Sampan Restaurant in Saint John

638 Manawagonish Rd, Saint John, NB E2M 4P5, Canada

★★★★☆
(219 reviews)
Categories: Chinese restaurant Caterer Restaurant

About

Take Out Only

Website
sampanchineserestaurant.com
Address
638 Manawagonish Rd, Saint John, NB E2M 4P5, Canada
Plus Code
7V4X+QC Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Time Zone
America/Halifax

Business Hours

Sunday
2–9 PM
Monday
2–9 PM
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
2–9 PM
Thursday
2–9 PM
Friday
2–9 PM
Saturday
2–9 PM

Services

Service options
Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Great tea selection
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol All you can eat Beer Coffee Healthy options Small plates Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating
Amenities
Toilets
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Photos

Reviews

4.3
★★★★☆
219 reviews

Most Mentioned

price (14) egg rolls (9) servings (5) delivery (5) broccoli (5) buffet (5) general tso chicken (4) chicken balls (3) september (3) cantonese (3)
5 stars
134
4 stars
57
3 stars
10
2 stars
3
1 stars
15
November 20, 2024

Horrible customer service. Got this as lemon chicken. Not at all what was expected asked to have a refund as whole order was untouched and was barked at by the owner / manager with her nasty attitude and lack of service. Long term customer turned to CHINA COAST. Where service still exists.

★★★★★
November 1, 2024

One of the best meals I’ve ever had. Food was hot and fast

★★★★★
October 18, 2024

Great food. Prices have gone up quite a bit (but so has everything ). I'll definitely be back whenever I can.

July 21, 2024

Time I got home 30 minutes away took everything out of the bags realized I didn't have everything can you order sweet and sour chicken no sweet and sour sauce

★★★★
June 16, 2024

Ordered sezchuan chicken, beef and black pepper sauce, spicy lo mein (beef one time and chicken the next), and Cantonese noodles. Ordered Cantonese noodles twice and first time was perfect and second time it had no chicken but the shrimp, scallop, and pork were good. Called to tell them I got no chicken but they just said next they'll put more chicken in my dish... Food is good for the price (they charge $1 extra for spicy though) but poor customer service which is disappointing because I've ordered two times from there each $70 orders.

★★★★★
June 1, 2024

Best general tao and singapur noodles we had in a very long long time. All fresh and taste, An absolute jewell if you are looking for good chinese food. Prices, quality and service was second to none. We'll be back soon. Parking is available right infront of the restaurant. Small and clean place, you may consider to call in advanced to reserve a table.

★★★★★
May 6, 2024

Excellent food. Had a "all you can eat" menu. They brought a plate of everything on the list to try. It was all so good. Recommended to all so spread the word.

★★★★
January 20, 2017

Staff was great. She was very helpful and full of cheer. Food was tasty and very filling.cant wait till next visit.

★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

a-bit salty but everything else are good

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

Absolutely amazing, best Chinese food in the area.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

One of the best in New Brunswick, wow!

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

Perfect Chinese food

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Ohhhh baby

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Best Chinese food in town

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

Best tasting hot food in town

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Always so quick, fresh, and delicious! Irene remembers everyone and always makes you feel so welcome!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Good food and fast service

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

Our favorite Chinese restaurant!

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

It is a good place no so expensive and the food is alwas delicious and make you full

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

I was there on Sunday March 10th and had amazing service and food. Highly recommend.

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 23, 2024

Great service great price great food

★★★★★
January 23, 2024

Amazing food and kind people, we get takeout here almost every week.

★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

This place is what we call a local fave. Out of towners will probably be unimpressed and underwhelmed. But we got history with this restaurant in this city. If you can get past the somewhat uneven service and the dated cafeteria style décor you will like the food.

★★★★★
January 23, 2024

Enjoyed our meal. Singapore noodles . Broccoli and garlic and vegetable fried rice flavours all on point! Vegetarian options: There is enough to choose a from for a vegetarian meal

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

The eggplant put on plain white rice, is unbelievably good, sweet and sour pork is up there too

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Got there 25 min to close. Food was hot n fresh. And delicious, and pretty reasonable price.. had combo 3 to go. Ill be back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Great food

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Old school Can-Chinese food, but it is well worth a visit.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

So welcoming and the food is delicious. Very caring team. Thank you

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Delicious and Hot!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Worth the hour drive to get awesome Chinese food! Best in NB so far. Fast, delicious, hot and fresh ingredients. Prices are very good. And lots of choices. Our families new go to, bar none! A++++

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Best Chinese food in town. Staff is really friendly.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

We got the Dinner for 3 and really enjoyed it! Food was fresh and hot, lady at the front door helped put it in the vehicle, very great service and extremely friendly Parking: Strip mall parking lot Kid-friendliness: I brought my daughter and they were very nice to her and saw I needed help while I had her Wheelchair accessibility: No stairs.

