Fried Tofu Zhà Dòu Fǔ
Hodala

Hodala

5801 Geary Blvd, 94121, San Francisco, United States

Soup • Asian • Casual • Catering


"Hodala in San Francisco is a Taiwanese culinary gem that serves up comforting and delicious dishes that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Taiwan. I recently dined at Hodala and indulged in a feast of Taiwanese favorites, including Taiwanese sausage, popcorn chicken, Taiwanese buns, beef noodle soup, and braised cabbage, and it was a culinary experience that left me craving for more.Starting with the Taiwanese sausage, it was a flavor explosion in my mouth. The sausage was juicy, with a hint of sweetness and a satisfying snap. The accompanying garlic sauce added a burst of savory umami, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The popcorn chicken, another Taiwanese street food favorite, was crispy and succulent, with a flavorful marinade that made it addictive and hard to resist. The seasoning was spot on, with just the right amount of spices that elevated the dish to a whole new level.The Taiwanese buns at Hodala were a standout. The soft and fluffy buns were filled with succulent and flavorful meat, creating a harmonious combination of textures and flavors. Whether it was the tender pork belly or the savory braised beef, each bite was a delight to the senses. The beef noodle soup, a classic Taiwanese dish, was a bowl of pure comfort. The rich and robust broth was packed with umami flavors, and the noodles were chewy and perfectly cooked. The tender beef slices added a satisfying meaty goodness to the dish.The braised cabbage was a surprising and delicious side dish. The cabbage was cooked to perfection, retaining its natural sweetness while absorbing the flavors of the braising liquid. It was tender and flavorful, complementing the other dishes perfectly and adding a refreshing crunch to the meal.The comfort and deliciousness of the food at Hodala were truly outstanding. The flavors were authentic and reminiscent of the street food stalls in Taiwan, and the quality of the ingredients was evident in every dish. The portion sizes were generous, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.The ambience at Hodala was relaxed and inviting, with modern decor and attentive service. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, providing helpful recommendations and ensuring a pleasant dining experience.In conclusion, Hodala in San Francisco is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Taiwanese comfort food. The Taiwanese sausage, popcorn chicken, Taiwanese buns, beef noodle soup, and braised cabbage were all outstanding and left me craving for more. The warm ambience and attentive service added to the overall dining experience. I highly recommend Hodala for a taste of Taiwan in San Francisco. I can't wait to return and indulge in their delicious offerings once again."

Shooting Star Cafe

Shooting Star Cafe

1068 Webster St Oakland, CA 94607-4224, United States

Cafe • Coffee • Drinks • Desserts


"*1/11/2024 I tried the lunch special at Shooting Stars, and it was really worth the price. Just a heads up, though – the special deal is only for folks dining in at the restaurant. The soup of the day, probably chicken soup, was a nice surprise. It was super tasty without being too salty, and it went really well with the Hai Nan Style Chicken and Special Rice. The Hai Nan chicken was good, and the special rice had this cool coconut flavor that made the dish even more interesting. The Beef Chow Fun didn't let me down; it tasted just as good as I expected. The wok hay added a nice touch, making it a dish I can count on. For dessert, we went for the Hot Desserts with Taro and Yam Balls on a Grass Jelly Base. We thought it would be cold, but surprise, it was warm! It was okay, and the taro and yam balls weren't too squishy, but I wouldn't say it's a must try. There might be better dessert options on the menu. *One thing to keep in mind is that they automatically add a service fee to your bill, so no need to worry about tipping separately. 9/22/2023 Craving some delicious beef chow fun, and Shooting Star is the first restaurant that comes to mind. We ordered the Beef With Tender Green Chow Fun and the Mini Egg Puffs with Fresh Strawberry, just like we used to. The fragrance of the chow fun is delightful, and it tastes amazing too! The egg puffs are as delicious as I remember from last time. No complaints about these two dishes! They are always my go to choices at Shooting Star Cafe! 8/21/2023 The beef chow fun was decent, though a bit lacking in flavor even with added spicy sauce. The Mixed Fruit Crepe, on the other hand, was a delightful conclusion sweet and refreshing. However, the Tako Yaki disappointed with its overly wet texture and minimal octopus content. *Worth noting is that a 15% tip was automatically added to the bill. 7/11/2023 I recently discovered Shooting Star Cafe in Oakland while craving a late night snack, and I must say it deserves a solid 4 star review. What drew us to this place was the fact that it's the only restaurant in the area that stays open until midnight. On our visit, we decided to try the Beef With Tender Green Chow Fun and the Mini Egg Puffs with Fresh Strawberry. Let me tell you, the Chow Fun was absolutely amazing! The flavors were outstanding, and every bite was a delightful explosion of taste. The combination of tender beef and perfectly cooked green chow fun noodles was a winning combination. The Mini Egg Puffs with Fresh Strawberry were also a treat. They were tasty and satisfying, providing a delightful contrast of flavors with the sweet strawberries."