As there is no other restaurant nearby and a walk elsewhere isn't all that pleasant, you are stuck eating in at Asian Box in the San Francisco Asian Museum. Asian Box is a local chain that has taken over what used to be a pleasant, casual spot where you could relax and talk to friends about exhibits, or personal matters - enjoy a menu based on current exhibits and a pot of real tea in a Japanese cast iron pot. Now you have to use your rock concert voice to be heard over other voices and scraping chairs in this hard surface room. Boba tea seems to be the attraction. Food comes in a plastic container with an oddly shaped plastic fork whose tines lean inward. This leads to the spilling of rice and other finely-chopped ingredients. So cover youself well to prevent a dry cleaning bill. I had Spicy Vietnamese Chicken, which was spicy hot. I'll give them that much. It was served on over-cooked rice with a tiny bit of cabbage and a lime slice. And peanuts which escaped through the afor mentioned fork along with the rice. They do stuff a lot of food in those little boxes and there is free ice water.
Jon T.
I'm not usually a huge fan of museum restaurants or cafes, as they're often overpriced with a poor selection. However, my recent experience at Asian Box was quite good.The first thing that really sets it apart from a normal museum eatery is that Asian Box is actually its own chain. This means you're getting a taste of an experience that survives on its own merits. The basic fare here is a variety of bowls, with fresh veggies, rice, etc. You get to mix and match ingredients. Kudos for the curry tofu option!But beyond that the service is more on par with a standalone restaurant. The employee at the counter was really helpful explaining which boba could be made with almond milk. And finally, this is a place where you actually don't mind sitting and enjoying your food. I saw plenty of groups of people eating full on meals. So if you're hungry before or after your visit at the museum, stop on by!
Tw S.
Such a disappointment, in the otherwise wonderful Asian Art Museum. The pork bowl was mostly gristly meat with some under-seasoned noodles, a few florets of undercooked broccoli, vapid pickled cabbage and carrot shreds, and a gruesome attempt at a seasoned boiled egg. This isn't even airport or mall food court quality food.
Bobbi P.
Love... Love... Love to see such a great cafe in a museum! We stopped in for lunch while visiting the museum and I'm so glad we did. The staff is wonderful! So cheerful and just really appeared to enjoy their job, I love that. The gentleman who took our order was really sweet and had wonderful customer service, you don't experience that a lot anymore. The lady who delivered our food to our table was so sweet, a smile with service is so missed and I appreciate seeing that again. Now, let's talk about the food. The boba was delicious!!! The food was yummy and perfect portions for the price. You always wonder what size your food will be at a museum AKA tourist attraction and it was perfect. The cafe is very clean and they have reusable bowls and plates which I appreciate. All in all this was a wonderful cafe and we really enjoyed the food and experience while visiting the museum.
EndlessVoyage
So if Asian Box were not inside the Asian Art Museum - I wouldn’t be here. The food is average but customizable so maybe we chose poorly. They have drinks and the obvious stuff but it’s in a cold cafeteria with some sort of weird fan blaring. Not really the museum vibe. I recall past cafes at the AA that we’re far far better. I imagine weekdays it is tough for them to stay open this the chain Asian box moves in. The box refers to the takeaway box which you can take to the second floor and sit outside.
Claudia C.
incredible food! very fresh with flavorful sauces. salmon salad was the best I've had anywhere!
Sandra P.
This place is great. My husband had his first taste of Boba and he just loved it. I thought it was a bit salty and the spring roll with the special had pork and I wasn't expecting that. The lunches were great though maybe a bit heavy on the vermicelli. My husband was just crazy about the whole thing and wants to go back again, so take my complaints with a grain of salt. I thought the matcha Boba was fabulous. I do love the stuff.
K. B.
I miss the old Asian Art Museum Cafe, but this is a great addition to the area. Asian Box serves the same great items as at its other locations, from inside the museum. You don't need to pay entry to the museum to get to the restaurant; just tell them you're going straight to the cafe.
Alex Xue
absolutely crucial part of the work day - lunch time filler upppppp
Justin Wong
This location is inside the first floor of the Asian Art Museum, but you don't need a museum ticket to go to the restaurant. Asian Box is reliable for curry rice bowls, salad bowls, vegan options, and healthy lean meals. Get the Asian Street Dust as your seasoning topper. Mmhm. They also have boba. Meals can be for dine in (indoor & outdoor seating) or to go.
