunch and Egg Rolls at dinner. They also offer brown rice. Call: 650-570-4234

Little China Kitchen, San Mateo: Little China blends traditional and modern styles of Asian cooking, chefs create lightly sauced dishes that allow natural flavors to emerge and stimulate the senses.
Must Order: Salt and Pepper Pork Loins and Walnut Prawns.

Leila G. doesn’t really want to share, but still has some nice things to say: “The BEST, most flavorful General Tso Chicken I’ve ever had (asked for it extra spicy). Great Singapore Rice Noodles. Great jazz playing. Clean. Kind service.
Mine. Don’t eat here. This is ALL MINE. None for you.”

Insider Tip: Free delivery with $20 purchase, limited area. No MSG or other unhealthy additives! Call: 650-348-3890

San Mateo is a great place to meet people and connect. Meet Up is a good places to find groups with common interests and ideas for fun things to do. Another thing San Mateo is great for is food. San Mateo even won Rand McNally’s Best of the Road: Best Small Town for Food!