Many years ago I was a regular patron of their Japanese food. A recent visit will be my last. The restaurant was crowded. We had lots of time to look around and noticed that very few people were eating. After almost an hour I told the owner that we had been waiting for a very long time and asked how much longer it might be. He answered "Everybody has been here a long time." read more

Two stars because it was food. What was for years the only decent Chinese restaurant in Havertown is now a bust. Ordered the most rudimentary dishes, basically Chinese American junk food and all were flavorless and very disappointing. Totally done with them. read more

Rude waiter again. This was our third and last time giving this place a chance! Everything seemed to be an inconvience even asking for an extra napkin. Meals were not as expected for example two of us ordered shrimp teriyaki with vegetables. I do not call a plate of cooked onions...the cheapest vegetable...a few snow peas, a couple pieces mixed vegetables! Szechuan was so sweet it wasn't edible. read more

This place is just bad. Not even just ok. General Taos chicken (how do you get this wrong). Cooked properly and flavor ok - but it was dry. No sauce - not even at the bottom of the container. The Mongolian beef tasted like burnt paper. It was intoxicating. For an entree of Mongolian beef, an entree of General Taos chicken, and an order of steamed dumplings - the total came to $31. Half tempted to drive back there and demand my money back but it cold out and my wine is good. Never again. Who is keeping this place open? This place is bad. read more

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 :) read more

I wrote a pretty bad review a few years ago for Sampan, which had once been a great local Chinese restaurant. It has remained fair for the last few years, and we would try it off and on hoping for the best. I'm writing this update because we ordered carry-out Monday night and I have to say the food rated among the best Chinese dinners we've had in a long time. Excellent fresh ingredients, shrimp, chicken, plentiful, crisp vegetables in the House Wonton. The best House Fried rice ever, smoky, delicious, and plentiful (the last time we got this it was tasteless mush). Everything else we got was cooked to perfection. So, congrats Sampan. Did ownership change again, did you get a new chef, are you less frazzled on a Monday night? Whatever it is, please please keep it up. Thanks! read more

Call me crazy, but I think this is my new local favorite. The service is fine and the food is consistent. I have zero complaints. I come here to eat, not to be wowed by something special or unexpected. It's a nice little gem in a quiet town. read more

We had takeout. The food was awesome! Portions were good and the spiciness was excellent. We had a curry, pork ribs, and spring rolls. I'm a fan! read more

Don't waste your time or money here. Their idea of a vegetarian sushi sampler is rice and carrots rolled in different shapes. Salads which are sitting water with tiny drips of dressing. The only thing I enjoyed was the gin and tonic. A $54 dollar lesson learned!! read more

I am surprised by the reviews. We had hot and sour soup and Mongolian Lamb which was delicious.

This is my "go-to" sushi place. 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. 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. read more

By far THE BEST sushi around, prices are great, rolls are HUGE, and the service is just as good, what more can you ask for my new go to place for sushi/Chinese take out, highly recommend read more

Surprised this place is not closer to 5 stars. I've eaten or ordered from here about 20 times and every time it always hits the spot. General Tso's, Orange Chicken, Sweet & Sour Chicken and Chicken and Vegetables are some of my favorite dishes from them. read more

Will never eat here again! Found a cooked insect in the Singapore Noodles. YUCK! The manager was indifferent to my concern and disgust. Would post pictures if I could. Only eat there if you like bugs in your food. read more

Sampan Inn - Signapore Noodles with a bug in it. - Japanese Near Me - Havertown, Pennsylvania

This restaurant can plate a beautiful dish; that's for sure. However, the service is about one-side eye short of an angry gimmick (Come for the rudeness, stay for the coconut shrimp). There are other options in town that are just shy of the quality here, but I will usually choose them first. read more

Sampan Inn was a pleasant surprise. It was a nice atmosphere, not too cheesy and not too sleek. But the food was just good: the best I've had in Philly thus far. In particular the Chicken with Honey Walnut sauce was delicious. We'll definitely come back again. read more

It took over 3 years, but I finally found a legit Chinese restaurant in Havertown ... thank you, Sampan Inn!!

I've been to this havertown standby many times over the years. It really is a decent place and although they have expanded I think they are doing quite well in terms of food and service. Everything here is decent and great. The food is good, the service is good but there is just something that makes this "eh"....not great, not bad just good. read more

I just moved to Havertown and this is the first Chinese food I've tried in the area. I liked everything I got. While I was picking up I noticed that they were very busy for a Sunday evening which I took as a good sign. I would recommend them! read more

Great sushi and, although we did take-out, the atmosphere seemed great while we were waiting for our food to be ready to go. Neat little place with pretty good prices. read more

We just had a late dinner here with 3 of our children. The staff seems not as friendly as you expect in a typical restaurant, but they are extremely helpful and attentive. They are also very flexible. We choose a pre-fixed dinner for my wife and I which includes appetizers, entree, soup and desert and got a noodle dish for the children to share. They were completely okay with us sharing everything. We ordered the wrong soup and the waiter brought us a new one without even complaining. At the end, they also gave our children an additional ice cream and did not even charge us for it. Aside from the flexibility, the quality of the food that we got (Hunan, Pad Thai, LoMein) was very delicious. Their beer and wine is not over priced. Extremely good value and a great place. read more

