San Francisco Lunch Spot Goes Viral for Under-$10 Meals Amid High Cost of Living

In San Francisco's notoriously expensive landscape, a humble Chinatown eatery is drawing significant attention for offering a satisfying lunch for under $10. Rice Roll Express, a casual restaurant, has become a viral sensation, with lines frequently stretching out the door, a testament to its affordable and freshly made rice noodle rolls, known as cheung fun.

The restaurant's namesake special, the Rice Roll Express, features thin steamed rice noodles wrapped around a choice of beef, pork, barbecue pork, and egg for $9.21. Another popular item, the shrimp feast, which includes fresh shrimp, dried shrimp, egg, and scallions, is priced at $10.78. These prices stand in stark contrast to the average menu item price in San Francisco, which reached $25.51 in September according to Market Pulse.

The establishment gained widespread recognition after becoming a TikTok sensation. Diners have reported waiting approximately 25 minutes for their food, followed by a wait for seating inside the compact eatery. The restaurant's popularity has even attracted local figures, including San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, who praised the BBQ pork rice roll in a social media post.

Rice Roll Express prepares its noodles using rice soaked overnight and then ground before steaming. Customers can customize their meals at a sauce station offering house-made chili oil, a special sweetened soy sauce, vinegar, and Sriracha.

The restaurant was opened by Tom Zhen, who drew inspiration from his family's culinary background and observed the success of similar establishments in New York City. Zhen, who previously worked in the tech industry, shifted to the food business at age 29 to revive his family's traditional rice roll recipes.

Rice Roll Express is located at 1131 Stockton Street in San Francisco. The establishment accepts cash, Venmo, and Zelle, but does not take credit cards.