When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Dim Sum Sam
Why Dim Sum Sam is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Dim Sum Sam is a cozy and inviting Cantonese restaurant situated in New York City, celebrated for offering an authentic dim sum experience combined with Hong Kong-style BBQ. Nestled at 240 W 40th St, this venue blends traditional flavors with a modern ambiance, making it an excellent meeting spot for friends seeking genuine Asian cuisine. The restaurant's menu boasts over 40 kinds of dim sum alongside hundreds of classic Cantonese dishes, featuring favorites such as shrimp dumplings, BBQ pork buns, roast duck, crispy pork belly, and wonton noodles. Their dim sum offerings are handmade fresh daily, ensuring high quality and rich flavors. The minimalist yet comfortable setting is perfect for casual gatherings or family outings. Moreover, with multiple convenient locations including Flatiron, Times Square, and FiDi, Dim Sum Sam caters well to both locals and tourists. They also provide delivery and takeout options, making it accessible for various dining preferences. The focus on authentic Cantonese culinary traditions, combined with friendly service and reasonable pricing, positions Dim Sum Sam as a well-rounded destination for those wanting to share delicious, fresh dim sum and BBQ with friends in a vibrant NYC atmosphere.
Here's what people think of Dim Sum Sam
As of recent, Dim Sum Sam holds a 3.8-star rating based on 29 reviews.
Customer reviews of Dim Sum Sam reflect a generally positive experience with an average rating of 3.8 based on approximately 29 evaluations. Patrons frequently praise the restaurant for its authentic Cantonese flavors — especially noting the freshness and taste of dim sum such as shrimp dumplings and BBQ pork buns. Reviewers appreciate the generous portions and flavorful BBQ roast pork over rice, which is highlighted as a lunchtime favorite. The affordable prices are another commonly mentioned positive aspect, alongside the convenient location near Times Square that makes it easy to visit. Some reviewers commend the variety on the menu and the quick, friendly service, describing the environment as relaxed yet chic, suitable for sharing meals with friends or family. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to occasional inconsistencies in food quality and service speed. A few diners felt some dishes did not meet their expectations in flavor intensity or freshness. Additionally, limited seating and a minimalist décor may not appeal to all customers looking for a more traditional restaurant ambiance. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus suggests Dim Sum Sam remains a solid choice for authentic Cantonese cuisine in NYC, offering a satisfying meal experience for its price point and location. The blend of positive and constructive reviews indicates an establishment eager to maintain its role as a hidden gem in the city's competitive dining scene.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
teadrinker
Visiting Chinatown and stumbled onto Dim Sum Sam. It has 2 other branches with one in Time Square. Cash only for this location. Price is really good. Roast pork is $12/lb on 7/1/2025. Back home in California, I have to pay $18/lb!!! I thought the cost of living in New York is expensive. Food quality: Roast pork - skin was still crispy after I took it back to the hotel room for dinner. They must’ve gave me the pork belly. I should’ve requested a leaner section of the pig. The rice roll (cheung fun) was freshly steamed when I ordered. It has a soft, slippery-smooth texture that's still slightly bouncy, not overly firm or mushy. Good cheung fun! Service: you have to lineup and order from the counter. You can study the menu while in line. The cashier packaged my to-go items well and added in utensils without me asking. My Chinese food cravings was satisfied. Yummy!
S. F.
Overall 3.75/5 round it up to 4. Particularly how clean and uncluttered they are relative to other casual eateries in this hood. Stumbled upon this newly opened Dum Sum Sam today (apparently there are 3 in Manhattan) on my usual weekend long walk. Roasted meats options include duck, soy sauce chicken, scallions chicken and roasted pork ribs. The one special item I noticed was the salted chicken leg, sold on its own ($4.75) or on rice with extra $. Prices are exactly the same as Hay Hay Roaster a couple blocks down on Mott Street. I tried the salted chicken leg and got half scallions chicken. I think the salted chicken leg tasted better, almost duck confit like texture; pretty generous portion as well, see picture. The scallion chicken is alright tho a bit over cooked according to the authentic Cantonese version. The accompanied scallion oil is not as fragrant as Hay Hay's. They also double up as bakery and sell dim sum items. I didn't try any; nothing particularly interesting either. I will prob come back again for the salted chicken leg.
Kevin W
It is now one of my go to for canto food crave. For dimsum and roast meat. No frill, no service, get your food and get your own seat type of place. Be prepared to sit down next to aunties, uncles, grandma, and grandpa. It is a good resting stop for them. Low cost, available restroom, and air con. For them to rest up and chill.
Jeff T. Critic
Dim Sum Sam/BBQ Spare Rib over Rice: The main course appeared to be spare rib tibs and not full size spare ribs. Also included with this platter is cabbage, white rice and soy sauce. The cabbage is a fantastic side dish, but it didn’t go well with this platter. It was a large portion, but there will not be a next time.
gunsbound
I had the soup dumplings, they were good. Duck/beef/fish ball rice noodle rolls were okay. The roast pork rice noodle roll was more flavorful. The breads taste fine. A good amount of seating. The bathroom was clean.
How to reach Dim Sum Sam
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Why Dim Sum Sam may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Dim Sum Sam with your friends?
