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We highly encourage joining the waitlist via Yelp online or joining the waitlist in person. 18% Gratuity will be included for party between 1-5 people. 20% will be applied to party of 6 or more people. Thank you for supporting the hard working staff at your service.
Hours
| Friday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Monday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–8 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 648 El Camino Real, San Carlos, CA 94070
Phone: (650) 590-4821
Website: http://www.sunshinehkcafe.com/
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Reviews
Wook Chung
It is weird to give 5-stars to a restaurant even when the food is only 4-stars. But Sunshine HK Cafe (SHC) undoubtedly deserves one. First, you have to uderstand what you are getting yourself into. This is a HK comfort food joint, a mixture of street food or small stall type of dishes – largely a Cantonese or Taiwanese type of background. They are not trying to be serious nor fine dining. As a matter of fact, it is the exact opposite. They want you to feel like this is on the streets of HK.
The cooking is honest. This is literally just street food style, homely cooking. Nothing wrong with that. And just from the fact that there is no where else in the Peninsula where you can experience this, I’ll give it an extra star. Down the road there is Blue Sky Cafe, which is another similar yet different approach to this experience. But I can say that nothing comes close to SHC for this HK street-style cuisine.
The food and taste profile is all over the place, but in a good way. There are “random” finger foods, random dishes, and even French Toast. If you look at their menu, you’d almost be confused on what you are staring at. Everything you may have known in a pan-Asian cuisine is there but with a “HK style” prefix. Whatever that means, I can’t tell.
Now here’s the thing. The garlic and salt chicken wings might have been the best chicken wing I’ve tasted in the Bay Area, regardless of the cuisine and the caliber of the restaurant. While the wonton noodle soup was quite bland… to a degree I’m scratching my head if it was a mistake. The roti was standard but then a chili dipping sauce? And some of the finger food platter was weird – a bun with sticky rice in it. And yes, some have amazing flavor balance while others are downright weird. I honestly waited for the “acquired taste” to kick in but it just didn’t happen.
However the one common thing throughout the entire experience is the honesty of the food. Every single dish is made with homely care. This isn’t a restaurant per se. SHC is a soulfood eatery. It is a place you go where you just want to be comfortable and happy with a smile. It is a place where you want to forget for a moment that you’re in the crazy expensive Bay Area. You just want some honesty in the air, and in your mouth. SHC puts a smile on your face, no matter what the food tastes like.
And yes, the server auntie could smile a bit more but again, it all comes together in a weird cohesive way. SHC is special. It is a safe-haven for HK and Chinese patrons. And that’s what the diners in the restaurant show. East Asian families enjoying a small meal during the week. It’s almost too poetic for it to be on El Camino Real.
SHC is a jewel in San Carlos. It’s not one thing. But it is everything.
… moreThe cooking is honest. This is literally just street food style, homely cooking. Nothing wrong with that. And just from the fact that there is no where else in the Peninsula where you can experience this, I’ll give it an extra star. Down the road there is Blue Sky Cafe, which is another similar yet different approach to this experience. But I can say that nothing comes close to SHC for this HK street-style cuisine.
The food and taste profile is all over the place, but in a good way. There are “random” finger foods, random dishes, and even French Toast. If you look at their menu, you’d almost be confused on what you are staring at. Everything you may have known in a pan-Asian cuisine is there but with a “HK style” prefix. Whatever that means, I can’t tell.
Now here’s the thing. The garlic and salt chicken wings might have been the best chicken wing I’ve tasted in the Bay Area, regardless of the cuisine and the caliber of the restaurant. While the wonton noodle soup was quite bland… to a degree I’m scratching my head if it was a mistake. The roti was standard but then a chili dipping sauce? And some of the finger food platter was weird – a bun with sticky rice in it. And yes, some have amazing flavor balance while others are downright weird. I honestly waited for the “acquired taste” to kick in but it just didn’t happen.
However the one common thing throughout the entire experience is the honesty of the food. Every single dish is made with homely care. This isn’t a restaurant per se. SHC is a soulfood eatery. It is a place you go where you just want to be comfortable and happy with a smile. It is a place where you want to forget for a moment that you’re in the crazy expensive Bay Area. You just want some honesty in the air, and in your mouth. SHC puts a smile on your face, no matter what the food tastes like.
