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Dim Sum Sam
Master Critic Review
Dim Sum Sam
8.3
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
A fast-casual Cantonese dim sum and roast-meat counter built for repeatable, no-fuss cravings—order at the front, then settle into the big back dining room. The best results come from classic steamed dumplings and rice-noodle rolls, plus one sweet finish (egg tart) while everything’s hot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp dumplings (har gow), BBQ pork buns (char siu bao), Portuguese egg tarts
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-volume, fast-casual dim sum + Cantonese BBQ built for repeat orders.
Who should go: Midtown workers, solo diners, and dumpling cravings.
When to visit: Late morning or off-peak lunch for speed.
What to order: Har gow, char siu bao, one rice-noodle roll.
Insider tip: Keep it to 2–3 dim sum items—then add an egg tart.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking. Street parking is very limited; nearby paid garages in the Garment District are the most realistic option.
Dress code: Casual. Jeans, sneakers, and workday attire all fit—this is a come-as-you-are counter-service spot.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can hold a conversation, but it’s not hushed, especially during lunch rush.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak dinner hours, shorter off-peak
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes; lines move quickly even when busy
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a handful of vegetable dumplings and rice rolls, though the menu is meat-leaning overall.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-based options, but expect to be selective.
Gluten-free options: Limited — rice-noodle rolls and some steamed items may work, but cross-contamination is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure meetups than a traditional date. Ordering at the counter and the fast pace make it more about food than lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. There are no reservations—order first, then seat yourself in the back dining room. Tables usually turn fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. Dumplings, buns, and rice rolls are approachable for kids, and the informal setup works well for families with older children.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable dim sum cravings with consistent execution—especially if you want speed and classic Cantonese staples without ceremony.
Skip if: You’re looking for cart-service dim sum, a leisurely banquet-style meal, or a broad late-night menu.