So happy this place is near us. It's our go to sushi place. Nice rolls . Specially like the spider roll and Unagi. The chinese food is good as well but personally prefer their japanese cuisine better. read more

I especially enjoy the fresh rolls every time I go. Some of my favorites include the futomaki and the crab tempura rolls. On my last visit I tried the special - Kimchi fried rice with chicken. It was superb! And I am someone who is very picky about fried rice. The kimchi was very tender and flavorful, but did not overpower the dish with spiciness. Our server, Melissa, was attentive and efficient. Winston, the manager, stopped by our table to ask how everything was. He is a most cordial fellow. Altogether a very enjoyable experience. I have confidence in their cooking, and the menu is large. Enjoy! read more

YUM. Good sushi at good prices. Plus faux chicken General Tso's - who does that?! Best sushi and Americanized Chinese food in Havertown.

Great for take-out and dine-in. 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. You can never go wrong with the Beef Lo Mein or Vegetable Fried Rice. They can accommodate large groups and they are pretty reasonably priced. read more

Very good Chinese and Japanese menu, I've been a fan since they opened.

I love Sampan Inn! I've had both their sushi and their Chinese food, and everything has been superb. My personal favorite is the orange chicken. They give heaping portions of meat, rice, and vegetables for a reasonable price. I'll definitely be back. read more

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! read more

Pretty typical Chinese restaurant. Can't say that there's anything distinguishing about this restaurant but if you're the mood for Chinese, its a solid place to go. read more

My all time favorite for Chinese & Japanese food, probably because I grew up with it. I compare all others to you! Because the prices are average, I am able to eat here frequently. 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. Some entrees have a slight spin on the expected versions - but always delicious. It's a great place for groups who aren't quite sure what they are i the mood for. read more

I love this place! The food is always delicious, fresh, and inexpensive! Take-out orders are always ready within 10-20 minutes and the staff is nice. I've only ever gotten take-out so i'm no sure how their sit-in service is. read more

This is the best sushi in the area. Nice atmosphere, quick service, and the food always tastes fresh.

Tuna sashimi salad is good, generous portion of fish, greens, avacado.

We usually do take out from here and it's good, decided to eat in this time ( prob our 3rd or 4th time). Food was ok.. Wonton soup had weird chicken and shrimp things floating in it- unnecessary. Husband had G. Tso chicken and loved it, I had sesame chicken and it was just drowned in sauce and the chicken was mushy and tasted of lower quality than the last few times I've tried it. No kids menu but my little one enjoyed her sweet and sour chicken, which again was drowned in sauce. Overall, it was not impressive. So weird because their take out is usually really good. read more

Great dinner with my wife. The General Tso's Chicken was nice & crispy with the right amount of spice & temperature. My wife enjoyed the Chinese Eggplant with Chicken & Shrimp. She actually says she likes it even better the next day when it's had the chance to soak up the sauce & spices. Would have given them a 5 star but didn't like the Steamed Dumplings; too doughy for our taste. If you like the dumplings with that different wonton like texture don't get them here. The ambience was pleasant & the decor was inviting. I noticed that they're using new water glasses, of glass not plastic, and they're greater in capacity. So there are less refill interruptions. I would definitely recommend Sampan Inn whether you're eating in or taking out. read more

Good meal, good price, the owners we credited with healthier cooking. I've been eating here for years. Go to staple for a good meal.

Went to Sampan Inn on a Thursday night. Take out very busy, restaurant nearly empty. I've been here before and I've especially like the dumplings and big bowls of soup. The service however is terrible. No greeting, no smiles and thumped dishes down on the table while also splashed water all over when filling glasses. read more

I have traveled past a dozen Chinese resturants to come here for take out for 20 years. The owner ship or the chef must have changed. The once delicate noodles in the wonton and now heavy and thick. The broth used to be porky and ruch, now tastes like box chicken broth. The lobster sauce on the shrimp and lobster sauce was watery and thin. My wife's chicken in the chicken and cashews was rubbery. Thus is a shame. read more

I used to really love Sampan Inn, and will still use them for take-out, but twice now I've had terrible service when dining in. Both nights were weekday nights, and there were only 2-3 other full tables. The first time it took 15-20 minutes to get our food and 2 of our orders were wrong. The second time we were seated without menus, after 5 minutes we tried to catch out waiter's attention, he clearly saw us, but did not come over. In the meantime another couple was seated, given menus, and had their drink orders taken. We got up and left and went down the street to Lucky Dragon. It really is a shame because Sampan has very good food, but I will never dine in there again. read more

HORRIBLE SERVICE, worth not going back again NOt just a one time thing, I went in for the Japanese first, and a gentleman was nice, harried, but nice ... I assumed he didn't usu serve. The portions were nice and the food was good. Every time I've gone back since (at least 5 now), it's been a negative experience. The one waitress is just outrageously rude and miserable. The other people are nice, but the wait is way too long for take out. One time there was another man there that waited his entire lunch hour ... he said he won't be coming back either. I kept going back because I really love Japanese. Then I remembered Shogun in the Manoa shopping center. The food is just as good, the service is way more professional, much quicker and much less expensive!!! read more