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Food that you absolutely must try in San Francisco, California
Author: Tatiana Sorokina "Family Roadtrip Guru"
Northern California in general and San Francisco in particular is a foodie’s paradise. There are so many good restaurants here and lots of great food to try. But if you are visiting just for a short while you cannot possibly try everything. So what are those must try foods in San Francisco that you simply cannot miss?
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Below are my favorite three. I chose them because they originate in San Francisco and they are a local staple.
Seafood Lovers Paradise: San Francisco, California!
#1 Seafood in general and Dungeness crab in particular
Dungeness crab lives in the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean close to California coast. Crabbing season in San Francisco is roughly between November and June. There are lots of dishes that you can try that are made with the Dungeness crab such as soups, salads, sandwiches and of course the best one of all is the crab itself, boiled with special seasoning and served whole.
There are many restaurants in San Francisco that specialize in local California seafood including Dungeness crab. Restaurants at and around Fisherman’s Wharf are usually a safe bet.
Sour Dough in all shapes and forms at Boudin Bakery, San Francisco
#2 Sourdough Bread at Boudin Bakery
Soughdough bread is very popular in San Francisco. Boudin Bakery was established in San Francisco in 1849 and they claim they serve the Original San Francisco Sourdough. Over the years Boudin Bakery has expanded their menu. Now you can try various baked goods, sandwiches made with their bread and my favorite San Francisco staple – clam chowder soup in a sourdough bread bowl.
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There is a museum inside the original bakery building on Jefferson Street and you can take a tour of the bakery to see how the bread is made.
Chocoholic Must-Visit when in San Francisco, California: Ghirardelli Chocolate!
#3 Ghirardelli Chocolate
Ghriardelli Chocolate is famous all of the world and it comes from San Francisco. The company was established in the City in 1852. Currently you can visit their chocolate and ice cream shop at the Ghirardelli’s Square and taste the yummy goodness yourself. Their hot chocolate is great too. Ghirardelli Square is especially beautiful during the holiday season with a huge Christmas tree right in the center of it.
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All the three places mentioned above, Fisherman’s Wharf, Boudin Bakery and Girardelly Chocolate store are located in close proximity to each other. So you can easily get from one to the other if you walk on Embarcadero and then Jefferson Street ending your food tour with dessert at Ghirardelli Square off Beach Street.
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This area of San Francisco is the heart of the city and lots of its best tourist attractions are located in the vicinity so while you are doing your food tour you can also check out Exploratorium museum, seals at Pier 39, beautiful San Francisco Bay views and much more.
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If you would like to learn more information about attraction in San Francisco and Bay Area check out my favorite day trips from San Francisco and on Family Roadtrip Guru!