This is a little local spot in San Mateo which is a great spot for Chinese food. Service is quick and attentive and the owner Jin is super nice and sweet. We ordered the appetizer chicken wings, the scramble eggs with shrimp, walnut shrimp and sweet and sour pork. Most Chinese places the food would be very salty or you could taste the msg but this location the food tasted nothing like that. Flavors were really good, not over fried or battered, and not overly saucy on any of our dishes. I can see why it is one of the best Chinese food restaurants San Mateo! read more

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The food is always cooked to order fresh and delicious. Fast service and friendly every time. The place is bright and comfortable. The Kung pao shrimp , Mongolian beef and Black Bean Fish Fillet from the lunch menu are our faves. read more

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Still coming here, still hot, fresh and delicious. For all the times I've been here I've never tried the Chow Fun so I decided to try it today with chicken -- it was outstanding! One of the best chow funs I've ever had. The sauce they use is wonderful and the noodles were perfectly al dente. I think I even like this better than their chow mein. It came with broccoli which tasted so good. The description said it has crispy bean sprouts and I don't like bean sprouts so I asked them to leave it out. What I was not expecting was so much white onion (the scallions were fine) and I put most of it aside on the plate. But that did not take away my enjoyment of the dish. And next time I will ask for no bean sprouts, no white onion -- and extra broccoli! Their hot & sour as wonderful as always, as is their hot tea -- it actually has a unique flavor that I love. Hot Wok Bistro, always a great experience! read more

They are authentically Chinese here but cater their food more to the American palate so their number one best seller is orange chicken. I needed catered Chinese cuisine for work and decided to order 4 trays of food enough for 12: vegetable chow mein, vegetable fried rice, beef + broccoli, sweet sour chicken = $200 and we had leftovers. Service is friendly and accommodating. They're located away from downtown Burlingame, on the opposite end of Howard, in the middle of a residential area. It's a cozy spot with enough tables to service locals in the neighborhood. Although I didn't get any pictures of the food, I heard it was well enjoyed for all so mission accomplished! read more

Hot Wok Bistro - Menu as of 2026 - Chinese Near Me - San Mateo, California

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This was my second time at Hot Wok. I got the Orange main dish this time. The menu says it's supposed to be spicy but I don't think it has that much heat. Good flavors and reasonably priced. The price does get busy but service is efficient. Lots of street parking around. read more

Hot Wok Bistro - Orange Main Dish - Chinese Near Me - San Mateo, California

I've been here on a few occasions. The last time, I ordered the shrimp fried rice for pick up. It was prepared promptly. The shrimp was good but the rice was a little bare bones with just a bit of egg and green onions, and it was bit greasy too. It was a large portion so I was able to repurpose the rice for leftovers. Cost was pricey at about $18. Overall I think this place is just ok. read more

Kudos to Jen and Tim for wonderfully delicious fresh food! WE come here ALL the time whenever we have our Kung PAO!, Mongolian Beef or BEEF STEW cravings... heck we come here even without having the cravings! And always get a warm smiling welcome from Jen and Tim. Big Steve, Wardo and I THANK YOU! 谢谢! read more

The best Chinese food in the Bay area. I love the lemon chicken and vegetable fried rice. So good

Good local off-the-beaten track Chinese restaurant. I usually order take-out, and wish they would move away from plastic containers. I miss the traditional box...If they're not large enough, use a larger brown box! The earth would thank you! read more

Hot Wok Bistro - Chinese Near Me - San Mateo, California

Big portions and tasty. Not fancy, but hits the spot. It's like a little secret neighborhood hideaway. The menu is not big, but there are many choices due to the options. Order the basic dish and choose your meat and starch. Its comfort food for the masses. It's the go to place for gastro satisfaction. Very friendly owners and staff. You can get your fresh dishes to your liking. Yelp Grading This is my rating system to help you gauge my rating. It is a disservice to over-inflate ratings. I don't want you to be disappointed with your experience. Ratings are based on the kind of business and expectations. A business will be rated in consideration of its intended clients. A To-Go shop or hole-in-the-wall will be compared to similar businesses and rated thus. Anything rated three stars or lower is not worth mentioning. Meh. *** stars - Good overall. Some aspects are above the notch: food, service, and/or ambiance. Worth your time. **** Stars - Exceptional, short of perfect. ***** Stars - Perfect in all aspects. Food/Product Quality, Presentation, Service, and Ambiance read more

