You know, by far this might wind up being the weirdest place I have ever reviewed. Â Part of me doesn't really know which way to go with it. Â I'll explain.
I'll just get the downside out of the way right now. Â Don't come here expecting great service. Â They just don't seem to care if you're there or not. Â Now, they're not openly mean or anything, and maybe it was because they were busy. Â I don't know. Â But they just don't seem to be on the ball. Â From walking into the room and not being shown a seat (which is no big deal but it's awkward if you are a first timer), to waiting a good while to get a menu, to waiting even longer to get our order taken, to getting our soup before we even had silverware, to not getting any complimentary crispy noodles with duck sauce while other tables did, to actually getting an eye roll from the waitress when I asked for a water refill (after waiting quite a while just to get their attention), something just overall isn't right. Â
Also, as many have mentioned, the layout is just odd. Â You walk into a very average decorated Chinese restaurant, and if you choose, you can go up the steps and eat in a far nicer Japanese themed room. Â It's almost like they've created a have and have not atmosphere. Â If you wind up sitting on the boring side, you might feel cheated. Â
On top of all this, another weird quirk, my wife and I got two completely different menus. Â I got the all Japanese menu with no Chinese options whatsoever, while my wife got the Chinese menu. Â We had to switch just to see the other choices. Â
Just a lot of awkward things going on here. Â
Now, time to get past all of this. Â Because I think I know what's going on here. Â They don't have to have great service apparently. Â Because they know. Â Oh yes, they know. Â
They know that once you have the food, you'll come back no matter what. Â
The Coconut Shrimp appetizer is nothing short of fantastic! Â I wanted to order 4 more... and I mean 4 more full plates of it, not just 4 more shrimp after we finished. Â
The wife decided to try the General Tso's Chicken after seeing great Yelp reviews on it, and even though she doesn't always like General Tso's, she loved it here. Â My taste of it confirmed that it is quite tasty.
I went for three special sushi rolls. Â The Amazing Tuna Maki had three types of tuna in it, topped with a pepper tuna. Â The Pink Lady came out wrapped in crab leg meat. Â And they had a special Lobster Salad roll that had Shrimp Tempura inside, and lobster salad on top. Â Each one of these rolls had a special flavor, and was something creative I never had anywhere else. Â As some have said, they're not always rolled as tight as they should, which provides a challenge. Â But the rice seems softer and better steamed than most places. Â It's a trade off. Â
The food was good enough that I decided to keep them at 4 stars on that basis alone. Â Just don't come here expecting anything more than good food.
I love the sushi at Sampan. It's always good. Take out is ready on time, and the service is pleasant and prompt. My one complaint is that every time I have had a beer in the restaurant the beer has been skunked. If anyone at Sampan reads this, please note that you can't let cold beer get warm and then refrigerate it again. This ruins the beer. It won't make anyone sick, but it gives the beer an awful taste.
Review Source:Pleasant, quiet, woody Japanese surroundings. Â Excellent quality sashimi and sushi in generous quantities, nicely presented. Â Decent service (friendly but slightly inconsistent). Â Good value for the money, and an enjoyable dining experience.
The larger up-2-stairs Japanese side of the restaurant is definitely nicer than the Chinese side. Â
The 2 TV screens on the Japanese side are a distraction if you want to spend time with your dining companions. Â I guess it's for solo patrons, because although there's a bar, the place is not ESPN Zone.
Street parking a pain, but we lucked out in the public lot across the street.
When my family first moved to the area, my father's love of Chinese food drove us to seek out Sampan. So, from the time I was four-years-old I've been frequenting this place. And its not like I go back for the ambiance because coral pink vinyl seats and stereotypical Chinese restaurant elevator music doesn't really do it for me. The folks at Sampan Inn know what they're doing when it comes to good Chinese and Japanese food. Plain. Simple. End of story.
