Burma Superstar Shines Brightly

Burma Superstar - San Francisco

Whenever I visit my home in San Francisco, one of the first things I do is visit Burma Superstar. Aesthetically, it doesn't look like anything special from the exterior (except for the nightly crowd gathered along the sidewalk), but I can assure you, there is a whole lot going on inside. For those not familiar with Burmese cuisine, it is a combination of flavors from nearby countries India, China, Thailand, and Laos all perfectly blended together for just the right zest. 

Tea Leaf Salad

Tea Leaf Salad Mixin'

I get food cravings for their signature Samusa Soup -a hot steaming bowl of awe inspiring comfort broth made with broken up falafel, cabbage, lentils, and onions. Although a vegetarian dish, it is always a sure hit with carnivores. I follow it with both the Tea Leaf Salad (another favorite) and the Rainbow Salad - a 22 ingredient salad combining 4 types of noodles, green papaya, dried shrimp, tofu, and onions with a tamarind dressing which they toss right at your table. Entree highlights include the Garlic Chili Shrimp, Mango Beef, Poodi (Potato Curry), and the Classic Burmese Chicken Casserole with Cardamom Cinammon Rice. Cardamom is one of the most ancient spices in the world and comes from a ginger like plant. Don't forget the veggies, and order the light and flavorful Pea Shoots tossed with garlic and wine or the sauteed Eggplant with garlic, chili and scallions. Rice is a must-have with your meal and lucky for  us, Burma Superstar has several choices to choose from including Coconut, Brown, Basmati or Fried. Burma Superstar's selection of Burmese influenced drinks and desserts are another part of the meal that shouldn't be missed. Fried coconut fritters with coconut ice cream is a heavenly way to conclude your meal.

Samusa Soup - Perfect for Chilly SF Weather

 

Garlic Chili Shrimp

Coconut + Brown Rice w/Sesame Chicken

Burma Superstar is not a well kept secret, and they don't take reservations, so a nightly line of hungry Burma Superstar junkies line Clement street just hoping for their name to be called next. You can leave your cell phone # and go across the street to the Blue Danube cafe if the idea of staring through the window at every passing dish in the chilly Inner Richmond weather doesn't thrill you. Parking can be very difficult in this popular neighborhood, and don't leave your keys in the car hoping for a valet. If you don't like long waits, I highly recommend either going for lunch, or arriving early (before 6) for dinner, since an hour wait is not unusual at this Inner Richmond superstar. Also keep in mind, Burma Superstar is a restaurant where you will get a great meal for a great price, so although friendly, don't expect four star service, but do expect to have a flavorful Asian journey in one of San Francisco's most ethnically diverse neighborhoods.  

 

Coconut Fritters w/Coconut Ice Cream

 

Mango Sorbet w/Fresh Strawberries + Mint

Burma Superstar
405 Clement Street (Between 4th & 5th)
San Francisco, CA
415 387 2147

Sunday - Thursday Lunch - 11:00- 3:30 Dinner 5:00 - 9:30
Friday - Saturday    Lunch -11:00- 3:30  Dinner 5:00- 10:00

For More Information visit: Burma Superstar