December 23, 2023

Sat there for half an hour. They never came to take our order. We got up and left.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Been to this place probably five times now. Don t go for the atmosphere go for the delicious food outstanding best Chinese food I have in this province.

★★★★
December 23, 2023

The food was great. Great portion size for take out order

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Great food and lots of it

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

First time there and food was just great,will return for sure I dud returned today and was great someone was asking if they have buffet,I did ask the girl there she said no but they all you can eat Food

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

This restaurant has quick friendly service and they make tasty food! You know its good when the people are lined up to get it! My go-to menu item is their General Tso chicken. Combos are very good too! (chicken chow mein, eggroll). We will be back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

The best, the best, the best... WOW... delishious food. You will not be disappointed.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Great food, best in the city in my opinion.

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

If youre looking for the best Chinese food in all of Saint John hands down please call this restaurant youll be amazed with this service the pricing and the quantity and quality of the food. Dine in or take out with very fare delivery cost.

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

Food is always fresh and fast when ordering takeout. I especially love curry chicken. Egg rolls are quite yummy too and always taste like they are fried in fresh oil. That s a good sign for knowing the kitchen cares about quality.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

The best!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

good food and excellent buffet

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

The chicken fried rice is the best in the city. And the beef and broccoli. And the wonton soup. The combos are huge. Just go! <3

★★★★
December 23, 2022

Best canadian Chinese in saint john

December 23, 2022

The server insisted she wanted a tip and was rude while requesting for a tip. Food as good though

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

The food is always

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

My wife and I got the egg rolls, shrimp rolls, chicken low mein, and shanghai noodles. Noodles were lovely and chewy. Protein in the shanghai was fresh. Portions were massive. Service was prompt. Ill be back. Parking: Lots available.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

I got the Dinner for Two. Not a bad price. Comes with lots of Chicken Fries Rice and Chicken Chow Mein.

December 23, 2022

update your prices - combo 1 shows cost of 11.50 plus tax. i ordered combo 1 and total was over $16 tax in. egg roll and chicken balls were refried and very burnt

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

First time coming here and wow it was delicious!!! Everything was so hot and fresh and not dried out like most other Chinese places in the city. The service was great as well! My new favourite Chinese spot

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Never had Chinese delivery that I had to let cool down on arrival super good an quick

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

Food was awesome

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Couldnt have asked for fresher and well prepared Chinese food. Vegetarian options: Chef accommodation on Veg Kid-friendliness: Family oriented restaurant.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

First time in last night. Quality and quantity for a good price. Restaurant looked clean. Staff was friendly and service was quick. This is now my go to for chinese.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

Location was handy for noon time lunch.Should of went at supportive as I didnt realize how big their servings were Staff was friendly and helpful with menu.Will go again several times

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

5star

★★★★★
December 23, 2021

A long-time favourite and our first choice when ordering in with friends. Good serving sizes and prices. The spicy dishes are pleasantly hot.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

Fantastic! On 2021-07-17, when I heard that dine in all-you-can-eat was available, I jumped at the chance. Every dish was delicious, crispy hot egg rolls, chicken chop suey, sweet and sour chicken balls, chicken wings, moo goo gai pan, chicken fried rice, beef broccoli, honey garlic spare ribs, and my favourite, sweet and sour pork. We did not try the wonton soup but something tells me that would have been top notch too.

December 23, 2021

Couldnt pay with debit for delivery ordered elsewhere get with the times hung up on me for saying it

★★★★★
December 23, 2021

Best Chinese food!!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

Best Chinese in the city! The staff are all wonderful!

★★★★★
December 23, 2021

Friendly, fast and awesome food!!

★★★★★
December 23, 2021

Always a go-to Chinese restaurant. This is definitely in our top 3 in the city.

★★★★★
December 23, 2020

Best chinese food in town!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Always good food

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Always friendly and delicious. (Call ahead to see if they have dine-in, if thats what you want.) We really enjoyed our lemon chicken and Shanghai noodles.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Always Friendly staff,I really enjoy eating here!! They have great choices of combos !!! Food is always fresh and delicious!!

★★★★★
December 23, 2020

Friendly staff, delicious food!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Amazing food here! Great value large servings and variety!!!!

Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Dine in is not back as stated on their website. It is take out only. Im not sure about delivery. My meal was disappointing to say the least. I ordered Sampan chicken which at one time was quite tasty. The vegetables were swimming in something I wouldnt call a sauce, it was primarily cornstarch and sodium. The chicken was in a thick batter, no flavor. Needless to say a few bites were more than enough. The remainder went to the trash. I would not recommend this dish.

★★★★★
December 23, 2020

Always my first pick for Chinese food in SJ. Hot, fresh, large portions and fair price. Fast and friendly. Sometimes we get dinner for 5 for a big variety and we get about 10 meals from that.

★★★★★
December 23, 2019

Food is the best in the west side .

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Very good

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Very good !!!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Food was great, hot and plenty of it.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Fast clean courteous service

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Best Chinese food in Saint John!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Best in this city

★★
December 23, 2019

First time ordering from Sampan. Not impressive! First thing I saw when I entered the restaurant was a dog laying across the counter . I also found there wasnt any flavor to anything I had.

Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Food was aweful.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Great American Chinese food! Very nice staff.

December 23, 2019

Should let customers know in advance their closing for over a month....consecutively

Local Guide
December 23, 2019

My fork and glass were dirty, food was bland and tasteless. Will never go back again. Not worth the money.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Best Chinese restaurant in the city.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Absolutely love eating here!! The food is consistent and delicious. Even when I get a little hankering I can easily be satisfied with an order of fried rice. This is my fav place to get Chinese food!!! Portions are great, multiple meals out of a combo.

December 23, 2019

I didnt know junk food could go that far, grease, sugar and no taste. Not worth the money, I am deeply sorry I had to throw away most of it

★★★★★
December 23, 2019

First of all Sampan Restaurant ,did not have a dine in. From October 1st 2018 to September 2nd 2019 .2nd We were NOT closed for 1 month. We took a week vacation first week of July, and the last week of July. We are back to having a dining room. We are open everyday, except Tuesdays, From 11:30am to 9 pm. Phone number is 672-9050. I just want to say thank you for the comments.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Awe...some... Great food, good service

★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Food was little dry

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Food was excellent. Good service and fair prices

★★★★
December 23, 2019

Awesome fresh, clean place best tips.

★★★★★
December 23, 2018

My favorite restaurant, we go quite often, the food is fantastic and the service is always great!

★★★★★
December 23, 2018

Good food, really good service each time I have been there, plenty of free parking. Enjoy!

★★★★★
December 23, 2018

This place is amazing! Will not eat at any other Chinese food place... very happy and pleasant people

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Thank you...for existing. I almost gave up on finding decent chinese in New Brunswick. Out of the park meal! Great servings and and flavour!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Only had combo 5... Chicken balls, rice, beef and broccoli with egg roll. Ive eaten there twice and the food was consistently good. The portion of broccoli seems as though your getting a whole head of broccoli. I think this is awesome!

★★★★★
December 23, 2018

PERFECT!!!! Every single time we order here, it is well worth it !!!!!!!!

★★★★
December 23, 2018

Food awesome. but delivery getting frustrating since constantly arrives with sauce all over place. last 2 orders anyway. not sure how hard is to keep upright and not shake but foods good thankfully. would give 5* if could get food without sauce all over place. Just ordered and will change to 5* if arrices without the mess.

★★★★★
December 23, 2018

Best food in town!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Best Chinese food in the area

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

I miss the dim sum, but the more traditional dishes are always delicious.

★★★★★
December 23, 2018

This is my wife and I s new spot. We had the combos, egg roll, rice, and chicken balls and beef and broccoli or sweet n sour pork and moo goo GUI pan. For just under 12$. The taro tea is excellent as well

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Dinner for 4 was a great value! Hot and sour soup was just OK.

December 23, 2018

Concerned I may have food poisoning. I feel sick.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Good food fast service

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

food tastes ok, quantity is ok, owner can speak Mandarin. service is ok too.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

One of the best Chinese places in SJ. Go with a friend for the all you can eat to try some of everything brought out plate after plate. Generous combos, veggies not overcooked, sauces not pure sugar. Even very off hours the food is still fresh. Take the time to eat in, staff is great!

★★★★★
December 23, 2018

Best wonton soup in the city. Try it, you will be hooked.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Best Chinese food around, love their eggrolls!!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Really good food and the pricing is not bad either. Their take on a buffet is really nice too, instead of a buffet table there are about a dozen options they will make fresh in unlimited amounts (you can mix and match). I would definitely recommend it.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Excellent as usual. They are closing the restaurant portion and going to a take out only format towards the end of September though.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Love their food!! Always have a positive experience

Local Guide
December 23, 2018

So disappointed, after 50 years this place has gone to take out only. I travelled over an hour and so loved Sampan.

★★★
December 23, 2018

Quality of their food has decreased in the past year.

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Called today at 1:30pm to receive a voice message saying they are now take out only, open from 3pm to 9pm and closed on Tuesdays. Sadly looks like the best place for Chinese in Saint John is not long for this world.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Absolutely the best Chinese restaurant in the city hands down. On September 24th they only have take out only. Very friendly staff.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

put order in wait 15minutes done in out awesome combos good food and good price

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

They close at 9pm , I called at 8:57pm and they took my huge order and waited for me to pick it up. Food was so fresh, highly recommend!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2017

This is out go-to Chinese restaurant. Place is clean and prices are good.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2017

Lovely service and tasty!

★★★★★
December 23, 2017

My go to for the best Chinese food in New Brunswick

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2017

Awesome food and service. My new fave spot.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2017

Quickly prepared and fresh. Used to have another regular Chinese spot but this is our new one. And its cheaper.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2017

Great General Tao.

Local Guide
December 23, 2017

I read the reviews and thought it should be good, but my experience was terrible! I ordered two wanton soup and one seafood soup. The seafood is OK, quite salty though. It is acceptable. The wanton soup is a disaster: spoiled meatball inside the wanton, horrible stale smell, very stinky! We had to throw out everything. I was afraid I would get sick after this meal although I had only one bite. The server is probably the owner too. She did not even offer a cup of water, bad food and very poor service. May if you order a lot of nice food, they would have better service. To us, this is the worst dining in experience.

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2017

Food was great

★★★★★
December 23, 2017

Chinese Eggplant, Cantonese Chow Mein, Beef Tenderloin w/black pepper sauce. Great food and service.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2017

Excellent food every time we visit.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2017

Food was good and came really fast.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2017

Best Canadian Chinese place in town. Their egg rolls are made fresh!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2017

This is my familys go to choice for Chinese food.

★★★★
December 23, 2017

My Family and I love the Chinese food there its the best in Saint John.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2016

We frequently get food from here its always top notch. Very freindly staff and nice sit down area. Highly recommended if your looking for Asian food on the westside of SJ.

★★★★★
December 23, 2016

We have been going to this restaurant for awhile now I think we are addicted to the food well the chicken wings anyway lol the food is always fresh and hot the service is amazing very friendly love this place

★★★★
December 23, 2016

Food was excellent , service outstanding would highly recommend Sampan to anyone

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2016

Various & delicious menus,seafood,vegetables,meat,noodles ! Clean,friendly! Black bean is recommendable menu!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2016

Authentic Cantonese style Chinese food.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2016

My go to place for local chinese food and canadian chinese food.

★★★★★
December 23, 2016

Excellent Chinese food! This is our go to place in Saint John.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2015

My friend and I both got combo meals, and we both loved them. Its hard to screw up sweet and sour chicken, and the chicken lo mein and spare ribs were both excellent. Service was fast (which you expect at a Chinese restaurant) and courteous. Great place to go for lunch or dinner after a day exploring the Irving Nature Park.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2015

Good value for money! If you are looking for something under the 10$ in Saint John, thats the place to go!

★★★★★
December 22, 2013

Amazing Szechuan style fried rice, amazing spicy salt squid, delicious General Tsos Chicken, tasty combos. I like spicy and more authentic chinese food and find this is the best in Saint John.