When there would be a scheduled half-day while my friends and I attended middle school, we would mosey on down to Sampan for their gratuitously delicious (and brilliantly affordable) lunch specials. Soup, egg roll or spring roll, and a decent list of entrees to choose from all under $9.00. Heck yeah! We'd also order the Japanese marble sodas (called Ramune). I still order one from time to time just for nostalgia's sake.
The Japanese lunch menu is pretty much the same thing. Miso soup, salad, and your lunch special for about $10-$12.
I had my first big sushi experience at Sampan, too. And I've been spoiled because of it. Their sushi-grade fish is so impeccably fresh; their maki so wonderfully flavorful (cut a little on the thick side sometimes, but I can hardly complain about that.) For you die-hard sashimi enthusiasts, I recommend the Chirashi sushi. These aren't thin slices of fish and seafood you get; you get nice, thick, cold pieces that are absolutely to die for, served on top of seasoned sushi rice in a lacquered bowl. I'm pretty sure you're paying $17 for $25 worth of food. Plus, if you'd like, you can turn it into a dinner combo and add miso soup and a house salad for an additional $4. I have yet to find a better deal with the same quality anywhere else.
I've never had a problem with the staff, ever. I can only remember one occasion when my waitress seemed to not want to be there, but regardless of that, she was an impeccable server.
On occasion, I've found you do have to ask for the crispy noodles and duck sauce, but hey, your servers are only human.
And it's only when I've ordered take-out from them that I've ever received the wrong order. Never has it happened to me while in the restaurant.
Now if only we could get them to do delivery :)
Great for take-out and dine-in. Â They've got Chinese and Japanese menu options and decently fast service. For the vegetarians out there, I'm usually skeptical of anything called mock-chicken, but the mock-General Tso's chicken is actually really good. Â You can never go wrong with the Beef Lo Mein or Vegetable Fried Rice. Â They can accommodate large groups and they are pretty reasonably priced.
Review Source:I'm never disappointed by the food, it's always fresh and service is usually fast. The chicken and snow pea lunch special is a great deal and the steamed vegetable dumplings are delicious. Prices are decent; another plus is that this is actually one of the few places my parents enjoy going to so when I want to take them out, it's an easy choice -- they usually order the Peking Duck and apparently it is to die for.
On another note, the decor isn't the nicest but I'm not expecting to enter a Starr restaurant!
The five stars are an average of four stars for service and six for food! Â It took a bit too long to have our order taken after tea was set down. Â Once that was remedied we had two servers and were well taken care of. Â They bring tea without asking, as well as crispy noodles, pickled cabbage, and sweet dipping sauce. Â I started with a Mai Tai, umbrella and all, just what I was craving (umbrella and all). Â Apps were hot and sour soup (good) and Spicy tempura calamari - served with fried fresh jalapeno slices and scallions - awesome. Â Crispy and not overdone, accompanied with a sweet-spicy vinegar dipping sauce. Â Dinner was String beans in garlic sauce - BEST garlic sauce I have ever had! Â Smooth, spicy and rich. Â The highlight of the night was my companion's chicken lo mein. Â He asked for extra spicy and it was more like a drunken noodle in flavor than a lomein. Â He usually adds hot mustard and did not - I tried the noodles and they were fantastic - Asian comfort food at it's best. Â These folks know how to put out an authentic sauce!
Review Source:Solid hot and sour soup, chinese dishes were great...having recently returned from Shanghai and Guilin, , I can say that they do a good job of trying to keep it authentic...fresh, tasty, not iverly salty or goopy.
Sushi was perfectly fine as well. All in all a great neighborhood place. Â Plus, a full and well stocked bar (Ultimat Vodka, of all things) makes it a win.
Some of the waitstaff could use some happy pills, but don't let it spoil your night
Wow. Spectacularly awful service. Â Since moving to Havertown, we've only been to Lucky Dragon. We tried Sampan because of its liquor license. Â The waitress was obviously annoyed by our small dinner order -- not a big dinner, but our 2 young kids don't eat much.
