Sampan
Asian Restaurant$$$$
Center City East, Philadelphia
The experts at Bon Appetit Magazine and Food Network recommend this place
"Best deal!! Edamame dumplings all the way!!! Below is crab tacos"(17 Tips)
"Dumplings, pork buns, fried rice, and Dan Dan noodles all fantastic."(9 Tips)
"Kim chee fried rice and spicy wings are my Fav."(5 Tips)
"Try the roasted broccoli and the soup dumplings!"(9 Tips)
184 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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Brandon CainAugust 31, 2015Modern Asian place with "urban" decor. Get the chefs tasting menu for first time visitors! Best deal!! Edamame dumplings all the way!!! Below is crab tacos
Upvoted 3 weeks ago
Aileen TseMarch 19, 2013this place has slowly become one of my favorite places, esp. since i've been here about 3-4 times over the last 6 mos or so. my favorites are: kimchi fried rice, edamame dumplings and kobe beef satay- One of the best happy hours ever. $2, $3 and $4 plates - highlights include the bao buns, edamame dumplings, crispy brussels sprouts and kim chee fried rice. If the weather's nice, sit out back.
Bitches Who BrunchSeptember 20, 2017We cozied up in this dimly lit spot and savored the most incredible pork bao buns with shallot and mint. Don’t miss the Brussels sprouts or General Tso’s dumplings either. Read more
Daniel CastonguayAugust 9, 2014Absolutely wonderful. The tasting menu is an excellent choice and allows you to enjoy a number of Sampan's amazing dishes. The wine list has a good selection at several different price points.
Erik BurbullaJanuary 10, 2015Definitely get the short rib. It was really really solid along with the Brussels sprouts, beef satay and calamari salad. It was also cool to sit at the kitchen bar and watch them cook it all.
Brigitte PerezFebruary 15, 2016AMAZING FOOD. Pork buns, Kim Chee fried rice, brussel sprouts , rock shrimp. Open kitchen where you can see the men prepare greatness.
Dionne WaughOctober 20, 2013This was one of the BEST meals I've ever eaten! Their happy hour menu was killer and though I tried several things, their Brussel sprouts were the best damn vegetable I've ever eaten! It's a MUST try!
The happy hour is amazing! Good food selection with dishes all under $4. You have to try the Jumani Fizz drink which is Champagne sake and sangria or have fun with a scorpion bowl! My favorite place!
ChrisMay 31, 2014Highly recommend the tasting menu. Portions are substantial and you have lots of choice as to what's actually included. It's impressive!
Jonathan WebberApril 28, 2017This place is just fantastic. Sit at the chef counter to watch them prepare the multitude of great dishes. Order slow, take your time. Kimchi beef, spicy cuc salad, soup dumplings all A+. Great food.
KellyJuly 22, 2015Helllllo edamame dumplings - outstanding rec from the bartender. Perfectly crisped Brussels sprouts, with a lil kick. Fine pork potsticker and shrimp dumpling, but a bit too much mint on the Bao Buns.- Go for happy hour so you can try a little of everything! Kim chee fried rice and spicy wings are my Fav. But whatever you decide you can't go wrong.
Mary CJuly 26, 2013Can't remember what it was called...something like Chef's Flight or Chef's Choice but it gives you options from all categories so you get a chance to sample the food. Everything was amazingly yummy!
Pilgrim 🛣April 25, 2017If you come for happy hour, expect lightning fast service and a great selection of inexpensive delicious food. The edamame dumplings were melt in your mouth excellent.
Ogul UnerNovember 9, 2013Great options, even for vegetarian! The shrimp and lobster dumplings, the pekin duck and the broccoli side dish recommended. The ice cream is awesome for dessert! The service is also good.
Rachel LAugust 6, 2017Happy hour every day - menu standouts were the edamame dumplings, hot chicken bao, and Kobe hot dog.
Food NetworkApril 3, 2013Don’t miss the Edamame Dumpling. Fragrant with truffle and served in sake broth, it’s the chef’s signature. Via CityEats.com Read more
Raj SarmaJuly 18, 2015Without doubt this is an innovative restaurant that does Asian cuisine really well. They recently changed the chef, the Korean fried chicken which once was my favourite, sadly isn't good now.
Pork Bao buns are a must, you'll want to keep ordering more! Same with the edamame dumplings! Make sure you get a scorpion bowl to share
AMAZEBALLS. My lovely friends and I were enjoying the best happy hour in Philly when the waiter surprised us with free desert got each of us. I love this place.
