Sampan - PhiladelphiaSampan does it again~!The food is amazaing as usual! We got the tasting menu and enjoyed everything, especially the crab tacos!6/15/2013 12:00:00 AMService highlights amazing cuisineAmazing cuisine, creative plating and imaginative ingredients used to make fresh ingredients shine. Highly recommend sitting at the kitchen bar where you can watch the chefs put together your dishes! If its your first time come hungry and plan on sharing all the food with the table.6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, service, and experienceThis has been one of my favorite restaurants in Mid Town Village for a while. I decided to bring my entire family (party of more than ten) to experience it for a graduation dinner. The staff was friendly, and the food was unbelievably good--and came out fast. Our server helped us decide on different dishes for the chef's tasting menu, we had two vegetarians and some non-foodies in the group. We were overwhelmed by how much food we got, how delicious it was, and how great the service was. I was nervous as to how it would go with so many people, but I am still having family tell me how great they thought it was :). Sampan never disappoints!6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMVery accomodating for allowingVery accomodating for allowing reservations on Wednesday's for CCDSips. They even allowed me to extendmy party size last minute. The largest food menu I have ever seen for Sips.6/12/2013 12:00:00 AMConsistently great in everything.We frequent Sampan it's always fun, unique and consistently a great night out!6/9/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Date RestaurantWent to Sampan on a whim with my husband and had a fantastic dinner. The food was fabulous - I highly recommend the Chef's Tasting menu if you haven't eaten there before. There was not a bad dish! The server was excellent, although he was definitely in the weeds and was trying to stay afloat. We had to wait a bit for our order to be taken and for our drinks, but we weren't in a rush. The only downside is that the restaurant is VERY noisy. Don't go if you want to have an intimate conversation with someone as you will have to speak loudly to hear each other talk.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMDInnerBirthday Dinner with the girls came out to be a bit expensive but well worth it!6/6/2013 12:00:00 AMBefore the ShowWent to Sampan before going to see The Rascals perform at the Academy. Gald we did as the food was great, service was great, and the overall experience except the noise level was enjoyable. While food portions were somewhat smaall as expected from a small plates menu(they could have been slightly larger), we enjoyed the taste very much. Nothing really stood out but everything was delicious! Thanks. We will return.6/5/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat variety of foodThe dishes we had were great, new takes on some familiar plates. The duck was awesome. I also loved the general tsos soup dumplings. Service wasn't amazing but it was above average. Very cool restaurant interior. Only complaint: brussel sprouts were insanely salty (and I love my food salty to begin with). Will go back many, many times. All in all great place to eat.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMGroup DinnerRestaurant great for small groups Tasting menu perfect for such.5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMIncredible foodwe had a reservation but saw there was space at the kitchen table and asked to be seated there. The attention to detail in every dish served was observed repeatedly and it showed. Everything was perfect, fresh and delicious. We actually saw the Chef pick out leaves of lettuce from salads before they were served (all with freshly non-latex gloved hands, changed every time a dish changed) because it didn't meet his approval. Perfect. Cannot wait to go back.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMI was very disappointed thatI was very disappointed that the cucumber margarita wasn't a drink option and when I asked if they could just make me one they said no. Also my boyfriend loves the lamb chops and they weren't on the menu either! Regardless we will go back the food is amazeballs!5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMAll around winner!No wait, great service, well positioned table and delicious food. You have to try the Chilean sea bass and kimchee fried rice.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMWe liked sharing dishesSampan is one of the very few restaurants in Philly that has separate menus for vegetarian and gluten-free options. I emailed to check which vegetarian items were vegan - most of them are. My party had a short wait even though we made reservations, once seated, the service was excellent. The large plates are made to be shared which is a terrific concept, but it may not have been clear as to how many people each dish served. I ordered an appetizer which could be shared among 1-3 people, depending. But I then ordered a large plate and side, they were both about the same amount (for 2-3 people). My party had a really fun time with sharing dishes but we ended up with so much food that the quantity of the dishes may have been misunderstood.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat spot, conversations difficultThe food and the service are terrific - favs include short ribs, Kobe fried rice, Brussels sprouts and pad thai. If you have a small group, even better as you can all share an assortment of tasty dishes! The only issue is the noise: we had 3 people seated in a corner and a 3-way conversation was difficult.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat 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 AMThe pros: Nice vibe. The porkThe pros: Nice vibe. The pork bun (moist but crisp) , korean satay(deliciously seasoned) and hamachi cerviche were all incredible and a must have! The brussel sprouts were tasty (although I didn't discern any pancetta), the portion was overly generous. Cons: Service was a bit slow & while the waitress took the time to make recommendations, they were not attentitive once the food was delivered. In relation to the food - leave the lettuce wraps behind! The noodles were overdressed and soggy and the shrimp that acompanied the wrap should have been more abundent (nice size but it was split in half and only 1 half in the wrap) so it was basically eating a bunch of over-seasoned, soggy noodles wrapped in a wilted lettuce leaf. Would return!5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMSampan - Good Food and AmbianceI have eaten at Sampan a number of times and it is consitenatly good. We were seated at the open kitchen so the energy was a little different ... but good. Once again enjoyed the edamame dumplings as a starter. Scallop brochette were well prepared as well. Sea Bass main course had great flavors but was a bit dry and not very filling. Service was good and it is a good value.5/5/2013 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 AMBest for drinks and appsI go to Sampan often, and every time I leave I say two things: The food was great, and YIKES the bill is how much? There was a table of 3 guys next to us having dinner, and I heard one of them comment that they should have stopped at Wendy's before coming.The best deal at Sampan is to go during happy hour and enjoy the drink and app specials.4/30/2013 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 AMNice time! Food and Service good!there were 7 of us and it was good.. food, ambience, service.. all good! (ESPECIALLY THE BRUSSEL SPROUTS!!- YOU MUST TRY THEM!)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 AMSampan has to be one of theSampan has to be one of the hottest restaurants in the city right now. Amazing food! Server was not good but she seemed new so she will be fine once she gets used to the place. Service certainly didn't ruin our night!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, good service,Great food, good service, but very loud and felt a little bit like an assembly line. Quite expensive also.4/20/2013 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 AMsencond time and still satisfiedSea bass was epic Great presentation perfect culmination of flavors. Only second time here. Wont be the last.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 AM