San Mateo’s culinary landscape is vibrant and diverse, but few establishments capture the essence of authentic Cantonese dining quite like Cheung Hing San Mateo. This beloved restaurant has carved out a reputation for delivering a menu filled with traditional flavors, expertly prepared dishes, and a welcoming atmosphere that invites both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Whether you’re craving crispy roasted duck, delicate dim sum, or savory noodle soups, Cheung Hing provides a refined yet comforting experience that honors Cantonese culinary traditions while embracing local tastes.
Each item on the Cheung Hing San Mateo menu reflects a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality ingredients. From the rich broths simmered for hours to the hand-pulled noodles and fresh seafood, every dish tells a story of craftsmanship and passion.
The menu is thoughtfully curated to cater to a variety of palates, making it an ideal destination for family gatherings, casual lunches, or special celebrations. Exploring the offerings reveals a blend of timeless classics alongside innovative takes that keep the dining experience exciting and memorable.
What truly distinguishes Cheung Hing San Mateo is its ability to balance authenticity with accessibility. Diners are invited to savor bold flavors without feeling overwhelmed, thanks to carefully calibrated spice levels and expert seasoning.
The menu’s structure encourages sharing, fostering a communal dining style intrinsic to Cantonese cuisine. This approach not only enhances the enjoyment of each dish but also deepens the cultural connection through food.
Cheung Hing remains a standout choice for those seeking a genuine taste of Cantonese culinary excellence in the heart of San Mateo.
Appetizers and Small Plates
The appetizer section at Cheung Hing San Mateo sets the tone for the meal with a range of flavorful starters designed to whet the appetite. These small plates balance texture and taste, offering a perfect introduction to Cantonese dining.
Whether you prefer something light or a bit more indulgent, the appetizers provide a versatile selection that complements the main courses.
Popular choices include crispy spring rolls, steamed dumplings, and marinated jellyfish salad. Each dish is prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional methods, ensuring authentic flavors that are neither too heavy nor overly complex.
The appetizers also showcase a variety of cooking techniques, from steaming to frying, highlighting the kitchen’s versatility.
For those seeking a lighter start, the marinated jellyfish salad offers a refreshing contrast to the richer options. It is delicately seasoned with sesame oil and vinegar, delivering a subtle tang that awakens the palate.
Meanwhile, the spring rolls are known for their crisp exterior and savory filling, making them a crowd favorite.
“The appetizers at Cheung Hing San Mateo are the perfect way to begin an authentic Cantonese meal—each bite bursting with tradition and flavor.” – Local Food Critic
- Spring Rolls: Crispy, golden, filled with pork and vegetables
- Steamed Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow): Translucent skins with juicy shrimp filling
- Jellyfish Salad: Marinated with sesame oil and vinegar for a refreshing taste
- BBQ Pork Buns: Soft, fluffy buns filled with sweet and savory char siu pork
Signature Entrees
The heart of Cheung Hing San Mateo’s menu lies in its signature entrees, which showcase the restaurant’s mastery of classic Cantonese dishes. These entrees are crafted to deliver rich, layered flavors that highlight the quality of each ingredient.
Diners can expect hearty portions and generous servings that invite sharing and communal enjoyment.
Among the standout dishes is the roasted Peking duck, renowned for its crispy skin and succulent meat. The duck is expertly carved tableside and served with traditional pancakes and hoisin sauce, allowing diners to create their own flavorful wraps.
Another favorite is the steamed whole fish, which is prepared with ginger, scallions, and soy sauce to preserve its natural sweetness.
The entrees also include a variety of stir-fried options featuring fresh vegetables, tender meats, and savory sauces. These dishes demonstrate the balance of texture and flavor that Cantonese cuisine is celebrated for.
Each entree is paired thoughtfully with sides to enhance the overall dining experience.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Recommended Pairing |
| Roasted Peking Duck | Duck, hoisin sauce, scallions, pancakes | Crispy, savory, aromatic | Plum wine or jasmine tea |
| Steamed Whole Fish | Fresh fish, ginger, scallions, soy sauce | Delicate, umami-rich, fresh | Light white wine or green tea |
| Beef with Broccoli | Beef slices, broccoli, oyster sauce | Savory, tender, slightly sweet | Light lager or chrysanthemum tea |
Dim Sum Delights
Dim sum at Cheung Hing San Mateo offers a delightful assortment of bite-sized dishes that celebrate Cantonese culinary traditions. These dishes are perfect for sharing and sampling a variety of flavors and textures.