And yes, the server auntie could smile a bit more but again, it all comes together in a weird cohesive way. SHC is special. It is a safe-haven for HK and Chinese patrons. And that’s what the diners in the restaurant show. East Asian families enjoying a small meal during the week. It’s almost too poetic for it to be on El Camino Real.
SHC is a jewel in San Carlos. It’s not one thing. But it is everything.
vincent chang
Great food Hong Kong style. We had Rib Eye, HK style dim sum and other plates. The best HK style so far in Peninsula Bay Area.
… moreKate X
This is a great Hong Kong style cafe in San Carlos. There are a lot of signature items on the menu such as baked cheese over rice, teppanyaki, noodles, and rice rolls, and everything is at a reasonable cost. The service was fast and food was great.
… moreOtap Marcoschua
The moment I looked at the menu I had a difficult time deciding on what to order because the dishes were a fusion of everything. It was supposed to be a Cantonese restaurant as it’s name suggests. Anyway, I ended up ordering the lemongrass pork chop which is a Vietnamese dish. It came with a side of egg fried rice which tasted like plain rice with bits of scrambled eggs. The pork chops were thin and a little bit dry. My husband had the beef tongue curry which was just ok. Our friends had the special plate of little dumplings or rice cakes which they barely touched and fish and corn on rice which did not look appetizing.
… moreDaren Tsui
Sunshine HK Cafe is a true hidden gem for lovers of Asian cuisine. From the moment you step inside, the warm and attentive service sets the tone for a fantastic dining experience. The staff is incredibly welcoming, quick to offer recommendations, and always ready to ensure your experience is exceptional.
The menu boasts an impressive selection of authentic Hong Kongese dishes, featuring everything from classic BBQ pork and fried egg on rice, and soup noodles with a selection of meats (or not.) One standout dish that truly stole the show for me was the crispy tofu in chili sauce—a perfect balance of crunch and heat.
Beyond the incredible food, the cozy yet stylish ambiance makes this spot a great choice for both casual dinners and special occasions. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Hong Kong cuisine or simply looking to explore something new, this restaurant delivers an unforgettable experience. If you haven’t been yet, it’s time to add this place to your must-visit list!
… moreThe menu boasts an impressive selection of authentic Hong Kongese dishes, featuring everything from classic BBQ pork and fried egg on rice, and soup noodles with a selection of meats (or not.) One standout dish that truly stole the show for me was the crispy tofu in chili sauce—a perfect balance of crunch and heat.
Beyond the incredible food, the cozy yet stylish ambiance makes this spot a great choice for both casual dinners and special occasions. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Hong Kong cuisine or simply looking to explore something new, this restaurant delivers an unforgettable experience. If you haven’t been yet, it’s time to add this place to your must-visit list!
Nikki L
Thought I was in Hong Kong for a moment! Authentic flavors and fast service. The menu has a wide range of Hong Kong–style dishes, and everything we tried was fresh, delicious, and authentic. We’ll definitely be coming back regularly.
Not pictured: the French toast with peanut butter — hands down the best French toast I’ve ever had. Few restaurants serve it since it’s so much work, but it’s an absolute must-order!
… moreNot pictured: the French toast with peanut butter — hands down the best French toast I’ve ever had. Few restaurants serve it since it’s so much work, but it’s an absolute must-order!
Foodnut
Sunshine HK Cafe is a Hong Kong Style Cha Chaan Teng or HK style cafe with all the classic Chinese dishes you would expect. Finally got a chance to visit and was not disappointed. It was busy during a Monday lunch with fellow HK food aficinados. Great place for the classics without heading in the the City. We’ve ben here twice.
Service was fine. They automatically add 18% for service. Prices are not cheap, but welcome to reality everywhere!
They recently opened a more Americanized takeout spot on Laurel street, around the corner.
Safety Pluses – Online menu, Delivery services available, online ordering.
