Where flavor runs deep, and the chef runs the show.
Step aside, trendy pop-ups—House of Nanking is the real OG. Tucked in the heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown for over 35 years, this iconic spot isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a legend. And now? It’s officially been recognized as a Legacy Business by the San Francisco Legacy Business Registry—a huge (and well-deserved) honor that celebrates its success, longevity, and undeniable cultural impact on the city.
The House That Peter Built
Back in the day, Chef Peter Fang, a bold, self-taught mastermind with a vision and a serious love for flavor, made headlines for his “no-menu-for-you” approach. Diners would come in expecting to order off a menu, only to find Peter ready with his choices—dishes like garlic noodles, Fried Pork Potstickers, Shrimp Packets, or the fan-favorite Grandpa’s Steam Fish. His palate? Impeccable. His reputation? Untouchable. And his food? Simply unforgettable.
To this day, House of Nanking looks almost exactly as it did decades ago—right down to the line that still snakes down the block. Tourists, locals, and even celebrities line up for a taste of history served hot.
Enter the Next Generation: FANG Restaurant
Fast forward to 2009, and the legacy only grows. Chef Peter and his daughter Kathy Fang (yes, the one you’ve seen on Food Network and reality cooking shows) launched FANG, a sleek, modern Chinese restaurant in SoMa that fuses tradition with innovation.
While Peter brings his classic techniques and intuition, Kathy infuses the menu with fresh ideas and contemporary flair. The result? A powerful father-daughter duo dishing out standouts like crispy chili short ribs and five-spice white fish—recipes inspired by family, elevated by creativity, and perfected for today’s food lovers.
A Legacy in Every Bite
From the bustling chaos of House of Nanking to the modern elegance of FANG, the Fang family has built a culinary empire grounded in passion, heritage, and heart. These aren’t just restaurants—they’re living, breathing love letters to San Francisco, and they’ve got the accolades (and loyal fanbase) to prove it.
And the good news doesn’t stop there: the beloved food duo is finally releasing their long-awaited cookbook this September! The book will share a collection of treasured Fang family recipes so fans can recreate their favorite dishes right at home. Pre-orders are available now, so get those aprons ready.
