Hong Kong Noodle Company, South San Francisco

It is amazing how many variations on Asian noodles there are, and you will find most of them at this tiny storefront that sells nothing but. Chow fun and chow mein noodles come in countless widths, won ton wrappers in a dozen shapes and sizes, egg roll skins in almost as many varieties are stacked high everywhere. The staff is helpful, especially if you describe the sort of dish you want to make, and they can also direct you to the best shops to buy the rest of your ingredients. No credit cards are accepted.