As there is no other restaurant nearby and a walk elsewhere isn't all that pleasant, you are stuck eating in at Asian Box in the San Francisco Asian Museum. Asian Box is a local chain that has taken over what used to be a pleasant, casual spot where you could relax and talk to friends about exhibits, or personal matters - enjoy a menu based on current exhibits and a pot of real tea in a Japanese cast iron pot. Now you have to use your rock concert voice to be heard over other voices and scraping chairs in this hard surface room. Boba tea seems to be the attraction. Food comes in a plastic container with an oddly shaped plastic fork whose tines lean inward. This leads to the spilling of rice and other finely-chopped ingredients. So cover youself well to prevent a dry cleaning bill. I had Spicy Vietnamese Chicken, which was spicy hot. I'll give them that much. It was served on over-cooked rice with a tiny bit of cabbage and a lime slice. And peanuts which escaped through the afor mentioned fork along with the rice. They do stuff a lot of food in those little boxes and there is free ice water.
I'm not usually a huge fan of museum restaurants or cafes, as they're often overpriced with a poor selection. However, my recent experience at Asian Box was quite good.The first thing that really sets it apart from a normal museum eatery is that Asian Box is actually its own chain. This means you're getting a taste of an experience that survives on its own merits. The basic fare here is a variety of bowls, with fresh veggies, rice, etc. You get to mix and match ingredients. Kudos for the curry tofu option!But beyond that the service is more on par with a standalone restaurant. The employee at the counter was really helpful explaining which boba could be made with almond milk. And finally, this is a place where you actually don't mind sitting and enjoying your food. I saw plenty of groups of people eating full on meals. So if you're hungry before or after your visit at the museum, stop on by!
Such a disappointment, in the otherwise wonderful Asian Art Museum. The pork bowl was mostly gristly meat with some under-seasoned noodles, a few florets of undercooked broccoli, vapid pickled cabbage and carrot shreds, and a gruesome attempt at a seasoned boiled egg. This isn't even airport or mall food court quality food.
Love... Love... Love to see such a great cafe in a museum! We stopped in for lunch while visiting the museum and I'm so glad we did. The staff is wonderful! So cheerful and just really appeared to enjoy their job, I love that. The gentleman who took our order was really sweet and had wonderful customer service, you don't experience that a lot anymore. The lady who delivered our food to our table was so sweet, a smile with service is so missed and I appreciate seeing that again. Now, let's talk about the food. The boba was delicious!!! The food was yummy and perfect portions for the price. You always wonder what size your food will be at a museum AKA tourist attraction and it was perfect. The cafe is very clean and they have reusable bowls and plates which I appreciate. All in all this was a wonderful cafe and we really enjoyed the food and experience while visiting the museum.
So if Asian Box were not inside the Asian Art Museum - I wouldn’t be here. The food is average but customizable so maybe we chose poorly. They have drinks and the obvious stuff but it’s in a cold cafeteria with some sort of weird fan blaring. Not really the museum vibe. I recall past cafes at the AA that we’re far far better. I imagine weekdays it is tough for them to stay open this the chain Asian box moves in. The box refers to the takeaway box which you can take to the second floor and sit outside.
incredible food! very fresh with flavorful sauces. salmon salad was the best I've had anywhere!
This place is great. My husband had his first taste of Boba and he just loved it. I thought it was a bit salty and the spring roll with the special had pork and I wasn't expecting that. The lunches were great though maybe a bit heavy on the vermicelli. My husband was just crazy about the whole thing and wants to go back again, so take my complaints with a grain of salt. I thought the matcha Boba was fabulous. I do love the stuff.
I miss the old Asian Art Museum Cafe, but this is a great addition to the area. Asian Box serves the same great items as at its other locations, from inside the museum. You don't need to pay entry to the museum to get to the restaurant; just tell them you're going straight to the cafe.
absolutely crucial part of the work day - lunch time filler upppppp
This location is inside the first floor of the Asian Art Museum, but you don't need a museum ticket to go to the restaurant. Asian Box is reliable for curry rice bowls, salad bowls, vegan options, and healthy lean meals. Get the Asian Street Dust as your seasoning topper. Mmhm. They also have boba. Meals can be for dine in (indoor & outdoor seating) or to go.
Restaurantji Recommends