Katrina Arey (Croswell)October 17, 2015Tasting menu for two worth every penny. Still dreaming about the soup dumplings and Korean fried chicken. Great for a special occasion meal!
Best happy hour!! Try the kim chee fried rice, beef satay, kobe slider, kobe hot dog and pork bao buns!!
Valerie DeeJuly 16, 2013Loved the pork belly satay, lobster ceviche small plate, beef fried rice & scallop main plate! So many fun things to order and is served sharing style!
YLOctober 26, 2018Loved the food and the vibe. Everything is small plates so best to come with 4 people so you can try a lot of dishes.
Michelle BernardiniOctober 5, 2012The Kimchee fried rice was so good and so comforting!! We also had the glazed salmon which was overcooked unfortunately. The filet was very ordinary as well. Fun place, we would go back.- Rob McGowanJuly 17, 2018Happy hour deals include dumplings, bao buns, and a Kim Chee Fried Rice "side" that most people could consider dinner for $5
The whole place is amazing, and Chef Kamla makes every visit worthwhile. Sit on the kitchen bar to get up close & personal with your food. And make sure to get a Scorpion Bowl!
Nick MitchellOctober 24, 2014Try the chef's tasting. Great way to try out multiple dishes. Everything was delicious. Small plates that pack a big taste!
Spicy chicken bao buns, waygu on a stick, bbq kebabs, edamame dumplings, and a must get is the ice cream sushi.
Visit PhillyMarch 6, 2012Big size and big flavor describe the lunch menu's tasty pork banh mi. Take a stroll to the back of the restaurant for the vividly colored Graffiti Bar.
Fate By DesignJune 9, 2017You like be this place! The short ribs are phenomenal and the back alley bar attached is perfect twist:)
T Michelle .June 12, 2014Get there for Happy Hour 4-7pm and enjoy cheap eats and awesome drinks. The edamame wontons are amazing!
Mike HowellSeptember 29, 2019We had the restaurant week tasting menu and our favorite dishes were the soup dumplings and XO scallops.
LelderMay 12, 2013The dumplings are some of the best food I have ever had. Also, they are on the happy hour menu that runs everyday to seven.- Chet ManciniDecember 5, 2015Fantastic Pan-Asian. Dumplings, pork buns, fried rice, and Dan Dan noodles all fantastic.
Candace JohnsonJanuary 21, 2014I love it here great food short ribs rock shrimp salmon Brussels sprouts Cantonese rolls are great- HalalfoodcriticApril 4, 2014Crab wanton tacos, seared tuna, pad thai shrimp and spicy crispy shrimp are great. Brussel sprouts are ok.
VidulaJuly 11, 2016The food was amazing - try the crab wonton tacos and the edamame dumplings. But service was TERRIBLE
Happy hour is the way to go. Edamame dumplings are the best! Chicken bao bun is awesome too!
Great restaurant I've only gone for happy hour and never for dinner. I have to check it off my list of things to do 😉
Sean WilliamsMay 18, 2018I love the Kimchi fried rice it's absolutely awesome! I have never been disappointed!
Destiny HoltJuly 17, 2014Fabulous! Service was amazing and the food was delicious. Great place for a night out with friends.
Bob BruhinMay 13, 2014Delicious and nearly flawless...until the waitress vanishesfor fifteen minutes when you need your check.
Try the Crab Wonton Tacos, Roasted Broccoli, any of the Satays and ICE CREAM! Dont miss happy hour either, super cheap food and delicious drinks everyday from 5-7!!
Kevin RJune 26, 2012Loved the outdoor seating. Had the lobster ceviche, potstickers and pork bao were amazing. Highly recommend this place!
Philadelphia MagazineAugust 15, 2012From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. get discounted specialty cocktails, wines and beers plus a whole menu of Asian bites. Read more
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Sampan is an oasis of contemporary Asian small plates located in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia's hot Midtown Village neighborhood. A dramatic back-lit wall mural sets the scene for artful food, emerging from the restaurant's centrally located open kitchen while a carefully curated select...
Closed until 3:00 PM (Show more)
- Wed–Thu, Sun
- 3:00 PM–8:30 PM
- Fri–Sat
- 3:00 PM–9:30 PM
(215) 732-3501
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Dinner, Happy Hour
Drinks
Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails
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Roxanne Thompson - 8.6
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