Welcome to Wo Chong Company
Wo Chong Company, a cherished fourth-generation establishment in San Francisco's Chinatown since 1935, specializes in fresh tofu, bean sprouts, and more. Known for its affordable prices and friendly service, this small gem offers a variety of tofu textures—from firm to silken—each showcasing quality and freshness. Customers rave about the rich flavors, highlighted by simple sauces that enhance each dish. Wo Chong’s dedication to crafting quality products has made it a staple for many, including its beloved fresh soy milk. Visiting Wo Chong feels like stepping into a culinary tradition, where each bite tells a story of heritage and community.
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863 Washington St, San Francisco, CA 94108 Hotline: (415) 982-6137
Welcome to the culinary heart of San Francisco's Chinatown, where tradition meets flavor at the Wo Chong Company. Having graced the vibrant streets of San Francisco since 1935, this fourth-generation business stands as a testament to authentic Asian cuisine and the enduring legacy of family recipes passed down through generations.
Located at 863 Washington St, San Francisco, CA 94108, Wo Chong is a charming yet humble establishment that specializes in various forms of tofu and bean sprouts, along with a selection of fresh soy milk and noodles. It’s not just a store; it’s a culinary landmark that locals turn to for their essential grocery needs.
- Quality and Affordability: Wo Chong is celebrated for offering the freshest tofu and bean sprouts at incredibly low prices, such as 30 cents a piece for tofu, ensuring that gourmet ingredients remain accessible to all.
- Authenticity: Many customers fondly recall their experiences with Wo Chong's products, noting that for some, these are the same ingredients their parents used in their cooking, fostering a strong community connection to this cherished brand.
- Diverse Offerings: From silken to firm tofu, as well as sweetened dessert tofu, Wo Chong caters to a variety of culinary preferences. Their tofu is versatile, making it a staple for many recipes, whether it be a simple stir-fry or an intricate soup.
- Supportive Staff: Customer reviews consistently highlight the friendly service, with staff members always ready to assist, making every visit a pleasant experience.
As you navigate through the narrow aisles, the atmosphere may present a typical Chinatown vibe—quaint, somewhat vibrant, filled with the bustling sounds of a community thriving on authentic food culture. Many patrons, like Joyce S. and Amy C., marvel at how clean and efficiently organized the shop is, making it a go-to spot for quick grocery trips.
The delicate balance of flavor in dishes garnished with simple yet effective sauces like ponzu or paired with fresh green onions, ginger, and wasabi, elevate your dining experience, as noted by fan John W.. These flavors harmonize perfectly, revealing a deeper appreciation for the brand's commitment to quality. Those who revel in homemade creations will appreciate what Wo Chong has to offer, as each ingredient echoes the tastes of authentic Asian cuisine.
In summary, the Wo Chong Company isn’t just another stop in Chinatown; it’s a dive into a rich heritage of food, flavor, and community. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to embark on this culinary journey—grab a piece of tofu, a bag of fresh bean sprouts, or a container of their sweet silken tofu, and taste the heart of San Francisco’s rich culinary tapestry.
is an eye opener, especially with a simple sauce, ponzu, green onions, ginger, wasabi, etc.
Freshest and cheapest tofu .30cent a piece. Quick and friendly service. Clean and organized.
Tofu and bean sprouts are some of my food staples, which I normally buy at Bay Area supermarkets. There are several brands in the market, but I prefer Wo Chong, which is a brand I grew up with as it was the brand my parents used. Wo Chong is fourth generation San Francisco business since 1935 that produces tofu and bean sprouts, soy bean sprouts, clover sprouts and onion sprouts. It's one of several Chinatown institutions still in operation. The store is very basic with displays of fruits and produce. On the left case are the fresh bean sprouts that you can buy pre-bagged or loose at $.85/lb and the packages of tofu in silken, soft and firm textures at $1.25. At the counter, there are two types of tofu you can buy by the piece at $1.50 and $.25 each. They also sell fresh soy milk and noodles too. I will now be stopping at Wo Chong when I'm in Chinatown to get my tofu and bean sprouts. Can't get any better than getting it from the source and at lower prices than the store and markets than sells them.
Hole in the wall tofu shop whose wares extend all over the Bay Area. While you can buy their firm tofu in most grocery stores, buy a container of the sweet silken tofu while you're here--YUM! FOOD: buy tofu by the square, in sealed packs (as at any grocery store), fried, plain, or silken (note that it is sweetened)! The dessert tofu sits next to the register in clear plastic takeaway containers. The smoothness and light sweetness (not cloying) beats the dessert tofu I've had in most dessert shops in the Bay Area, and at $1.25 per ~pint, it's a steal! Store also carries noodles and limited (and sad looking) produce. SERVICE: very friendly man helped us check out--he didn't speak very much English, but he beamed at us and was very careful counting out change. AMBIANCE: it's Chinatown, so it's not the cleanest or brightest, but keep in mind the draw is the food :). That said, I wouldn't call anything unsanitary or dirty relative to most Chinese groceries in the area.
I love this place. It is cleaner than most of the stores in Chinatown. And the guy of the shop is very kind and polite. Not to mention the stuffs they have are fresh and cheap. Also, they sell soy milk, that's the reason why I visit here pretty often. Though they are provided limitedly, but it worth to wait.
Wo Chong has been in San Francisco's Chinatown for a long time. The tiny shop is best known for making tofu, fresh pasta, dumpling and won ton wrappers. All of them are made in a machine in the back of the store. I hate tofu and can not judge the product. But many of the businesses in Chinatown and throughout the Bay Area sell the package tofu as retail. I was here to buy the fresh pasta for my soup in a slow-cooker. The package of fresh pasta is $1.50 for a 1 pound bag. The fresh pasta is enough for two meals for two and a definite money-saver. The Bay area has been crazy cold within the last couple of weeks, and the home-made soup is the best way to warm your ass up. The shop also sells some essential grocery and produce items at competitive price.
Like the "green store", Yung Kee, and even Golden Gate, this is a long-time staple of Chinatown, though now at a new location. From their original Jackson Street store, they moved to Ross Alley for a few years before settling here. They are still in move-in mode. This is still a great place to shop for tofu in a variety of preparations and the prices are more reasonable than buying at your local supermarket chain. The factory delivers fresh batches daily. My favorites are the firm squares and their fresh soy milk. It doesn't get more neighborhood local than this.