Sampan - Philadelphiagreat food, decent valuewe had reservations on a friday night and were seated timely when we arrived. we had a show to get to immediately following dinner, let our server know and were able to get in and out in less than an hour.
2 of us shared everything and were both sufficiently full. the pork potstickers were very good, meaty with a bit more of a home made feel than what you get at lesser quality places. the scallop satay with bacon honey glaze and beef short ribs with lo mein were small portions but probably the tastiest and most melt in your mouth i have ever had of either dish. the grilled peppers were an excellent preparation, they look like chilly peppers but were not spicy at all, the lemon gave them a nice little bite, very tenderly grilled.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMTeam Dinner EventService was prompt and efficient. We had vegetarians at our table so having a separate menu they could pick from was great. Food came out pretty quick, though the vegetarian dishes took a bit longer. Plenty of backround noise but not overpowering, we had a great time. All the dishes were tasty, the team really enjoyed the fried rice and the tofu tacos.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat time!I took my husband for his birthday, the service and food were excellent. We had a great time! Esp loved the crab tacos and green tea scorpion bowl.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMAnother great nightThis has quickly become our new favorite place! We tried the tasting menu this time and it was definitely the right choice! There is not one thing on the menu that has not blown us away. We will be back5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMAWESOME RESTAURANT! WENT FORAWESOME RESTAURANT! WENT FOR A BACHELORETTE PARTY DINNER, TOTAL GROUP OF 9, AND IT WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE. THE FOOD WAS BROUGHT OUT AS IT WAS READY. EVERYONE GOT TO SHARE AND SAMPLE WHAT OTHERS HAD ORDERED. NOT ONE ITEM THAT WE ORDERED WAS DISLIKED. GREAT ATMOSPHERE. GOOD SERVICE. REASONABLE PRICES FOR THE QUALITY OF FOOD. I WOULD HEAVILY RECOMMEND TO OTHERS. WE DEFINITELY PLAN ON GOING BACK.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was our first time diningThis was our first time dining at Sampan - my best friend and teenage daughter met before taking in a theater show. We were greeted warmly and explained my girlfriend's delay in traffic on I-95 and everyone was just great and patient. When she finally arrived, we ordered two small plates and a satay which were out of this world, especially the Pork Bao Bun since two of us have been to China before and anxious to taste the preparation of this dish in the U.S. Due to show time we were unfortunately unable to sample any dessert - next time (and yes, there will be a next time). Last, wait service had very good timing and was never intrusive. Thank you!4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMThe tasting menu is a MUSTThe tasting menu is a MUST when dinning at Sampan...amazing!4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMTwo words...edemame dumplings. GTwo words...edemame dumplings.
Good selections on separate Vegetarian menu.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMFirst time at this restaurant,First time at this restaurant, was taken here for my birthday. Even though it was a Tuesday night restaurant was full (which is a good sign food should be good). I had a reservation and did not have to wait, which was nice. Food was great (consider myself somewhat of a foodie), service a little slow at times but that is the only complaint I can think of. Can't wait to go back again soon.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMEnjoy the variety on the menuEnjoy the variety on the menu and the vegetarian options.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMMy wife and I had a deliciousMy wife and I had a delicious dinner on an early Sunday evening. Service was great and the food was extremely flavorfull. I would highly recommend it for a truly enjoyable dining experience.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMThe restaurant was reallyThe restaurant was really good, service-great, really well run. All I could think about was how bad St.James is. They should take a lesson, and do another Sampan in Ardmore-It would be fabulous!4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food and very good prices.Great food and very good prices. We did the $45 7 course meal and it was excellent. We were able to try a lot of different plates - probably too much food; but oh well.4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat experienceWhat a find!!!!
First visit and we are very impressed. I would say they are very close to Buddakan in cuisine philosophy, quality of the food and service, but in more relaxed and casual ambiance and a bit more affordable. Their Mexican/Asian marriage in food preparation is well done and delightful to the palates. We will be back for more every time we are in Philly, and recommend you to do the same.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMAn old favorite that maintainsAn old favorite that maintains its standards ...and panache.4/11/2013 12:00:00 AMThe moment you walk up toThe moment you walk up to the restaurant, you know you're in for something special. Not only was it the vibrant crowd eating outdoors the chilly night my wife and I had dined at Sampan, but the exterior decor catches your eye as well. We had chosen to partake in the chef's tasting menu so we could sample as many of their dishes as possible, which includes their special ice cream dessert - a must. At first it appeared as if the food was delivered at warp speed, but thinking back, they probably just wanted all the small plates to arrive as close together as possible. I can highly recommend the shrimp and lobster dumpling app, the seared scallop satay, crab wonton taco, the beef short rib, and the kobe beef fried rice. I cannot wait to return!4/11/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of the best Asian foodOne of the best Asian food I have had in the US. Outstanding! Will frequent this place often4/10/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food and the service wereThe food and the service were absolutely fabulous. Wish you were open again for lunch.4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat service! Great Food.Great service! Great Food. I dined with a group of kids and adults. We decided to order various things off the menu so that we could try some old and new foods. We recieved no complaints and will definitely return.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMWe visited on the recommendationWe visited on the recommendation of my son. We found the food absolutely incredible. The service staff could not have been more friendly and efficient. We can't wait to return.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was top-knotch --The food was top-knotch -- gourmet with attention to detail. The tasting menu was an excellent choice for a romantic dinner for 2 but the large party next to us also seemed to enjoy it -- it is a versatile menu a d can either be fun or romantic or both. We were seated in a tight corner but it still felt sexy even if a bit claustrophobic. It's a lively atmosphere and I would like to check out the bar scene next but with food that good they could Steve it in a shack and I'd still return.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food and service.Excellent food and service. Sampan never disappoints. Spend a little or lot, have a snack or full meal. It's up to you. Service is top notch. We plan trips to Philly just to have dinner at Sampan.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMPretheater dining.Nice menu variety. Helpful wait staff. Delicious food.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMOverall experience was amazing!Overall experience was amazing! The food was delicious and the service was very attentive - however at times too attentive that made us feel rushed. It was only the case after we slowed down eating because we were both quite full. Three difference people came to ask us if we're done and would like things wrapped within 10 minute period. Each time we said we are still working on our meal. Besides that it was an amazing experience. The server added a sparkler to our desert because we were celebrating a special occasion - anniversary. Thought it was very thoughtful and very personal customer service. Overall, I would recommend to try it out.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMI was majorly upset when theI was majorly upset when the Kobe beef fried rice I had the week before tasted totally different! That's the reason why I went back. I'll give it one more shot.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMI've been to Sampan many timesI've been to Sampan many times and it never disappoints! Chef's tasting is a must - everything is so tasty! Edamame dumplings are the best and the fun flavored ice cream cones are yummy. If you haven't tried this little gem yet, you don't know what you're missing! Def one of my favs!!3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMYumm!Everything was delicious. We ordered a couple appetizers and shared a rice order and chicken and left full with food left over! So yummy! Everybody was super nice.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMService was great, I believeService was great, I believe her name was (Kate). Food was good, I would recommend to anyone.3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMDefinitely one of my favoriteDefinitely one of my favorite restaurants in Philadelphia!!! THe food is amazing, try ANYTHING on the menu and you will not be disappointed!3/26/2013 12:00:00 AMGood food and nice locationGood food and nice location for before a show as we could split a number of the small plates and have plenty of food and variety. Happy hour looked like a good deal too so will try to make it back sometime soon!3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMI pu this in my top 3 meals!I pu this in my top 3 meals! Our server was great and the food was incredible!3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMWe visited Sampan for theWe visited Sampan for the first time w/two friends from out of town prior to going to a concert. The food and service were both outstanding. We tried the chef's tasting, which gave all of us the opportunity to taste a little of a lot of different menu items - we liked everything we tried. The service was quick, but not rushed...so we had no trouble getting to the concert hall for an 8:00 start time. We will definitely be back and highly recommend Sampan.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat place to try new foodWe elected to have the chef pic our meal, excellent choice!3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMThis place is excellent. DefinitelyThis place is excellent. Definitely recommend their soft serve for dessert. Never dissapoints!3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMThe best place!So sex and the city! Loved it! Come super dressed up or in jeans...either way you'll fit in.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMAbsolutely stellarHad an outstanding experience at this superb restaurant. Best pan-Asian food in the city and one of the best in the country. The mushroom salad is not to be missed, just incredible. Service outstanding. A bit noisy when we were there on a Friday night, but not horrible. Lovely ambiance otherwise. Will definitely be back. One of my new favorites in the U.S.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMyumm!!!Must try the edamame dumplings, kimchee fried rice, and kobe beef skewers. If you have a big group and are worried about suiting everyone's taste, pick Sampan! I love this place, I visit often!3/8/2013 12:00:00 AM