San Francisco Tasty Awards Return in 2026 Bringing Community Food Competition to the Sunset District

The Office of Economic and Workforce Development, in partnership with Self-Help for the Elderly, is bringing back the San Francisco Tasty Awards with this year’s Sunset Tasty Awards, a community-driven food competition inviting the public to help crown the Sunset District’s favorite dumplings, boba, and coffee.  

The Tasty Award marketing initiative is part of Mayor Daniel Lurie’s broader efforts to strengthen the small business sector, support economic recovery, and invest in neighborhood vitality. In his first year in office, the Mayor extended the First Year Free Program; established five new entertainment zones; expanded the Vacant to Vibrant program; and supported new businesses in the Tenderloin. Earlier this year, OEWD announced $6.3 million in new grants to support small businesses. Last fall, OEWD and Main Street Launch expanded the Downtown SF Vibrancy Loan Fund, which offers low-interest loans and grants to businesses moving downtown. The Mayor’s signature reform initiative, PermitSF, continues full steam ahead with the unveiling of the PermitSF portal and the passage of 19 ordinances, including common-sense reforms that allow businesses to place sidewalk café tables. These initiatives complement ongoing programs provided by OEWD and the Office of Small Business such as pro-bono business counseling, including permitting and leasing support to help owners start or expand a business. 

"Last year, we saw how much excitement the Tasty Awards generated for Chinatown businesses, with thousands of people coming out to support the neighborhood’s restaurants and cafés,” said Anne Taupier, Executive Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. “This community-driven food competition is such a fun and unique way for people to participate in something local while directly supporting the small businesses that work so hard to serve our neighborhoods every day. OEWD is proud to invest in events like this, and we are excited to see the energy and enthusiasm come to the Sunset this year.” 

Now through May 31st, residents and visitors can sign up online to receive free food tickets redeemable at 41 participating Sunset small businesses and cast votes for their favorite spots across three categories:   

• My Favorite Dumplings 
• My Favorite Boba  
• My Favorite Coffee 

Voucher holders can exchange their tickets for featured menu items at businesses throughout the Sunset District. Each voucher also serves as a ballot, allowing community members to vote for the restaurants and cafes they believe offer the Sunset’s tastiest neighborhood favorites.  

Unlike traditional food rankings or critic-driven lists, the Tasty Awards are powered entirely by community input, with voting tied directly to an in-person tasting experience. The program gives people a fun way to explore the neighborhood, revisit longtime favorites, discover new businesses, and directly support the commercial corridors that are central to the Sunset’s identity and economy. 

“Small businesses are the central of San Francisco, with the challenge and competitive in San Francisco, we hope the tasty award can blasts out the fun and create more interaction between the small businesses and customer and have them stay with this great city.” said Kifer Hu, Director of Employment Training and Economic Development, Self-Help for the Elderly

“Running a small business takes a lot of heart, and our customers' support keeps us going every day. We’re very happy to participate in the Sunset Tasty Award this year alongside so many other great local businesses.” said Kenneth Luk owner of Milktopia.

“We are so happy to be part of the Sunset Tasty Award this year. Every day, we just focus on making fresh, delicious food for our neighbors. We hope everyone comes by to try our dumplings and feels right at home.” said Xiao Chen owner of BBQ King.

The Sunset Tasty Awards build on the major success of last year’s Chinatown Tasty Awards which drew thousands of enthusiastic community members to sample and cast their votes for favorite pineapple buns, siu mai, and boba. Winning businesses received storefront decals recognizing them as Tasty Award winners, helping attract new customers, and bringing sustained interest beyond when the competition ended. 

“Winning the Chinatown Tasty Award was such a wonderful surprise. The extra foot traffic really helped our business after some difficult years. We’re excited to check out the incredible food scene in the Sunset this year, and we wish all the contestants the best of luck!” said Zong Huang owner of Dim Sum Bistro.

This year, a total of 5,500 vouchers will be distributed citywide. The public is invited to register through May 31 while supplies last. Additional information, participating businesses, and registration details are available on the Sunset Tasty Award Event Page.

Register for your free vouchers here.