Burma Superstar is a beloved San Francisco gem where cozy vibes meet vibrant Burmese dishes, like their famous tea leaf salad and flaky platha, drawing loyal crowds in search of homestyle flavors.
"The Richmond restaurant that launched in 1992 and popularized Burmese food in the Bay Area needs no introduction. Their tea leaf salad doesn’t either. This version is stellar, and every bite is a banger full of funk, salt, spice, and sweet. Staff will toss the lettuce-heavy dish at the table while explaining the rainbow of ingredients and mixing at 5x speed. Just walk up to the cozy spot, grab a table, and watch salad wizardry unfold. " - julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong
"This Burmese institution in the Richmond makes enough tea leaf salad to power the city for decades—it’s that good. For Restaurant Week, they’re offering a two-course $25 lunch menu and a four-course $65 dinner menu, with hits like that previously mentioned tea leaf salad, pumpkin pork stew, and lamb curry. " - ricky rodriguez
"Burma Superstar originated in the Richmond in San Francisco, but has been blessing Oakland with incredible Burmese dishes - and a life-changing tea leaf salad - since 2009. The spicy, salty, sweet flavors keep us coming back again and again, and enduring the ridiculously long waits (this location doesn’t take reservations)." - Lani Conway
"Thank You Tote ($15) Burma Superstar has an extremely cute tote bag that says “thank you” in Burmese. One other thing we’re especially thankful for? The fact that you can order their excellent tea leaf salad as a kit, which is another great gift idea." - julia chen 1
"Burma Superstar has been around since 1992, but it’s still packed every night thanks to their excellent tea leaf salad, rich curries, and extensive menu of stir-fried and wok-tossed dishes (which includes a ton of vegetarian options). Be prepared to wait, though, because lines down the block tend to be a permanent fixture here. And also know that ordering extra coconut rice is non-negotiable." - julia chen 1, lani conway
