Iconic Dishes and Drinks of San Francisco

When people go to a new town or a city, they want the full experience. They want to really experience another culture, and almost every single town or city is ultimately going to have a different culture even compared to all of its neighboring communities. San Francisco has plenty of different drinks and dishes that make it unique, and the people who visit San Francisco should try them in order to truly say that they've been to San Francisco. Most of these drinks and dishes are associated with particular restaurants within San Francisco, which makes the restaurants just as iconic.

Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bread Bowl

San Francisco actually helped to pioneer the bread bowl, which is one of the qualities that sets this dish apart from the clam chowder that is more commonly associated with New England. Clam chowder really comes to life in a sourdough bread bowl. The Boudin Bakery is one of the best places for a true San Francisco bread bowl and clam chowder combination. This is a dish that the locals eat all the time, and not just the tourists. Sourdough itself is strongly associated with San Francisco, but the clam chowder makes it complete.

Strawberry Manju

Few people have ever tried a Strawberry Manju, which is characterized by a whole strawberry in rice dough. They're going to love this pastry, and they'll finally have the opportunity to try something new at a shop like Benkyodo. Almost everything at Benkyodo is delicious, however. The Strawberry Manju just has the advantage of being different.

Buena Vista Irish Coffee

Irish coffee may be popular all over the world, but people have never had Irish coffee like Buena Vista Irish coffee. This is the perfect combination of caffeine, alcohol, and sweetness. Local San Franciscans will drink Buena Vista Irish Coffee all the time, so this is definitely something that tourists can order without looking or feeling like tourists.

Carnitas Burrito

San Francisco is very well-known for its burritos, and they're not going to be as expensive as the ones that people will find in New York City either. The Carnitas Burrito, which people can get from La Taqueria, was actually voted as the best burrito in America. It's truly famous outside of San Francisco.

Apple Fritter

People who are still in the mood for pastries should get an apple fritter at Bob's Donut & Pastry Shop. This is the kind of pastry shop that really communicates an old-school feel for everyone. All of their doughnuts and pastries are great, but their apple fritters have truly managed to make them famous. People will feel that this is the first time they've had apple fritters.

Hangtown Fry

People who want a true San Franciscan breakfast might have to try the Hangtown Fry. This is literally an omelet that contains bacon and fried oysters. This slice of morning heaven is found at the Tadich Grill. People will have never had an omelet quite like it elsewhere, and it demonstrates the audacity of some San Franciscan chefs.