Choosing a spot to meet up with friends or family involves more than just food; it's about sharing an experience that encourages connection and enjoyment. Dim Sum Sam offers precisely this—a dynamic yet casual environment with authentic Cantonese cuisine that suits social gatherings beautifully. The restaurant manages to combine delicious traditional dim sum with a vibrant atmosphere in a spacious setting, making it an excellent destination for group events. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply catching up, the restaurant's approach to food is focused on communal dining, which naturally lends itself to sharing and conversation. The variety of dishes, from iconic roast duck to delicate shrimp dumplings, ensures every palate in the group is satisfied. The friendly and efficient service staff further make the experience seamless, leaving guests more time to relax and engage with one another. This blend of good food, welcoming space, and a sociable vibe makes Dim Sum Sam not just a meal stop but a genuine venue for memorable meetups with close ones.
What activities and experiences enhance the group meetup at Dim Sum Sam?
Dim Sum Sam is more than a place to eat; it's a cultural culinary experience perfect for groups due to its interactive and participatory dining style. One of the key activities that make it so conducive for group gatherings is the shared plates format of dim sum. Friends and families can order multiple small dishes to sample and pass around the table, which promotes a lively dining atmosphere and sparks natural conversations about favorites and new tastes. The restaurant offers a broad menu including Hong Kong-style barbecue meats like roast duck and pork belly, various noodle soups, and classic dim sum items such as shrimp dumplings and pork buns. This broad selection accommodates different dietary preferences and ensures that everyone finds something appealing. The ordering process itself is engaging—they take orders at the counter and call out prepared dishes, creating a buzz of anticipation that adds to the group experience. Additionally, the casual seating—with areas large enough for parties—offers a comfortable space for friends and families to linger, chat, and enjoy the night without feeling rushed.
How does the ambiance of Dim Sum Sam support group meetups and events?
The ambiance at Dim Sum Sam is ideally suited for groups looking for a casual yet vibrant dining environment. The space is bright and spacious with clean, modern decor that facilitates easy conversation and movement for larger parties. Unlike cramped or overly formal dining rooms, Dim Sum Sam offers an open restaurant layout with multiple seating areas, including upstairs dining, which can accommodate bigger groups without noise becoming overwhelming. The lively yet relaxed setting encourages lingering and enjoying the meal at a leisurely pace, ideal for social gatherings. They also have a unique order-calling system displayed on a TV, which adds a fun, informal dimension to the dining experience, enhancing group interaction and anticipation. The friendly service team is attentive to groups, helping with orders and making suggestions to ensure that meals are enjoyable and smooth. This level of hospitality coupled with an inviting atmosphere means groups can focus fully on each other rather than logistical distractions.
Why is Dim Sum Sam's menu ideal for sharing and group dining?
Dim Sum Sam’s menu is thoughtfully designed for sharing, which is a cornerstone of Cantonese dining culture and extremely suitable for socializing in groups. The items come in manageable portions designed for communal tasting—dishes like shrimp dumplings, pork buns, and spring rolls are served in small quantities but can easily be ordered in multiples to share. This variety allows everyone at the table to try many different flavors and textures without committing to large individual portions. Notably, their Hong Kong-style barbecue items like roast duck and crispy pork belly bring bold, richly flavored meats that can be shared as main dishes, complementing the delicate dim sum offerings perfectly. The inclusion of classic dim sum desserts, such as Portuguese egg tarts and baked salt egg taro buns, rounds out the menu by offering satisfying sweet options to finish the meal. The reasonable pricing further makes ordering multiple dishes both accessible and enjoyable for groups. This communal eating style fosters interaction and bonding, making the dining experience more memorable.
What about the food quality and customer reviews at Dim Sum Sam?
Dim Sum Sam’s food quality is generally regarded as authentic and satisfying, particularly popular for those seeking genuine Cantonese flavors in a casual setting. Many reviews praise the roast duck, highlighting its juiciness and seasoning, while dim sum staples like shrimp dumplings and BBQ pork buns receive commendations for their freshness and texture. The chefs take pride in handcrafting each dish with precision, which is apparent in the presentation and flavor balance. However, reviews do present a mixed picture overall, with some customers noting inconsistency in certain dishes or service experiences. In particular, the duck noodle soup and some fried items have received criticism regarding taste and quality, though these seem less frequent. Despite a modest overall rating around 3.8, the positive aspects, especially for dim sum lovers and fans of Cantonese BBQ, outweigh the negatives, making it a worthwhile spot for group dining. The vibrant atmosphere and well-priced menu often contribute positively to the experience, enhancing customer satisfaction when visiting with others.
What practical details should groups know before visiting Dim Sum Sam?
Planning a group meetup at Dim Sum Sam is facilitated by several practical factors that make the visit smooth and enjoyable. The restaurant is open late, often until 1:30 AM on weekends, accommodating late-night gatherings or after-work meetups. This flexibility is beneficial for groups coordinating schedules or celebrating late. The restaurant’s location in Manhattan—with branches near Madison Square Park and Times Square—is very accessible by public transport, making it easy for all attendees to arrive conveniently. Additionally, the ordering system, where you place your order at the counter and wait for your number to be called, helps manage group orders efficiently, reducing wait times and confusion. Although the atmosphere is casual, it is advisable for larger groups to arrive early or call ahead to ensure adequate seating, especially on weekends or busy evenings. Lastly, Dim Sum Sam offers a variety of discount packages and combo meals that groups can consider for budget-friendly options without compromising on variety and quantity.
This combination of authentic food, lively ambiance, flexible hours, and culturally rich dining style makes Dim Sum Sam an excellent choice for hosting meetups with friends or family. It provides both the social environment and culinary adventure that transform a simple meal into a memorable gathering.