Why does my family crave Chinese Food on Monday night when many are closed? We found Hot Wok to be open with delivery! Food arrived fast and HOT! Probably the dear delivery I've experienced in a long while for condition of food on arrival to table was 10/10. The prawn sauce was not as sweet as I've had before and maybe this is a good thing since I don't need more sugar. The coating did peel away from the shrimp which was new but maybe since we didn't eat right out of the fryer was the cause. The pork dish was rich and delicious with tons of flavor. The broccoli beef was the only dish slightly lacking in flavor. I missed the garlicky sauce but the broccoli was done to perfection. Thank you Hot Wok Bistro for such a nice dinner and we will absolutely be back to try your other offerings. read more

Hot Wok Bistro - Broccoli Beef - Chinese Near Me - San Mateo, California

They're serving up some very solid & delicious Lunch Specials at this homey little Chinese bistro. They kick it off with an outstanding Hot & Sour Soup full of mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, etc. I had their Mongolian Beef w/ fried rice; a gigantic portion of deliciously tender beef in a knock-out sauce with plenty of onions & scallions; a terrific dish. Service was extremely welcoming, very efficient and super friendly....it felt like they were genuinely happy that I was eating there which, sad to say, isn't all that common. read more

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I ordered a chicken soy broccoli dish through DoorDash, but when it arrived, the meat didn't look or taste like chicken. The texture was also off and didn't resemble chicken at all as it was noticeably different. It was even brighter in color than typical chicken, which made it more concerning. I tried a piece just to be sure, but something didn't seem right, and honestly it made me hesitant to eat any more. read more

Hot Wok Bistro - Chinese Near Me - San Mateo, California

My boss from work turned me on to this place - he comes by here pretty much every time he stays near SFO. Total hole-in-the-wall restaurant but the food is shockingly good. They do a strong takeout business but we usually eat in at one of the dozen or so tables inside. I love their hot and sour soup, and even just the simple Sezchuan-style Tofu and Vegetables on my last visit was killer. Parking can be tricky but the residential streets just west of the restaurant usually have some availability if there isn't a space right around the restaurant. Wonderful food. read more

Hot Wok Bistro - Hot & Sour Soup - Chinese Near Me - San Mateo, California

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Hot wok bistro Dan Mateo is the best!! Cute, intimate location with incredible owners and staff serving fresh dishes, quickly so whether you are dining in or taking to go, it is hot! It was sad that San Carlos closed but Mama Joyce deserved to retire after feeding us for so many years. San Mateo Hot Wok Bistro is alive and well. Come on in!! read more

Hot Wok Bistro - Chow mein in the wok! - Chinese Near Me - San Mateo, California

The food is very good here. It was exactly how I remembered it... from the last time. The staff here is super friendly and helpful!!! My mom and my best friend went with me. We had such a great time and the staff had us cracking up! The food was so tasty! We were all very happy. Definitely somewhere I will go again. read more

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Ok so I was hungry and wanted some Chinese but didn't want to drive in traffic so I was able to find this place tucked away nearby and decided to try it out. I walked and the lovely front of house staff were friendly and quick! My food came out in less than 5 minutes and felt really quick which was very convenient. I got home and the food was very delicious, still hot and fresh. This was a very wonderful experience and will be back very welcoming ambiance! read more

Hot Wok Bistro - Mongolian Beef Lunch - Chinese Near Me - San Mateo, California

Our FAVORITE and go to Chinese restaurant in the peninsula!! Everything we order is always amazing!!! Service is fast and food is so flavorful!! Love the beef broccoli, pot stickers, chicken fried rice, salt and pepper fried pork chop, Mongolian beef and the best combination chow mein with thin egg noodle, and just ordered the beef stew noodle soup- delicious!!! My kids love the food and it's a bonus they get free lollipops!! read more