Immediately, she doled out her punishment by withholding the requisite duck sauce & noodles, and nearly rolled her eyes when I had to ask. Each child had a wonton soup -- with only ONE wonton -- maybe she thought they were splitting one order between 2 bowls? Â With our entree (for 2 adults to share, granted) we were given the smallest bowl of rice. Ever. Â
We did put in a 2nd order of the chicken dumplings - they were good and we were hungry! Â
Still don't understand why that place was packed, while Lucky Dragon usually isn't.
Mediocre americanized chinese food. People that say that the sushi is amazing obviously haven't been to fat salmon, or morimoto in the city. I used to live in Havertown and 10 years ago this place was awesome. Although 10 years ago I had the palette of a 5 yr. old.
For the burbs I would def. say this place is one of the best, but I'd much rather make the drive to wynnewood to eat at Sangkee which is a little better, or yangming in bryn mawr which is outstanding.
For the most part though, I'm not a fan of Asian restaurants that combined different countries cuisines into one.
When I crave chinese food I'm looking for your typical americanized greasy chinese. Â Sampan seems like it borders on "higher quality" food than what I usually go for (which I'm sure most people would appreciate). Â The general tsos, fried rice and low mein are all great. Â My main gripes are that the egg rolls which are a personal genre favorite of mine are just OK and they don't have the boneless spareribs drenched in sweet red sauce that I also like.
Review Source:Faithful Dining Companion and I went for a weekday dinner. There are two sections to this restaurant - ugly, tacky, cramped vinyl booth land and elegant, stylish, Asian table land. We got stuck in the former, in a "nook" by the door. Â
Service was, uh, minimal and Utilitarian. I would recommend they hire people who actually appear to want their jobs.
Those were the bad parts. The good part was the food. Â Chinese style steamed meat dumplings = Yum! Â Mongolian Beef = well done, good proportion of meat to veggies, onions nicely caramelized, nice balance of heat and savory flavors. Moo GAO pan was just OK. Veg sushi was disappointing in that it lacked that vinegar flavor in the rice. Nicely presented, though. Portions were generous and served family style.
It's a good bet especially if you want both styles of food. You can order both no matter where you sit so ask to be seated in beautiful Asian land.
Sushi is very fresh, and I found probably the best spider maki I've ever had here. Â But I can't say anything else really wowed me. Â The rolls are a little inconsistent (some are rolled very tight and cut small and are very manageable, some are loose, oversized, and impossible to get in your mouth in one pretty bite. Â the sushi, to me, also seems too large, which tends to send the rice to fish ratio off. Â
Service is lackluster and rather bored. Â on a recent visit, our EAASL server seemed troubled by our order (a couple maki and a sashimi combo plate) but was unable to express to us what troubled him. Â It was a perfect amount of food, so I'm kind of lost as to our faux-pas. Â And be prepared to flag down anyone and everyone for water -- we tend to have to ask twice before a pitcher is brought, even when the dining room as less than half full. Â But if you're jonesing sushi, I admit it's a handy place to have in H-town.
I got take out from Sampan Inn this evening. Â We got sushi, fried rice, kung pao chicken, and garlic string beans. Â All of it was good. Â I especially liked the fried rice. Â It was very flavorful. Â I've had some bland fried rice lately. Â I didn't try the sushi, but my son reports that it was good. Â He hopes to try more of their options. Â The string beans were also good and for a first, we had fortune cookies that weren't stale. Â
I'll be going back--to sample the sushi and try a few more things.
I grew up in the Havertown area but moved to the city yrs ago so every time I get a chance to either get takeout or sit in I do. I dont do sushi but everyone I've ever taken there who's eaten it has loved it. I can only speak to their chinese food which is very clean and its not your typical chinese joint - I always get their sesame chicken which is not really fried in a fryer like is typically done and its made with REAL FRESH chicken and they give plenty of it. trust me - you'll want to try it. I wish there was a place like this in the city so if anyone knows of one please let me know!
Review Source:Here is a restaurant that is a Havertown institution. Â If you are reading this I'm betting you have been to a bunch of Chinese places and quite a few Japanese places. Â Here are the +'s and -"s of the Sampan. Â Read this list and make your decision.
* There are Chinese and Japanese sides to this restaurant. Â The Japanese side is nicer. Â If your party would like both they can handle it but it's a little weird.
* They have a full liquor license! Â Yeah!
* Parking can be a bit of a pain.
* Chinese food seems to be a bit lighter in style than other places.
* Japanese portion size seems to be larger than most.
* Owners are Yelp supporters!
* Lucky Dragon and The Pearl are both close and serious competitors.
Decisions, decisions. Â You'll do fine here but other places are breathing down their necks.
This is the first update that I've written, but I felt like I needed to downgrade my original 5 star review. I ordered take-out on my way to an evening event at my school - two Philadelphia rolls, quick and simple. When I got there, the place was pretty busy for a Tuesday night and there was only one lady handling the to-go orders, answering the phone and seating people. This wouldn't have been an issue if there weren't other servers standing around watching. First strike.
I had to wait while the two customers ahead of me were helped, which was fine. My order was ready and I paid and got out of there. I arrived at school and eagerly took out my sushi to get started since I hadn't eaten much all day.....NO CHOPSTICKS! Such a pet peeve of mine. So, I had to eat with my hands. Strike two.
Because the rolls that I ordered are usually pretty tight and not likely to fall apart, I would've been alright (if not a little peeved) with eating with my fingers.....except that the rolls were very messy! I had one roll that was collapsing on itself and another with a piece of salmon so large that it could've been used for 3 pieces - it was hanging out of the piece it was situated in and looked pretty messy. I was not pleased. Strike three.
So, the food is still quite tasty, but Sampann Inn needs to work on employee work ethic, chopstick delivery, and the visual aesthetics of their presentation!
The sashimi here(that's raw fish sans rice-for all of you sushi novices) is positively top-notch!!! Â The fish is as fresh as can be and they give you lots of it for the price, AMAZING!!!! Â Only $16 for the sashimi deluxe platter. Â Mmm, was that yummy and gorgeous to boot!
My only issue is the service and atmosphere on the Chinese side, otherwise I probably would've given them 5 stars. Â We made the mistake of taking an available booth on the Chinese side even though we were ordering Japanese. Â The waitress was just not very pleasant. Â Very often she seemed to just disappear for minutes at a time and it was always when we needed something. Â From now on we'll sit on the Japanese side, because, as Julie M. says, "the decor is more modern and bright". Â I couldn't have said it better myself quoting Julie M. again, "I feel happier when I sit there". Â And, NO Julie, it's not at all corny, it's true. Â The Chinese side is actually kind of depressing, especially when you look over yonder to the "other side".
So please, Oh Handsome owner of Sampan, (have you seen him? Â -- he's a hottie, LOL), take heed of my advice (see aside). Â Keep that wonderful fresh sushi/sashimi coming and please oh please keep that incredible price. Â We will always come back to you. Â Haven't seen a better price for fresh sushi anywhere else in the city or suburbs.
I've been going here since high school when Sampan was just a Chinese restaurant (15 or so years ago). Â I've always loved their food but the addition of the Japanese menu is awesome. Â There is one particular server who is not pleasant at all but the rest of the staff are all courteous and happy. Â It's usually not too crowded to dine-in. Â Takeout can get very busy and you may wait for your order for awhile. Â
Definitely try the steamed vegetable dumplings...awesome! Â And the spicy tuna rolls are simply amazing.
My darling friend and fellow yelper treated me when I was having a really bad day. It was a Friday and busy with those takeout types, so we didn't have to wait for a table. I like the coral colored booths.
