Shop & dine at these AAPI Owned Businesses near BART

Last Updated On Apr. 16, 2024

Janice Dulce, owner of FOB Kitchen, embraces her family. Photo courtesy of Janice Dulce. 

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. To honor AAPI communities, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite Bay Area AAPI businesses near BART. From tasty restaurants and cafes to breweries and even a famous wok shop, there is ample opportunity to enjoy the flavors, fun and diversity of AAPI culture this May. So, grab your Clipper card and head to BART. It’s the perfect time to try something new. 

Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.

Senor SisigPhoto courtesy of Senor Sisig.

Senor Sisig | Embarcadero

Senor Sisig started in 2010 with a single food truck and soon became a local phenomenon. With its third permanent location in the beautiful and historic Ferry Building, co-founders Gil Payumo and Evan Kidera continue to serve fresh Filipino street food. Senor Sisig fans will recognize most of the menu, like the burritos and tacos, but its new spot has special additions, like the sisig torta and bite-sized churros. Take BART to Embarcadero and stroll 0.2 miles to 1 Ferry Building, Suite 41. 

BONUS: Senor Sisig has two additional permanent BARTable locations. To visit Senor Sisig in San Francisco’s Mission District, take BART to 24th St Mission and walk 0.5 miles to 990 Valencia St. To visit Senor Sisig in Oakland, take BART to 12th St/Oakland City Center and walk 0.3 miles to 330 17th St.

via hi cityPhoto courtesy of Hi City.

Hi City | Montgomery St

Hawaiian-raised Chefs Djon Marcus and Julio Perez opened Hi City in San Francisco to introduce traditional Hawaiian food with a hint of California. Their menu offers a range of fresh and fun Hawaiian cuisine. Think Hawaiian poke, musubi and local specials like kalua pork and chicken katsu. The eatery’s most creative option, the build-your-own poke bowl, lets customers choose a base, protein, toppings and sauce. Take BART to Montgomery St for traditional Hawaiian food 404 feet away at 220 Bush St.

the wok shopPhoto courtesy of The Wok Shop.

The Wok Shop | Montgomery St

This Chinatown specialty shop has sold woks for over 50 years. Owner Tane Chan, known as Chinatown’s wok ambassador, offers every size imaginable and that’s not all she’s got. Her one-of-a-kind wok shop offers cookbooks, clay pots, utensils and more — everything you need to cook an authentic Asian dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Chan and her knowledgeable staff are also on hand to answer customer culinary queries. Take BART to Montgomery St and ‘wok’ 0.5 miles to 718 Grant Ave.

YAMO via YelpPhoto courtesy of YAMO.

YAMO | 16th St Mission

Yamo serves traditional Burmese food in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission district. With the perfect combination of delicious cuisine, affordable prices and a cozy atmosphere, Yamo is a true gem. Popular dishes include samusas filled with curry spices and potatoes, mango chicken, black bean tofu, curry fish and Yamo house noodles, to name a few. Take BART to 16th St Mission for delectable Burmese cuisine 0.2 miles away at 3406 18th St.

sweetheart cafePhoto courtesy of Sweetheart Cafe.

Sweetheart Cafe | 12th St/Oakland City Center

For over 20 years, Sweetheart Café has been an Oakland Chinatown staple. Expect an extensive menu of house-brewed teas, fruit teas, smoothies, slushies, coffee drinks and snacks. Best sellers include mango green tea and crispy popcorn chicken. For a sweet treat or a savory bite, take BART to 12th St/Oakland City Center and walk 0.3 miles to 315 9th St.

courtesy of DokkaebierPhoto courtesy of Dokkaebier.

Dokkaebier | 12th St/Oakland City Center

Named after playful and mysterious creatures in Korean folklore that love to eat, drink and be in the company of others, Dokkaebier in Oakland brings Korean flavors to craft beers and the results are delicious. CEO and Chief Dokkaebi Youngwon Lee loves experimenting with ingredients from all over Asia. His team has innovatively added surprising ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, bamboo leaves and omija berries to refreshing beers. Stop by and try for yourself. Take BART to 12th St/Oakland City Center for an inventive craft beer 0.5 miles away at 420 3rd St.

new dumplingPhoto courtesy of New Dumpling.

New Dumpling | El Cerrito Plaza

What started as a small dumpling restaurant is now a warm and welcoming eatery full of delicious dishes. While the tasty dumplings are definitely the main attraction here, there are also plenty of appetizers, side dishes and soups. Worth a visit, this popular spot is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant. Take BART to El Cerrito Plaza for a meal full of flavor 0.3 miles to 10064 San Pablo Ave. 

DaisoPhoto courtesy of Daiso.

Daiso | El Cerrito Plaza

For Japanese-inspired home, beauty and food products, look no further than Daiso. The family-owned company has been around for 50 years and offers over 100,000 products. Known for its quality finds at affordable prices, Daiso is a one-stop shop for fun and practical products. For a fun shopping experience, take BART to El Cerrito Plaza and walk 0.3 miles to 7000 El Cerrito Plaza.

FOB kitchenPhoto courtesy of FOB Kitchen.

FOB Kitchen | MacArthur

Celebrating Filipino food and culture, FOB Kitchen offers classic dishes and modern twists. Chef and owner Janice Dulce was born into a large Filipino family. Learning to cook recipes from her childhood alongside her mother and grandmother, Dulce’s Oakland restaurant was selected in 2021, 2022 and 2023 as a California Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide. Favorites at FOB Kitchen include the Shanghai lumpia and the pancit sotanghon with glass noodles, vegetables and soy. The staff favorite, Tocino, is a sweet, house-made pork steak with garlic rice, sunny egg and mixed green salad. Take BART to MacArthur for island vibes and tasty meals 0.7 miles away at 5179 Telegraph Ave. 
 

What is Your Favorite BARTable AAPI Business?

We want to hear your recommendations! Let us know on social media, @SFBARTable #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on InstagramFacebook and TikTok to see all of the best BARTable events and places to eat and have fun around the Bay.

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