Hot Wok Bistro - Beef Stew Noodle Soup - Chinese Near Me - San Mateo, California

I received a warm welcome from the owner of the restaurant. I had an awesome conversation talking about music with him. The other staff were really nice and friendly. They would always welcome new guests coming in through the door immediately. My meal came out very quick after placing my order. I got their Cashew Chicken plate during their lunch special and hands down it was delicious. The environment is very peaceful during the afternoon. I would recommend this place to anyone who craves tasty Chinese cuisines. 10/10 read more

Hot Wok Bistro - Cashew Chicken Lunch - Chinese Near Me - San Mateo, California

Excellent Chinese food just a few minutes away from the downtown. They have a small menu but they have the California Chinese food classics. You can see them making the pot stickers by hand. Very nice people in a casual restaurant. They have a few seats inside it's probably better for takeout . read more

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Great and quick service. The food is good, you must start with the pot stickers! My favorite by far. We love their beef chow mein it's very flavorful. I posted a picture of the salt & pepper chicken, but it was too salty and it wasn't our typical S&P chicken that I'm used to from other restaurants. The honey walnut prawns is good too. The place is loud as there is constant pick up orders. Good business! read more

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at first we were a little skepti because of the location, but food is good, love the fried rice (smoky taste) and the salt and pepper porkchop , my hubby loves the egg fu yang . Will come back again. read more

Not gonna lie, I had absolutely zero expectations for this restaurant when my friend suggested to get lunch here. In fact, based on the name Hot Wok Bistro alone, I was actually preparing for disappointment. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I came by! Restaurant is larger than it looks from the outside, with additional tables past the kitchen. Honey walnut shrimp was delicious, mongolian beef was tender and spicy although too much onion, and the tan tan noodles were saucy and hit the spot. I'll definitely be back. read more

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$39 takeout for Sweet and Sour Pork and Honey Walnut Shrimp. Save your $$$ and try some place else.

Sadly, Food quality wasn't there this time. Rice wasn't fully cooked and food was bland. Hope this was a one time experience and they aren't skimping on quality. Forgot items in my pick-up. I'm not in the area so couldn't go back to pick up. read more

i loveee hot wok bistro! their food is so solid and the people working there are so kind :') it's going to become my go-to chinese takeout spot! ok i've tried a lot of dishes and my faves are definitely their beef chow fun, mongolian beef, fish fillet with veggies, salt and pepper pork chop, and fried rice!! i also really like the mapo tofu with pork, kung pao shrimp (it's fried!), and potsickers! they all taste SOOO GOOD! portion sizes are great and everything is cooked to perfection! you can order basically any dish with your choice of protein which is super nice! their food does not taste super oily at all which i love! their chili oil is also super good and made in-house! i appreciate that they also provide sriracha hehe :') tl;dr food is super solid, people are super kind, and i'll be back probably next week! read more

I usually really enjoy their food, but we went there a week ago and the food was not great. Do they have a new cook/chef?

We were outside 10min before the store opens. But we weren't the first customers. As soon as the restaurant opens all the other people were pouring down into the restaurant from out of nowhere lol I tried so many Chinese places and this is one of the best place for it! The staffs are very friendly and it looked like most of the customers were regular there. If I lived near this place, it would be my go-to Chinese restaurant. The Szechuan dish was so crispy but not that spicy. The combination fried rice had the perfect seasoning. They have plenty of tables, there are more rooms inside. read more

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Everything goes well in this fine place to eat with families and friends ...... One the best places in SM, Ca. Love it read more

Was craving Chinese food on a Friday evening. In the area and decided to give this place a try. Wow, was I pleasantly surprised. The moment you walk in you see a ton of photos all over the walls and the numerous awards they have received. We were friendly greeted and seated right away by our friendly server. We ordered won ton soup, chow fun noodles, fried rice, Mongolian beef, general tso chicken, and honey glazed prawns. Everything was super delicious. They do a lot of take-out orders but they do have a dining area. There is plenty of street parking and accessibility. They also have tables outside to dine. Give them a try, they won't disappoint at all. Highly recommend. read more

