"Burma Love is one of Burma Superstar’s many spinoffs throughout the city, but this one feels like the trendy, younger sibling that ended up getting a cool haircut and being more popular in high school. The Mission spot, with a swanky second location near Union Square, is perpetually buzzing with folks in nicer-than-average sweaters who are celebrating something—and it’s much easier to get into than most big group spots in the area. This place also has a full bar, a bustling dining room with gorgeous tiled walls, big tables for groups, and a menu of dishes that are as good (if not better) than the original. Go for any of the wok-tossed stir fries and, of course, the legendary tea leaf salad. photo credit: Spencer Cotton photo credit: Spencer Cotton Food Rundown photo credit: Infatuation Tea Leaf Salad Burma Superstar's tea leaf salad is so popular in SF that it’s now packaged and sold in grocery stores. The long-lasting hype has yet to die down, and the nutty and funky salad, which is replicated at Burma Love, is still worth your time. Order one for the table and prepare to be mesmerized by the tableside mixing. Burmese Style Chicken Curry This is a solid, slightly sweet curry with big hunks of chicken—it’s a good supporting character for the rest of your meal, but isn’t so mind-blowing that you’ll be reminiscing about it tomorrow. Pork Belly With Mustard Greens Alternating bites of this pork dish with Burma Love’s fragrant coconut rice is the gateway to inner peace. Or at least as close as you can get." - Julia Chen
