A very unusual layout
1 / 3

Dim Sum Sam

4.7
·2k reviews·New York, United States

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 content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Freshest dim sum, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
A very unusual layout

Dim Sum Sam

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Freshest dim sum, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Authentic Cantonese dim sum and Chinese cuisine with a taste of Hong Kong and Macau, offering great value in NYC.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"This place has it all, with foods authentic to Hong Kong and Macau natives. Taste is on point and the price is very decent."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 1,895 reviews

Type

Chinese Restaurant

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Roast Duck

Authentic Roast Duck

All locations

Crispy skin, tender meat, and perfectly seasoned. A must-try for any Cantonese food lover.

TikTok
Homemade Hot Soy Milk

Homemade Hot Soy Milk

West 40th St location

A surprisingly delicious and comforting drink, perfect with pastries or savory dishes.

TikTok
Crystal Dumplings

Crystal Dumplings

All locations

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

Reddit
Beef Congee

Beef Congee

All locations

A comforting and hearty rice porridge, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Authentic Dim Sum

For the most authentic experience, aim for weekday mornings when locals flock to Dim Sum Sam. Weekends can get busy, especially if you're near Times Square. Arriving early ensures you get the freshest selections and a more relaxed atmosphere. TikTok

Navigating Chinatown and Midtown Locations

Dim Sum Sam has multiple locations, including Chinatown and near Times Square. The Chinatown spot (80 Bowery) offers a more traditional vibe, while the Midtown location (40th St) is convenient for tourists. Be aware that Midtown can be pricier and more crowded. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Freshest dim sum, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Lively atmosphere, authentic feel
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday lunch
Why
Quick bites, efficient service
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Catch me with the aunties and uncles because this new Chinese spot has it all! 📍Dim Sum Sam on 80 Bowery #nyc #nycfood #chinese #chinesefood #chinatown
@val.lam
97 likes • 4.2K views

🎯 Go with the Locals

The presence of 'aunties and uncles' is a good sign of authenticity! TikTok

💰 Great Value for NYC

Prices are decent for Manhattan, offering authentic Hong Kong/Macau flavors. Reddit

Dim Sum Sam in Hell’s Kitchen NY, is like a doorway to Shanghai for me. A small kitchen lined with hanging roasted duck, and pork belly, the chefs are busy cooking the best Chinese meals straight from their homeland. My roast duck was a great combination of crispy skin and tender flesh perfectly flavored with 5-spice, bathing in a clear flavorful broth filled with springy noodles and bok choy. I c...
@bobbyg.eats
69 likes • 3.5K views
Dim Sum Sam by Times Square is the truth!!! The place had me surprised with every bite. I really had low expectations since I’ve had very off Asian meals near Times Square before. But this spot right here… they know what they’re doing. What are you ordering here? — #dimsum #asianfood #cantonese #chinesefood #timessquare #nyc #nycfood #nyceats #dumplings #comedy
@joulesgems
50 likes • 1K views

💨 Fast and Efficient Service

Expect quick service, making it ideal for a speedy meal. Reddit

📸 Food Looks Great, Taste Varies

Some find the food lacks flavor; others rave about authenticity. Try it yourself! Reddit

Having lunch with my friend at the new Dim Sum Sam coffee, dimsum, and pastries shop. Located at 80 Bowery in Chinatown. 🥰#pov #fypシ #chinatown #nyc #food #foodtiktok #dimsumsam #kevinyan
@kevinyan1236
17 likes • 1.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Go with the Locals

The presence of 'aunties and uncles' is a good sign of authenticity! TikTok

💰 Great Value for NYC

Prices are decent for Manhattan, offering authentic Hong Kong/Macau flavors. Reddit

💨 Fast and Efficient Service

Expect quick service, making it ideal for a speedy meal. Reddit

📸 Food Looks Great, Taste Varies

Some find the food lacks flavor; others rave about authenticity. Try it yourself! Reddit

📍 Multiple Locations

Choose between Chinatown for tradition or Midtown for convenience. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

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

Authentic Cantonese flavors
Crispy roast duck
Good value for NYC

What People Dislike

Inconsistent flavor
Dry meats
Dishes not as pictured

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

Parking in both Chinatown and Midtown Manhattan can be challenging and expensive. Public transportation is highly recommended for reaching Dim Sum Sam. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok

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. TikTok

There is no admission fee. You pay for the food and drinks you order. Reddit

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. Reddit

Wait times can vary. Weekday mornings are usually low-wait, while weekend brunch times, especially near Times Square, can see moderate waits. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. TikTokReddit

Yes, they offer a variety of classic dim sum dishes. You can often see them displayed or order from a menu. TikTok

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. Reddit

Prices are considered decent for Manhattan standards, offering good value for authentic Chinese cuisine. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The roast duck with its crispy skin, colorful crystal dumplings, and beautifully presented congee are often highlighted for their visual appeal. TikTokReddit

Yes, the dishes are often described as looking great in photos, though some reviews note a discrepancy between appearance and taste. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

Yes, you can generally take photos of the interior, but be mindful of other diners and avoid intrusive photography. TikTok

Dim Sum Sam (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide