Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant is a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco's Sunset District that specializes in Uyghur cuisine.
History
editThe restaurant was opened in 1997 by Xuqun Yang and Feng Wang, a husband and wife[1] who emigrated from Beijing in 1987.[2] At first, they ran the restaurant with their 14-year-old son and one other employee.[1] As of 2015, it was the only Muslim Chinese restaurant in the city,[3] and at the time that it opened, most of its clientele were Muslim. However, their customers became more diverse over time as the restaurant gained publicity from publications like the Michelin Guide.[4][2]
The restaurant's menu is based on dishes from Uyghur cuisine, such as lamb skewers,[5] beef pancakes,[4] and cracked fish.[1] Beijing cuisine like noodles and hot pot are also served,[6][7][8] as well as traditional American Chinese cuisine.[1] It only serves halal food, which is made in accordance with Islamic dietary restrictions.[4][9] Items like pork and alcohol are not available at the restaurant.[10] It has been noted for the spiciness of many of its dishes.[5][1][9][11]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e Gentile, Dan. "How Uber makes staffing a 22-year-old Islamic Chinese restaurant in SF incredibly challenging". SFGate.
- ^ a b Alexander, Renee. "Expand your horizons with these variations on Chinese food in San Francisco". SFGate.
- ^ "The History Of San Francisco's Chinatown In 10 Dishes". Food Republic. 2015-06-10. Retrieved 2023-08-13.
- ^ a b c Bicchieri, Paolo (2023-03-22). "After Three Decades, This West Side Restaurant Remains a One-of-a-Kind Haven for Halal Chinese Food". Eater SF. Retrieved 2023-08-13.
- ^ a b Geographic, National (2016). Great American Eating Experiences: Local Specialties, Favorite Restaurants, Food Festivals, Diners, Roadside Stands, and More. National Geographic Books. p. 259. ISBN 978-1-4262-1639-8.
- ^ Ho, Soleil. "Top SAN FRANCISCO Restaurants". San Francisco Chronicle.
- ^ Chowhound (2005-04-26). The Chowhound's Guide to the San Francisco Bay Area. Penguin. p. 151. ISBN 978-1-101-22144-0.
- ^ Gendlin, Frances (2010-08-13). Culture Shock! San Francisco. Marshall Cavendish International Asia Pte Ltd. p. 237. ISBN 978-981-4484-81-7.
- ^ a b Lifestyle, Michelin Travel & (2012-10-24). MICHELIN Guide San Francisco 2013: Restaurants & Hotels. Michelin Travel & Lifestyle. ISBN 978-2-06-718725-2.
- ^ Brackett, Sylvan; Moore, Sue; Downing, Wendy (2005). The Slow Food Guide to San Francisco and the Bay Area: Restaurants, Markets, and Bars. Chelsea Green Publishing. p. 52. ISBN 978-1-931498-75-3.
- ^ Eater Staff (2016-12-22). "15 Scintillating Chinese Restaurants in San Francisco". Eater SF. Retrieved 2023-08-13.