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Years later, Hot Wok Bistro remains one of my favorite Peninsula lunch spots for value and satisfaction. While I've tried various lunch specials, I keep returning to their delightfully spicy options of the Kung Pao Chicken Stir Fry or the Mongolian Beef. Lunch specials come with soup and a choice of steamed or fried rice. The service is quick, and the food is always served piping hot. I often need a to-go box, which serves as a welcomed mid-afternoon snack or a second meal. read more

What a gem we stumbled on! Front and back seating, the latter more cozy and the front more lively. Excellent service, welcoming and super accommodating. The food fresh and fast, the soup not too spicy but well balanced hot and sour. The onion pie flaky and the filling flavorful. The honey walnut tofu not too sweet and the veggies chow mein full of crunchy cabbage, peas, onion carrots and broccoli--fire. They had scallop, which I couldn't resist ordering in orange sauce--so tasty! Love it and can't wait to go back and get their chow mein with extra veggies. The only thing missing from their menu is my usual go to dish: eggplant with garlic sauce, which they dining have. In fact, I didn't see a dedicated vegetable section because their menu is different from what I'm used to: pick your main ingredient and also cooking style which they'll do for you. This is flexible and thoughtful. Maybe next time I'll ask if they have eggplant they can throw in a wok for me :-) The prices reasonable and portions large, plus street parking a breeze for free! read more

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My baby and I hiked with a friend at Wunderlich County Park earlier in the day and found this spot on our way back to drop her off. The restaurant is small and unassuming located on a quiet dead end street. There wasn't any issues finding street parking on Monday evening. The interior is very compact as well but we didn't have any issues with my baby in her smaller travel stroller. We were pretty hungry from the hike so we ordered: onion pie ( basically like an onion pancake), hot and sour soup, tan tan noodles, beef chow fun, and orange chicken! The service was very friendly and welcoming and the food came out quick! Wow, the star is the show was definitely the tan tan noodles that tasted so full of flavors and the perfect textures on the noodles. Everything else was very solid but I would definitely come back just for the tan tan noodles!! We absolutely adore the loving older Asian lady who kept checking on us and, somehow, we felt like we were enjoying a nice home cooked meal and was part of the family. This place is a gem! I'll definitely be returning! read more

Hot Wok Bistro - Beef Chow Fun, Orange Chicken Lunch, Hot and Sour Soup, Tan Tan Noodles (top right going clockwisej - Chinese Near Me - San Mateo, California

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We go out of our way to dine here, and I know we're not the only ones knowing that they have been in the same location for decades. The staff is personable and food quality is always consistently great. If you're unsure of what to order, try any of their noodle dish! read more

Boys night out and my pescatarian/ vegetarian bro wanted to try this place out so we did! Place looks like the artwork hasn't even been updated in 3 years, in faded. We thought it was a small place but you stroll through a narrow hall past the kitchen and see more tables. A bit culturally different and , hey it's transparent no one can drop food and put it back on the wok. Ordered the spring rolls which was yummy, honey walnut shrimp that was amazing, also sweet and sour shrimp pretty good!!!! Egg fried rice was smooth too. For the price and the decor that was wonderful, me and my friend said these places tend to be pretty good!!!!! Would recommend!!!!!! read more

Hot Wok Bistro - Spring Rolls - Chinese Near Me - San Mateo, California

Our go to spot for years! Food is always fresh and tasty, the staff is always friendly. I do not like spicy food so they make it how I like. The hot sour soup warms you up on a cold day. Menu is vast in my opinion though I stick to same staples it all looks so good when it comes out. Best little neighborhood kept secret! read more

Food consistently good. Always fresh and reasonably priced. I order take out and live only 10 minutes away. Order always ready when I pick up. Richard, San Mateo read more

In the area and we found this gem of a place. Delicious food, vibrant vibes, and attentive and kind owners. family friendly atmosphere. read more

Hot Wok Bistro - Mongolian Main Dish - Chinese Near Me - San Mateo, California

We love Hot Wok! Delicious food and great service! The chow main is a family favorite and it's perfect for take out. Highly recommend!

Great food , good portions and affordable :) Always wanted to check this place out and I am very glad that we did :) read more