Mamahuhu — San Francisco, USA

Restaurant Mamahuhu interiors
(Image credit: James Burke and Molly Mandell)

Mamahuhu is the new kid on the block in San Francisco’s culinarily diverse Inner Richmond district. 

The project from Brandon Jew, the Michelin-starred chef behind Mister Jiu’s and Moongate Lounge, and Shanghai restauranteurs, Anmao Sun and Ben Moore, both pays homage to and offers a modern take on the casual Chinese American eatery.

Reinventing classics like beef broccoli and mapo tofu with carefully sourced ingredients, Jew and his team offer a menu that simultaneously feels familiar and elevated. That balance extends beyond what’s on the plate and into the dining room, a space with wooden booths, Hay chairs and custom-made art that is playful, yet elegant.

A product of collaboration with Studio BBA, the firm behind Tartine Manufactory LA and the Jesse Hotel in Reno, the colourful interiors are warm, elevated and accessible in an oft-overcast neighbourhood. Though this 38-seat, counter-service restaurant may be laid-back, Mamahuhu, much like Jew’s other endeavors, challenges the status quo when it comes to the Chinese dining experience.

Hotel dining table with hanging lights

(Image credit: James Burke and Molly Mandell)

Restaurant Mamahuhu interiors

(Image credit: James Burke and Molly Mandell)

Restaurant walkway

(Image credit: James Burke and Molly Mandell)

Restaurant with wooden sitting

(Image credit: James Burke and Molly Mandell)

INFORMATION

Website

ADDRESS

517 Clement St

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James Burke is an arts and culture writer and photographer based in Marfa, Texas. Together with Molly Mandell, he authored the 2018 book Made in Cuba and has contributed to the likes of The Los Angeles Times, Vogue Mexico and of course, Wallpaper*. Outside of editorial work, the duo is developing a multi-disciplinary residency program that provides a dedicated space to explore U.S.-Mexico border culture and the Chihuahuan desert through the lens of art, architecture, food, science and design.