Brandy Ho’s – Hunan Food – San Francisco

Brandy Ho’s – Hunan Food – 217 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

The only San Francisco venue we knew in advance that would definitely be visited was Brandy Ho’s. Tracey had promised the Curry Blogger that the Asian food here would not disappoint. Brandy Ho’s is located between Broadway and Pacific Avenue on the north east of Chinatown.

It was around 21.00 this Monday night when Dr. Stan and Hector entered the relatively quiet restaurant. A mid-room table was allocated, the menus brought.

Hot & Sour Soup and something with Duck were the two menu items Hector would look for first. The waitress was keen to assist. Spicy – was mentioned, we were warned that their food is – Spicy. Assurance was given that this was unlikely to be an issue.

Hot & Sour Soup for two was sorted. Another Starter was suggested. Not a fan of Chinese Dumplings, Hector was persuaded to share Fried Dumplings ($6.95) with a Ginger and Garlic Sauce.

Smoked Duck Hunanese ($15.95) was Hector’s main course selection, Dr. Stan opted for Brandy’s Dinner ($16.95), featuring Beef, Scallops and Shrimp. Medium – was noted, so not going – Spicy – Dr. Stan? Steamed Rice ($1.90). twice, completed the food order. Sparkling Water ($5.95) would accompany, as is the Hector norm.

The photos of Dr. Stan suitably capture the effect of the Hot & Sour Soup.

The six decent sized Dumplings were enough to share. In Polska, Hector orders Pierogi sparingly, the deep fried versions are preferred by far to steamed. These did the trick. Pork was the Meat, Spice and Flavour to the fore. A good recommendation.

Smoked Duck Hunanese

The main courses did not appear radically different from the better UK Chinese restaurants. The Sweet Chilli Sauce is universal. Perhaps the bits were not cut as finely, more aggressive stir-frying required.

Brandy’s Dinner

Gosh & Wow! Thank you, Tracey!

The Smoked Duck Hunanese was easily the best Restaurant Chinese food I have ever tasted. Hector was introduced to Chinese food, proper, back in 1969. That summer I sailed on my father’s cargo ship around the Atlantic, well half of it. Sunday lunch always had a Chinese option, not since then had I found anything that I would consider to be authentic. Marg mostly prefers Hector’s Chinese cooking to anything available in UK restaurants. One day I shall bring her here.

Our waitress was keen to confirm that we were not suffering. Spicy, this may have been mentioned, but there was so much more. The diversity provided by the Vegetables complemented the Duck. There was a lot of eating here, every mouthful a test, then the pleasure released. This was way more impressive fayre than that served at the Curry Houses visited to date in San Francisco. Next time, Chinatown every night.