Shalimar in San Francisco is the Tenderloin's halal Pakistani counter, with a tandoor at the door turning out chicken tikka, seekh kebab and karahi lamb under fifteen dollars.
Tip: Cash and card; lunch service moves fast, dinner has a small back room with shorter wait.
Address: 532 Jones Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Z Zoul Cafe in San Francisco is the SoMa Sudanese halal counter, with a foul medames stew, ful ta'amia (Sudanese falafel) and a tea service that runs all day.
Tip: The breakfast foul plate is the right first order; the staff will explain the spice blend if you ask.
Old Jerusalem in San Francisco is the Mission halal Palestinian counter, with a strong chicken shawarma, a mezze platter and a knafeh that draws cross-town visits.
Tip: The knafeh sells out by 21:00 on Friday; arrive earlier or call ahead to hold a portion.
Wise Sons in San Francisco is the Mission Jewish deli (kosher-style, not certified), with house-cured pastrami, a real challah board and a Saturday brunch line that takes patience.
Tip: The pastrami on rye with mustard is the canonical order; the bagel pop-up runs Sundays only.
Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar in San Francisco is the Mission's plant-based omakase, with a vegan unagi roll, tomato 'tuna' sashimi and a 16-seat counter facing the chefs.
Tip: Walk in at 17:30 on a weekday; the counter takes early seatings without a reservation.
Wildseed in San Francisco is the Marina plant-based room with a Beyond burger, a long produce board, plus oat-milk soft-serve at the counter.
Tip: The oat-milk soft-serve from the counter is a four-dollar walk-away order, no sit-down needed.
Golden Era in San Francisco is the Civic Center Vietnamese vegan room since 1992, with a strong vermicelli bowl, pho-style noodles and the city's longest-running vegan menu.
Tip: The lunch combo of vermicelli and spring rolls is fifteen dollars and the cheapest sit-down vegan in the area.
