Locations in the very different Richmond and Sunnyside neighborhoods serve opposite sides of the city with the same juicy soup dumplings, if not too much atmosphere in either location. Also excellent (and juicy) are the Hangzhou steamed crab and pork dumplings. Pro tip: Skip the entrees and just fill up on those dumplings.

Most dumplings, rice noodles and buns cost three for $1.70 at this Sunset cafe. One of the biggest bargains in town, here’s where to stop when you want to have a massive feast for five dollars that you won’t immediately regret afterward. A Chinese sausage studded and dumpling wrapped rice ball is one of the most unusual and filling items here, though elaborate specials often come and go during holiday seasons. TC does mostly to-go business but does have a few tables and there is also a Daly City outpost.

Cart service is offered at this other Richmond District staple on weekdays and weekends and can be raucous during the day, but it’s important to know that you can order dim sum (and the full menu) until 10pm daily. Whenever you go, don’t miss beautifully delicate items like the scalloped-edged shrimp and pea shoot dumplings and sugar fiends must try the custard rice cakes.

With locations South of Market and in Chinatown, this is still the classic SF tourist spot, with commensurate pricing. But don’t let that scare you away from trying it on a special occasion, or just having a little taste via the SoMa location’s takeout window. Yank Sing delivers a quality experience both in flavor and presentation. This is also a good place to splurge on an accompanying Peking duck.

The Kingdom of Dumpling team owns this year-old to-go spot that sells bags of frozen dim sum (about a dozen for $7-8). As the name might suggest, the dumplings outshine the buns and wontons, but all are worth picking up. Be prepared to point to what you want if you don’t speak Mandarin.