The dim sum menu is thoughtfully curated to include both classic favorites and unique creations.
Steamed dumplings, rice rolls, and baked pastries fill the dim sum section, each prepared with care and precision. The kitchen ensures that every item maintains a perfect balance between flavor and texture, from the softness of the dumpling wrappers to the richness of the fillings.
Cheung Hing also embraces seasonal ingredients to keep the dim sum offerings fresh and exciting.
For those new to dim sum, the restaurant’s staff are knowledgeable and eager to provide recommendations. Many guests appreciate the range of vegetarian options available, which are both flavorful and satisfying.
Dim sum here isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together over shared plates and lively conversation.
- Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings): Delicate, translucent wrappers with succulent shrimp filling
- Char Siu Bao: Fluffy buns filled with sweet barbecued pork
- Turnip Cake: Pan-fried with a crispy exterior and savory interior
- Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls packed with fresh vegetables
Noodle and Rice Specialties
No Cantonese meal is complete without satisfying noodle and rice dishes, and Cheung Hing San Mateo excels in this category. These staples offer comforting flavors and hearty textures that appeal to a wide range of tastes.
The restaurant presents a diverse selection of noodle soups, fried rice, and stir-fried noodle dishes.
The noodle soups are known for their rich broth, slow-simmered with bones and aromatic spices to create depth and warmth. Handmade noodles provide a chewy, satisfying bite, perfectly complementing the savory soup base.
Fried rice dishes feature fragrant jasmine rice, expertly wok-tossed with eggs, vegetables, and choice proteins.
Among the most popular dishes are the beef chow fun, a stir-fried flat rice noodle dish with tender beef and bean sprouts, and the seafood fried rice, which combines fresh shrimp, scallops, and vegetables.
The combination of textures, from the crispness of the sprouts to the tenderness of the meat, makes these dishes truly memorable.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Preparation Style | Recommended Beverage |
| Beef Chow Fun | Flat rice noodles, beef, bean sprouts, soy sauce | Stir-fried with high heat for smoky flavor | Oolong tea or light beer |
| Seafood Fried Rice | Jasmine rice, shrimp, scallops, vegetables | Wok-fried with garlic and soy sauce | White wine or jasmine tea |
| Wonton Noodle Soup | Wontons, egg noodles, clear broth | Simmered slowly for clear, flavorful broth | Green tea or light lager |
Seafood Selections
Seafood plays a pivotal role in Cantonese cuisine, and Cheung Hing San Mateo highlights this with a range of dishes showcasing the ocean’s bounty. Freshness is paramount, with daily selections sourced from trusted suppliers to ensure top quality.
The seafood menu is designed to appeal to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters.
Dishes such as salt and pepper squid, steamed clams with black bean sauce, and lobster in ginger and scallion sauce demonstrate the kitchen’s ability to enhance natural flavors without overpowering them.
The preparation methods emphasize subtlety and precision, allowing diners to appreciate the delicate textures and aromas.
For special occasions, Cheung Hing also offers seasonal seafood platters that combine multiple varieties prepared in different styles. These platters are perfect for sharing and celebrating, offering a luxurious taste of Cantonese culinary finesse.
The seafood dishes frequently pair well with light, refreshing beverages that cleanse the palate.
“The seafood dishes at Cheung Hing San Mateo capture the essence of freshness and tradition, elevating every meal into a celebration.” – Renowned Chef
- Salt and Pepper Squid: Crispy, lightly seasoned with aromatic spices
- Steamed Clams: Cooked in black bean sauce for a savory punch
- Lobster with Ginger and Scallions: Tender lobster meat bathed in fragrant sauce
- Steamed Fish Fillet: Delicately prepared with soy sauce and fresh herbs
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Recognizing the diverse needs of its clientele, Cheung Hing San Mateo offers a robust selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes that do not compromise on flavor or authenticity. These options incorporate a variety of fresh vegetables, tofu, and plant-based proteins prepared with traditional Cantonese techniques.
