House of Nanking Hosts Awkwafina for New Series
The Chinatown spot will appear in the upcoming show, which premieres on November 6.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Chinese Food
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The Chinatown institution House of Nanking recently hosted actor and comedian Awkwafina for her upcoming food documentary series. The restaurant, a local staple since 1988, serves as a backdrop for the actor's road trip to learn family recipes.
Why it matters
The visit highlights the enduring profile of a long-standing neighborhood restaurant recently recognized as a top city dining spot. Fans can see the segment when the series debuts early next month.
House of Nanking has served diners in Chinatown since its 1988 opening, a legacy underscored by its selection as a top local restaurant by the Chronicle in September 2025. It remains unclear which episode will feature the footage.
The players
Awkwafina
The actor and comedian is the host of a new documentary series centered on learning to cook.
Kathy Fang
A local chef who hosted the production crew at her restaurant.
House of Nanking
A long-standing Chinatown restaurant known for its enduring presence in the neighborhood.
The details
Chef Kathy Fang hosted the production inside the Kearny Street restaurant as part of Awkwafina's cross-country journey to honor her great-grandfather's cooking. The visit follows the actor's previous engagement in the city as the 2024 Lunar New Year Parade grand marshal. The production was captured on October 28, 2026, ahead of the series premiere.
Timeline
1988: House of Nanking opened.
2024: Awkwafina served as grand marshal of the Lunar New Year Parade.
September 2025: The Chronicle named House of Nanking a top restaurant.
October 28, 2026: Chef Kathy Fang shared images of the filming.
November 6, 2026: Awkwafina: The Unlikely Cook premieres.
Across the Bay
This production visit follows a recent trend of high-profile filming in the city, notably the 28-day shoot for the Netflix series A Man on the Inside. It reinforces the city's role as a recurring location for major media projects.
If you are a regular at House of Nanking, you may recognize the dining room when the show airs on November 6. Keep an eye on local social media channels for potential glimpses of the neighborhood shoot.
The takeaway
The segment serves as a reminder of the city's enduring culinary landmarks that attract both national attention and local acclaim. Watch for the series debut to see the Chinatown staple featured on screen.
Further reading
For more on the city's culinary landscape, visit Chinese Food.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Francisco Chronicle.
Live Poll
Do television food series provide a meaningful economic boost to the local restaurants they feature?
