Upscale Chinese food.
It’s a bit of a concept isn’t it?
We’re so used to cheap greasy-ass Chinese food, that costs no more than $10- $13 a plate. It’s SOOO satisfying in the moment… but will probably make you feel gross afterwards & put you in a direct food coma. Does anyone feel me on this??
Anyways. China Live…
It’s unlike anything San Francisco has ever seen. And I totally dig it.
Dumplings. Peking duck. Noods. Roasted pork.
I can feast on all of the above AND not feel shitty about it afterwards?! #OhhhhhhYesssss #SignMeUP
The Concept:
It’s a modern Chinese marketplace & culinary retail shop offering family-style courses. There’s even a full bar, tea and pastry cafe, with more to come on upper floors. Grab a seat at any of 8 stations to watch the chefs in action.
What to order:
Peking Duck with kumquat glaze, green onions in sesame packets. This is such a unique take on peking duck, and I absolutely love it. Usually, it comes in a thick steamed white bun that over powers the duck (and it’s just unnecessary carbs). This however, is how I would prefer to eat it all the time. The flavors are well-balanced and has a nice crisp to each bite.
Sheng Jian Bao (Pan-fried pork dumplings). This arrives in a piping hot cast iron pan. It’s crispy on the outside, and when you take a bite… it’s filled with flavorful, juicy meat inside. 100% recommend.
Kurobuta Pork Char Siu. Oh man. The meat was so tender with a nice glaze on top. I’d get this to share with the table.
Crackling-Skin Cantonese Chicken. This is another one for the books. The skin is SO CRISPY, while the meat remains moist and tender. If you’re not into the pork (above), definitely get this chicken.
The only thing that fell short were these “Macro Polo” Zhajianmain Minced Pork Noodles. The flavors were lacking all around.
One of the most impressive things on the menu? THIS DESSERT: Sesame soft serve with mango shaved ice ($9). Not sure what kind of sorcery they used to make this concoction, but this is the best Taiwanese shaved ice i’ve ever had (and yes, I’ve been to Taiwan). It’s a fluffy, airy shaved ice with a silky texture and many hidden toppings. Overall the dish was a perfect ending to an already great meal.
To sum it all up:
China Live is a great place to bring family and friends for an upscale Chinese meal. The presentation and quality of food is unparalleled to anything you’d get in Chinatown (besides Mr. Jius).
Sure, it may be a little pricier- but where else can you get great service, eat a FEAST of dumplings, pork, chicken, peking duck- AND not feel extra thirsty from MSG afterwards?
You get what you pay for. And at China Live- it’s the ambiance, the quality, the service, and the food presentation.
6 Comments
Your photos make me hungry
=p
I agree with you, the pork noodles were the least impressive dish we ordered. I expected the noodles to be better,
I wish it had more flavor!
That dessert was my favorite thing there! I’d go back just for that everyday. Did you get to try any of the rice dishes?
No I didn’t have room on the table for any more dishes haha. I’m definitely going back to try everything I missed!