Vegetarian diners can enjoy dishes such as braised tofu with mushrooms, stir-fried seasonal greens, and vegetable fried rice. The kitchen takes great care to balance umami and freshness, resulting in dishes that are both satisfying and well-rounded.
Vegan options are clearly marked on the menu, making it easy for guests to navigate their choices.
Many of these dishes use creative methods to mimic the textures and flavors typically associated with meat, such as using shiitake mushrooms or seitan. This thoughtful approach ensures that vegetarian and vegan diners feel equally valued and can experience the full spectrum of Cantonese cuisine.
| Dish | Ingredients | Flavor Highlights | Suitable For |
| Braised Tofu with Mushrooms | Firm tofu, shiitake mushrooms, soy sauce | Umami-rich, savory, tender | Vegetarian, Vegan |
| Stir-Fried Seasonal Greens | Bok choy, garlic, vegetable oil | Fresh, garlicky, light | Vegetarian, Vegan |
| Vegetable Fried Rice | Jasmine rice, mixed vegetables, soy sauce | Fragrant, savory, colorful | Vegetarian, Vegan |
Desserts and Beverages
To complete the dining experience, Cheung Hing San Mateo offers a thoughtful array of desserts and beverages that provide a sweet and refreshing finish. The dessert menu combines traditional Cantonese sweets with contemporary favorites, appealing to a variety of tastes and preferences.
Classic options include mango pudding, sesame balls, and egg tarts, all made fresh daily. These desserts are crafted to be light and satisfying, avoiding overly sweet or heavy conclusions to the meal.
The textures range from creamy to crispy, offering delightful contrasts.
Beverage options complement the food perfectly, with a selection of teas, soft drinks, and traditional Chinese beverages. Jasmine tea and oolong tea are popular choices, valued for their ability to cleanse the palate and enhance the flavors of the meal.
For those seeking something unique, the house-made chrysanthemum tea offers a floral and calming note.
- Mango Pudding: Smooth, creamy, topped with fresh mango chunks
- Sesame Balls: Crispy exterior with sweet red bean paste filling
- Egg Tarts: Flaky pastry with rich custard center
- Chrysanthemum Tea: Light floral tea, served hot or cold
Customizable Family and Group Menus
Cheung Hing San Mateo understands the joy of sharing meals with family and friends, which is why it offers customizable family and group menus tailored to different preferences and dietary needs. These menus provide an excellent way to sample a wide variety of dishes in a convenient, well-priced format.
Guests can select from preset packages or work with the restaurant to create a bespoke menu that includes appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts. This flexibility ensures that everyone at the table can enjoy their favorite flavors while discovering new dishes.
The family-style approach fosters a warm, communal atmosphere where conversation and connection flourish.
These menus are especially popular for celebrations and special occasions, where the focus is on enjoying good food alongside good company. Cheung Hing’s attentive staff assist with recommendations based on the group’s size, preferences, and budget, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable dining experience.
“Our family menus are designed to bring people together over shared dishes, celebrating tradition, taste, and togetherness.” – Restaurant Manager
- Flexible dish selection to accommodate dietary restrictions
- Perfect for birthdays, reunions, and corporate events
- Includes a balanced mix of appetizers, mains, and desserts
- Option for beverage pairings to complement the meal
Cheung Hing San Mateo’s menu is a testament to the enduring appeal of Cantonese cuisine, combining authenticity, innovation, and inclusivity. From the first bite of an appetizer to the last sip of chrysanthemum tea, every element is crafted with care and expertise.
The restaurant’s dedication to quality, freshness, and cultural integrity shines through in every dish, making it a cherished destination for locals and visitors alike.
Whether you are a longtime fan of Cantonese cuisine or exploring it for the first time, Cheung Hing offers an inviting and satisfying culinary journey. The diverse menu caters to all tastes and occasions, emphasizing shared experiences and memorable flavors.
This commitment to excellence not only preserves tradition but also invites new generations to appreciate and celebrate the rich heritage of Cantonese cooking in San Mateo.