Go Duck Yourself 去你鸭的
Asian restaurant · Bernal Heights ·
Cantonese roast duck, char siu, crispy pork belly
Cantonese roast duck, char siu, crispy pork belly
"In Bernal Heights, this pandemic-born spinoff from Simon and Eric Cheung’s Hing Lung Company might be the neighborhood’s most dynamic opening in years, with a menu that reflects the family’s Hong Kong roots and Northern California produce: decadent duck, well-sourced rice, and espresso soft serve from grass-fed cows. Order the duck — there are three options — with the Cantonese version (I prefer it deboned) as proper as any in the city and a steal at $38; add jasmine rice and crispy, firm garlic greens for $8, and drag the crackling bird through plenty of plum vinaigrette and au jus for sweet-savory dipping. The sticky rice is a chewy brick packed with sausage (both pork and duck liver), dried shrimp, sugar-cured pork belly, and shiitakes; fans of lo mai gai will appreciate this larger-than-life version, and the ramekins of salted peanuts push the decadence up a notch. The jian dui is a toasty, balanced sleeper hit, and if dining in, don’t skip the soft serve. Inside, it’s all black with little pipes exposed, big birds hanging in the back while flames leap from the range; service is attentive without being overbearing or stuffy, and walking in works here." - Paolo Bicchieri
"After eating all of these fallow winters of pale sesame balls served on a bed of floss-like cabbage, Go Duck Yourself is the alpha and the omega. The Bernal Heights newcomer is a descendant of the famous Chinatown restaurant Hing Lung Company. Here, the sesame ball shows off a respect for the traditional while presenting flavors befitting the 2025 diner: Of all the sesame balls sampled, the toasted nutty flavors on the treat shine here the brightest, though the color the darkest of the lot. It’s $10 for two, full of red bean paste rather than lotus." - Paolo Bicchieri
"Like a cohesive no-skips album (looking at you, Rumours), each Chinese porcelain plate at Go Duck Yourself is slightly different, but they come together to make one gorgeous spread. The delicate blue and white floral patterns contrast with the glistening charsiu, roast duck, and mounds of sticky fried rice that land on your table. Each one has a distinct personality, but there's one flanked by adorable flower trios and teensy leaves that we have romantic feelings for." - julia chen 1
"It’s impossible to imagine how well the team at Go Duck Yourself packages their moist, sweet, crispy duck. The food arrives foil-wrapped just as it should be, reminiscent of fast food handed out the window. Nothing is soggy, nothing too dry, either. It’s spendy, but well worth the cost. Order the exquisite sesame balls, toasted seeds providing a lovely nuttiness." - Dianne de Guzman
"Some of the most exciting food in the city is coming out of Go Duck Yourself. The heirs to China Town’s historic Hing Lung moved the family business to Bernal, brought the family recipes with them, and turned things up a notch. The menu remains tight and everything is outstanding: sweet char siu with a nice char; juicy roast duck with the crispiest skin; and two sauces for dipping — one rich like gravy, the other tangy and reduced with meyer lemon and stonefruit. Chewy bao buns, thinly sliced scallions, and hoisin sauce play supporting roles to keep everything together. The Hing Lung family recipes remain in good hands and the price is right. This spot should be at the top of everyone’s list." - Matt Tillquist