The servers are kind of stoic, but pleasant and dutiful... no complaints there. We ordered the dinner special -- soup, appetizer, entree and dessert. I enjoyed the wonton soup (not too salty), and the vegetable egg roll (a little heavy on cabbage but that's ok). I ordered the chicken lo mein and it was a mountain of food. The chicken pieces were tiny and got lost amidst the noodles. It was a little on the salty side (I know, here I go again on my salt tirade) and I would've preferred more vegetables. For dessert was pistachio ice cream but the pistachios were lacking some crunch.
My friend ordered the lemon chicken and was a little disappointed. The chicken was oddly breaded and was floating in a soup of lemon sauce, which looked/tasted artificial, like melted down lemonheads. She wasn't a fan.
I know I sound a bit harsh and I am definitely no Chinese food expert. My friend loves Sampan Inn, and judging from the stream of customers and great Yelp reviews, I have a feeling we just ordered some less than stellar dishes.
The prices are really reasonable, especially considering the quantity, and the menu is so vast that I am really doing myself a disservice if I don't return. Which I will!
If I could give this 4.5 stars, I would. Â My boyfriend and I ordered out from here, after seeing the reviews. Â It was great! Â We then decided, a few weeks later to go in and sit down. It was even better. Â The food was delicious, and the staff is very nice. Although I did feel a little rushed when making an order. Â There are so many options, and it appeared that my boyfriend and I had received menus with different pages, so I had to look through two menus (these are the 2 reasons why I only gave 4 instead of 5 stars.)
The food is delicious! Â It is a little pricey, but they usually give you pretty decent portions, I usually get two meals at least out of them - and I can eat a lot! Â I am used to paying a little less and receiving an egg roll and soup (I love combination dinners) but Sampan Inn does not have them - however they make up for it with the tastiness of their food! Yummy!
This is my favorite Chinese restaurant by far.  I was afraid that since I grew up going here, that my love for it was more out of nostalgia rather than quality food.  Just to make sure, I went here the other day with a friend for lunch.  My worries were put to rest as it was confirmed that my love stems from tasty food.  She loved it too and I trust her  opinion of chinese food.
Sure they have the standards of every American Chinese restaurant, but they make it seem less greasy and more fresh. Â They have super cheap lunch specials and they have a liquor license if you want to do some drinking with your meal. Â Parking is kind of a pain, hut there is a parking lot down the street. Â In a few weeks, I am moving back to the suburbs and I am excited I will be closer to Sampan.
They have tasty vegetarian options too for you meat haters.
I've been to this havertown standby many times over the years. Â It really is a decent place and although they have expanded I think they are doing quite well in terms of food and service. Â Everything here is decent and great. Â The food is good, the service is good but there is just something that makes this "eh"....not great, not bad just good.
Review Source:My all time favorite for Chinese & Japanese food, probably because I grew up with it. Â I compare all others to you! Â Because the prices are average, I am able to eat here frequently. Â The lunch specials have large quantities of food for great prices.
Super fresh meat and veggies. nice food presentation. The menu is pretty standard, the food and service are above average and consistent. Â Some entrees have a slight spin on the expected versions - but always delicious. Â It's a great place for groups who aren't quite sure what they are i the mood for.
Sampan, I think I love you.
This place is a great little find in the heart of Havertown. You want just Chinese food-they have it. Â In the mood for Japanese instead? They aim to please.
Both the sushi and Chinese sides of the restaurant are fantastic. The Chinese side is typical older style Chinese joint. The Japanese side is modern and very clean and nice. The food is excellent and the prices are very fair. Everything is always fresh. The service is good and fast and the service is friendly.
And most of all, it is never crowded.
This is my "go-to" sushi place. Â The sushi is a tad on the pricey side, but for the money you get relatively large and thick pieces, and the quality is always top notch. Â I have tried other dishes here and have never been disappointed with them, but it really is the outstanding sushi that keeps me coming back.
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