Food Review:
Baked Pork Chop with Cheese and Tomato Sauce ($15.95) is a classic dish. Good sized with solid ingredients. 8.5/10
Hainan Chicken Rice ($16.95) had a reasonable amount of chicken. Chicken was pretty average, dipping sauce was helpful. Yellow rice really done well. Had a really good Hainan chicken at Hong Kong Cafe in Richmond a couple weeks ago. 8/10
Fish congee ($14.75) was a very hot, pretty average version. 7.10
Red Bean Iced Drink with Vanilla Ice-cream ($7.95) is one of the few you find around here. 9/10
HK Milk tea cold ($5.95) was done less sweet. Hard to find this in many spots. 8.5/10
Overall – Very Good
Food – Very Good
Decor – Very Good
Service – Good
Value – Good
Would we come back – Yes
… moreService was fine. They automatically add 18% for service. Prices are not cheap, but welcome to reality everywhere!
They recently opened a more Americanized takeout spot on Laurel street, around the corner.
Safety Pluses – Online menu, Delivery services available, online ordering.
Food Review:
Baked Pork Chop with Cheese and Tomato Sauce ($15.95) is a classic dish. Good sized with solid ingredients. 8.5/10
Hainan Chicken Rice ($16.95) had a reasonable amount of chicken. Chicken was pretty average, dipping sauce was helpful. Yellow rice really done well. Had a really good Hainan chicken at Hong Kong Cafe in Richmond a couple weeks ago. 8/10
Fish congee ($14.75) was a very hot, pretty average version. 7.10
Red Bean Iced Drink with Vanilla Ice-cream ($7.95) is one of the few you find around here. 9/10
HK Milk tea cold ($5.95) was done less sweet. Hard to find this in many spots. 8.5/10
Overall – Very Good
Food – Very Good
Decor – Very Good
Service – Good
Value – Good
Would we come back – Yes
Fanny Ou
There’s mandatory 18% gratuity now, also it’s too hot to dine in given the broken AC.
Food is not bad but the newly added 18% gratuity really left a bad taste, hopefully it’s noted on the menu. Also the insulation just doesn’t work in this restaurant, we were sweating the whole time while having our meal.
… moreFood is not bad but the newly added 18% gratuity really left a bad taste, hopefully it’s noted on the menu. Also the insulation just doesn’t work in this restaurant, we were sweating the whole time while having our meal.
Vivian Tang
My family came here for our first time on New Year’s Day for brunch. There’s so much to like about this place! This is one of our favorite Hong Kong cafes in the Bay Area.
– Attentive service. Nice decor that reminds us of Hong Kong.
– Updated holiday hours on website. Easy to find parking right next to restaurant.
– Complimentary borscht soup
– All the quintessential items on menu: congee, all-day breakfast (a plus!), HK street food/snacks, baked rice/spaghetti (good to have option of white rice or fried rice), sizzling platters, noodle soups, HK cafe beverages
– Beef curry and rice was our favorite dish. Flavorful, actually a bit spicy (perfect!)
– Mixed grill combo perfect for meat lovers or those with a big appetite! Delicious!
Room for improvement: menu in Chinese, a little less sweet on the HK milk tea, more black pepper in black pepper sauce
… more– Attentive service. Nice decor that reminds us of Hong Kong.
– Updated holiday hours on website. Easy to find parking right next to restaurant.
– Complimentary borscht soup
– All the quintessential items on menu: congee, all-day breakfast (a plus!), HK street food/snacks, baked rice/spaghetti (good to have option of white rice or fried rice), sizzling platters, noodle soups, HK cafe beverages
– Beef curry and rice was our favorite dish. Flavorful, actually a bit spicy (perfect!)
– Mixed grill combo perfect for meat lovers or those with a big appetite! Delicious!
Room for improvement: menu in Chinese, a little less sweet on the HK milk tea, more black pepper in black pepper sauce
Hao
Ordered the $16 curry beef to-go and was graciously presented with a less-than-half-full, credit-card-sized cup. Inside? A generous four pieces of over-spiced beef chunks and two lonely vegetable slices—clearly curated for a fine-dining experience. I must say, it’s such a privilege to be pampered like a Michelin star guest… in what appears to be a street food joint.
… more