
Dim Sum Sam
Authentic Cantonese dim sum and Chinese cuisine with a taste of Hong Kong and Macau, offering great value in NYC.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest dim sum, fewer crowds

Dim Sum Sam
Best Time
Freshest dim sum, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Authentic Cantonese dim sum and Chinese cuisine with a taste of Hong Kong and Macau, offering great value in NYC.
"This place has it all, with foods authentic to Hong Kong and Macau natives. Taste is on point and the price is very decent."

🎯 Go with the Locals
The presence of 'aunties and uncles' is a good sign of authenticity!
💰 Great Value for NYC
Prices are decent for Manhattan, offering authentic Hong Kong/Macau flavors.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Roast Duck
All locations
Crispy skin, tender meat, and perfectly seasoned. A must-try for any Cantonese food lover.

Homemade Hot Soy Milk
West 40th St location
A surprisingly delicious and comforting drink, perfect with pastries or savory dishes.

Crystal Dumplings
All locations
Delicate and flavorful dumplings, a classic dim sum staple that's executed well here.

Beef Congee
All locations
A comforting and hearty rice porridge, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Authentic Dim Sum
Navigating Chinatown and Midtown Locations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go with the Locals
The presence of 'aunties and uncles' is a good sign of authenticity!
💰 Great Value for NYC
Prices are decent for Manhattan, offering authentic Hong Kong/Macau flavors.
💨 Fast and Efficient Service
Expect quick service, making it ideal for a speedy meal.
📸 Food Looks Great, Taste Varies
Some find the food lacks flavor; others rave about authenticity. Try it yourself!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go with the Locals
The presence of 'aunties and uncles' is a good sign of authenticity!
💰 Great Value for NYC
Prices are decent for Manhattan, offering authentic Hong Kong/Macau flavors.
💨 Fast and Efficient Service
Expect quick service, making it ideal for a speedy meal.
📸 Food Looks Great, Taste Varies
Some find the food lacks flavor; others rave about authenticity. Try it yourself!
📍 Multiple Locations
Choose between Chinatown for tradition or Midtown for convenience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dim Sum Sam garners mixed reviews, with many praising its authentic Hong Kong/Macau flavors and decent prices for Manhattan. Diners often highlight the crispy roast duck and homemade soy milk. However, some critics find the food lacks flavor and can be dry, with dishes not matching expectations.
"As someone who is into a quick bite and real authentic Chinese cuisines and food. I’m Macanese (Chinese + Portugese), this place has it all, with foods authentic to Hong Kong and Macau natives. Taste is on point and the price is very decent for Manhattan standards. A definite recommend if you want a bit of home tasting growing up eating in Chinatown/8Ave/Flushing!"
K F
"I was around and saw this place.
Had a few dim sum items with duck and rice and a beer.
Overall the food was good but not the best dim/sum- HK dishes Ive had.
It’s good for a quick meal if you are around the area.
Service was quick."
Gabriel
"My partner took me here for brunch since we were craving some dim sum. We ordered the crystal dumplings, duck, rice rolls and soup dumplings. They were all amazing. Definitely going to come back, would recommend!"
jeff Mai
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Chinatown location at 80 Bowery is accessible via subway lines like the B, D, N, Q, R, W, J, Z to Canal Street, or the 6 train to Canal Street. It's a short walk from the station.
The Midtown location on West 40th Street is easily reached by numerous subway lines serving Times Square-42nd Street, including the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S trains.
Parking in both Chinatown and Midtown Manhattan can be challenging and expensive. Public transportation is highly recommended for reaching Dim Sum Sam.
The 40th Street location is very close to Times Square, making it a walkable option. The Chinatown location is a bit further from major Midtown attractions but easily reachable by subway.
For the 80 Bowery location, Canal Street stations (multiple lines) are closest. For the 40th Street location, Times Square-42nd Street station is the primary hub.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Dim Sum Sam operates as a walk-in restaurant. You typically don't need advance tickets, especially for their dim sum service.
Hours can vary slightly by location and day. It's best to check their social media or website for the most current operating times, but they generally serve dim sum throughout the day.
There is no admission fee. You pay for the food and drinks you order.
While some larger groups might be accommodated, Dim Sum Sam is generally known for its quick service and walk-in nature, especially for dim sum. Reservations are not typically required or advertised.
Wait times can vary. Weekday mornings are usually low-wait, while weekend brunch times, especially near Times Square, can see moderate waits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Popular choices include the roast duck, crystal dumplings, beef congee, and homemade hot soy milk. Many reviewers also praise the rice rolls and duck noodle soup.
Yes, they offer a variety of classic dim sum dishes. You can often see them displayed or order from a menu.
Reviews are mixed. Some find it highly authentic, reminiscent of Hong Kong and Macau, while others feel it lacks flavor. It's recommended to try it yourself to form your own opinion.
Prices are considered decent for Manhattan standards, offering good value for authentic Chinese cuisine.
While many dim sum dishes are meat-based, some steamed vegetable dumplings or congee might be adaptable. It's best to inquire directly with the staff about specific dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
The roast duck with its crispy skin, colorful crystal dumplings, and beautifully presented congee are often highlighted for their visual appeal.
Yes, the dishes are often described as looking great in photos, though some reviews note a discrepancy between appearance and taste.
Natural light is usually best. Try to visit during the day when the restaurant is well-lit, especially if you're aiming for vibrant food shots.
Close-ups of the textures of the roast duck skin or the delicate folds of dumplings are popular. Shots of the bustling kitchen or chefs at work can also be engaging.
Yes, you can generally take photos of the interior, but be mindful of other diners and avoid intrusive photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid long waits and a more relaxed environment. The Chinatown location might offer a more authentic cultural experience, while the Midtown location provides easy access after sightseeing. Be sure to check the menu for familiar options and don't hesitate to ask staff for recommendations suitable for children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focusing on classic dim sum dishes and avoiding more expensive entrees can help keep costs down. The Chinatown location is generally perceived as offering better value than the Midtown spot. Sharing several small plates among a group is also an economical way to sample a variety of dishes.
🍜 Foodies Seeking Authenticity
While some reviews suggest a potential inconsistency in flavor, the consensus among many is that the restaurant delivers genuine Chinese cuisine. Visiting during weekday mornings, when locals frequent the establishment, is often recommended for the freshest and most authentic experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dim Sum Experience: More Than Just Food
Many visitors highlight the homemade hot soy milk as a unique and delightful offering, a comforting beverage that pairs well with both sweet and savory items. The roast duck is frequently praised for its perfectly crispy skin and tender meat, a testament to traditional preparation methods. While some reviews mention a lack of flavor, many others attest to the authenticity, comparing it to tastes from Hong Kong and Macau.
Whether you visit the traditional Chinatown location or the more convenient Midtown spot, Dim Sum Sam aims to provide a genuine Chinese culinary journey. It’s a place that evokes a sense of home for those familiar with these cuisines and an exciting discovery for newcomers.
Navigating Dim Sum Sam's Locations
In contrast, the West 40th Street location situates Dim Sum Sam closer to Times Square and Midtown. This spot is ideal for tourists looking for a convenient and accessible Chinese meal while exploring the city's major attractions. While it offers the same core menu, the surrounding environment is significantly more commercial and bustling. Visitors should be prepared for potentially higher prices and larger crowds at this more central venue.
When choosing a location, consider your priorities: authenticity and local immersion in Chinatown, or convenience and proximity to major sights in Midtown. Both aim to deliver on the promise of delicious Chinese cuisine, but the overall experience can be shaped by their distinct surroundings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit