Sam May BBQ 三味燒臘店 in Scarborough
8 Glen Watford Dr, Scarborough, ON M1S 2C1, Canada
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The cashier lady is depressing and doesn’t respond or say thanks. Food is average and their prices have gone up. I’d rather go to Great Fountain next door.
Food here is decent, I've been here several times. However, the lady owner's attitude needs some awakening. ONLY visit here for decent 6-7/10 food, not for a friendly smile.
First of all, I rarely give 1 star. If you like to be treated decently then dont come here. Just spend your money at Great Fountain or the other stores around the area. Lady at the cashier was extremely rude! I was trying to order and I have questions and she walked away mid conversation! I was so mad, i asked my boyfriend to order for me and he received same treatment and worse, they keep taking the other people’s order before him even tho he came first.
Always a sucker for BBQ meat on rice. I found the meat was a bit dry, not as juicy as what I would like. Seasoning on the meats was okay.
The food here is nothing short of incredible! We ordered the roasted duck, barbecued pork, and ginger powder chicken, and as a fan of Cantonese cuisine, I can confidently say they're some of the most authentic ones I've ever tasted. The meat was incredibly tender, perfectly marinated, and the flavors were spot-on. Each bite was a delight. However, as for the service... well, it’s virtually non-existent, especially if you don't speak Cantonese. Just be prepared for that if you're coming for the food. Oh and one last reminder: CASH ONLY
Unfortunately this place shouldn't even deserve a star. The included picture is that of an eaten order of BBQ pork. While I had asked for a Slimer version of meat (aka less fat/marblization), the meat itself is dry. Usually if done properly, it isn't dry. The way they get past it is to keep the meat soaked in the sweet sauce. Once it is out and cooled down the dryness sets in. I had asked for 1lbs of BBQ pork, it came out to be around 1.3lbs (as it is difficult to get pieces of meat to weight exactly 1lbs). It was weighed and resultant price calculated. What pissed me off is that the weight of the meat that was priced at did not all get into the take out container. As in the process of chopping, they chop off the burnt pieces and other "non-delectable" bits they deem unsightly. So my 1.3lbs purchased came out to be around 1.1lbs! I was looking at how they chopped and there were pieces aside from the burnt that had meat on them that were relegated to the non paying customer pile. Other places do not do this. Other places cut away the non edible/burnt/delectable before weighing. Also, it has been observed that for the eat in dishes, the pickings of side dishes they give are slim. For example, the fried square tofu, this is superly thinly sliced and only 2 slivers each are plated for customers in their orders. Meat is also on the light side. You're better off to not ordering from this place and saving your money to go somewhere else like up at Midland and mcnicoll where there are 3 BBQ meat shops in the same strip mall on the south east corner.
If you are about service do not go here. The staff is extremely rude. The lady at the front is very rude and if the food wasn't good, I would never come back. But the food is good. Roasted meat is really good and would recommend but do not expect good service at all. I would recommend the roasted pork as well.
I really like their roasted duck. It is not salty at all. i would drive all the way to get it. I also try the soy sauce chicken it is alright. I did not try anything else. I asked for the green onion sauce for the chicken they charge me 50 cents for the tiny little sauce. Most places wouldn't charge it. Overall the quality of the food is good. They didn't use a lot of salt to marinate.
Ordered to eat within the food court and asked for additional cutlery, they charge fifty cents for this luxury
The food is good, but the service awareness of the landlady needs to be strengthened
I ordered a piece of rice with barbecued pork and chicken drumsticks. The soy milk I was given went bad and became lumpy. The chicken legs were spoiled and smelled bad. I took two bites and threw them in the trash can. The cashier looked like a dead dad. . . There are too many to say. There are so many people eating from their house. Be careful about your health.
Very unpleasant people to deal with.
The duck is quite good but quality has gone down hill. The boss lady needs some depression medication.
This location is for rent when I got there.
Im reading some of the other reviews here and I m not sure what you expect of the service? Sure, the counter lady doesn t say much but tbh most Chinese restaurants you don t really go for good service . Anyway, I thought the roast chicken was delicious so 4/5 would buy again. I also liked the fried tofu
When I was about to try the food in this restaurant, I was told that it only accepts cash.
Love their BBQ, but they have the worst service ever
Roast pork is delicious
My fav Chinese bbq place in GTA. Especially the soy source chicken and roasted duck.
Extremely rude staff!
Food was ok, but the service was so bad it wasnt worth it. Will not come back.
This cashier lady looks like she has a bad face every day, as if someone in her family has died. Please close down immediately.
Picked up a lb of roast pork after trying out great Fountain. Sam May is not very good. Service is unfriendly and the meat is dry and bland. It is also on the pricier side. Would not repeat.
Even if the attitude is bad, the quality is also bad. I really don t want to open a store.
What does 3.2 stars mean? Real materials and affordable prices. If I didn t live too far away, I would come here every week.
I ordered a gold tripe noodle soup, but found out it was tripe, so I still had to wait for a long time. I understand that noodles need to be cooked as quickly as rice. The service attitude is not good. So I wont do it again.
Hygiene is horrible when you take a closer look to their kitchen and chopping board
Try to avoid this one. The cashier (probably the owner) was very rule and rolled eyes on me when I ordered a take away. She even charged me $0.25 for another pair of chopsticks. When I looked closer to their kitchen I have no confidence with their hygiene. Thats understandable, how can they be good on the things that behind their customers when they dont even care their customers?
Great bbq service is not the best.
I am surprised this place have such bad reviews . I have been going here for years !! And it s still the best bbq . Regarding the cashier lady . She seem rude at first . I had the same first experience . But takes a few times and she is actually a REALLYYYY sweet and nice lady . The husband as well . I used to go there once a week and they really warm up to me . I have moved away from Toronto , I missed it dearly ! Understand they work 6 days a week from morning to close . Restaurant life isn t fun .
Not even worth A star. The food tastes awful and the lady was rude. Avoid it!
It would be more in line with the attitude of the landlady to change the name to Simu Roast Meat.
Poor staff, not recommended
For the food, the salty egg is too dry. I cannot imagine how I could chew it. It just like plastic. For the service, I have just experienced the worst service in Canada. The lady server in red hair is really poker face. Customer service? None. For the honesty, I don t think this restaurant is trustful. I have asked about the student combo. It said that it was sold out. But ..student combo is just like the normal one. If the restaurant is not willing to provide this promotion, just don t provide. Why lie? Terrible!
Best Chinese bbq in the GTA
the quality of their food dont even matter anymore after interacting with the lady at the front. the lady at the cashier is offended by anything you say and you get a really rude attitude off the start. also ordered noodle with my bbq pork and chicken and she probably was too offended to listen and i ended up getting 2 wrong order. there are 2 really good chinese bbq place just across the street from them, do not bother with this place.
Service needs improvement
Most terrible barbecue Ive ever had even charged me 70 fthey even charge me 75 cents extra for Ginger and onion sauce
Generally has a roasted flavor
I only come for their BBQ pork, the taste is very good. However, every time I come here I have to face a rude cashier that looks like she hates everyone who s talking to her. At one point I was simply asking about their portion size and I misheard her mumbling reply. So naturally I politely asked to listen again and she raised her voice at me. Very unpleasant to interact with.
Really bad!!!
The cashier s or perhaps the owner s bad attitude turned me away from placing an order. I asked her if the store next to hers was closed, intending to order from her if it was closed. Then, she stared at me with anger in her eyes and then rolled her eyes at me. I thought maybe she had a bad day, but it seems her anger was a regular occurrence according to other Google comments.
All those reviewed talked about the cashier, that is the owner Plus that soy milk is legit chinese traditional soy milk, these canadian born asian dunno how to appreciate traditional food lol. Their meat is awesome, why should you feel so offended about service in a food court setting? Been eating here since high school 15 years ago and was always happy about it.
Hands down, this might just be the top spot for Cantonese BBQ in Toronto! Good prices, big portions, and taste is completely on point. I keep coming back for more. That said, got to agree with others on the staff vibe - could use a bit of a tweak. Also, the whole cash-only thing can be a bit of a hassle. Ive had to run for an ATM a couple of times just to grab a bite. But, despite those little hiccups, the foods totally worth it!
I usually prefer not to write a bad review unless the place is really bad or the service is really bad. And wow! After many of the reviews here, I am surprised that I am NOT the only one who felt the cashier/owner lady is rude. I thought it was only me who felt it. I came at this food court a few times but this was my 1st time ordering something from Sam May. As I saw the roasted pork display, it looks crispy and nicely bbq, so I ordered the 1-item roasted pork with rice. The owner lady looked at me very rudely and I thought did she treated me like this coz I only ordered an 1-meat dinner and not the usual 2 or 3 items dinner? I asked for soup as I overheard you have soup. She said to me rudely, yes, you will get yours. I asked for green ginger sauce, she said its 75 cent more, to my surprise, I have been to many other food court chinese bbq places, no one ask for extra charge. Some will ask me to pay for extra take out box or utensils but not sauce. Its not like she was going to give me a container with the sauce, she literally gave me little scoop like what she would give to others frequent customers, coz I saw the person in front of me didnt pay extra but got sauce. Anyhow, normally I would either decline to pay extra or will tell them my opinion that others dont charge, anyhow, I was super tired and just wanted to eat, I paid extra 0.75. When I saw the chef cut the roasted pork, oh man! such a think slice of pork and cut it into so many small pieces to make it like there were a bunch. At other places, they cut 2 or 3 lines of pork, not just one line and chop into small pieces. I rather a business charge me more for food due to inflation but maintain good portion and quality. Dont cheap out on me. The pork itself is tasty, crispy and good. The ginger green onion sauce that charged me extra 75 cent was tasty as well. Rice is good, not soggy but could be hotter, since no one wants lukewarm rice. I do like that they include both a hot Chinese soup and a soy milk and 2 slices of thin tofu along with the veggies to the meal. But I will not come again coz I deserve better as a customer and there are many places that offer better taste, portion and pricing. Its a shame the lady at the front was rude and unpleasant to deal with along with cheap thin slices of pork and extra charge on dipping sauce. I will NOT come back!
Have tried several place for Cantonese bbq, and Sam May still remains my favorite Cantonese bbq place! The duck bbq and chicken are so juicy and so tasty. The meal comes with traditional soy milk and homemade soup. Love it!!!
The price is little more expensive than others. Very rude, bad service
I ve been going to Sam May since I moved in the area a few years ago and it s always delicious. I ve tried most of their menu and even recommended others to go here as well. I see a lot of reviews comment on the owner, she s actually really nice but has RBF. I understand that service is important but this is a food court in a Chinese strip plaza with good food for a decent price. If you want good BBQ and fast service go try it. But don t be surprised if you don t see the owner smiling at you when they are non-stop busy trying to get your food out ASAP.
Rude and cash only
Her attitude is as bad as her dead mother
Roasted pork and bbq duck was very delicious. The soup that came with the meal is also great. Highly recommend! Some of the best Chinese bbq in town.
The lady is very rude, seems like her husband just had an affair this morning.
Lol love the angry lady, bbq duck is great. She makes the experience even better! Just enjoy it.
Bbq duck. Top secret local spot.
She has such a bad attitude that the boss lady seems like the whole world owes her money.
Not what it used to be. For the price you expect more meat. Literally served me bones and rice and the tiniest slice of duck. I guess that s why you get for speaking English You also have to pay for the ginger and garlic sauce.
The food is amazing. The best BBQ pork that I have ever tried in my life (a gen-z HongKonger) The price is reasonable as well. However, the manageress of the shop (also the cashier) has a forever poker face. The serving table out there is not well maintained. Overall, the food is well worth the price, just don t look for atmosphere or service. 7/10, recommended.
Been eating here since 20 years ago, I always get the San Bao Fan ( now Shi Bao Fan) so damn delicious. The lady at the front rarely smiles but the food and price is totally worth it.
Dining here is like having a friendly feast. The staff and ambiance make you feel welcome, and the food fills your heart and stomach.
It tastes good! More expensive than other stores...
Tasty!
The boss lady sacrificed her smile for a delicious meal, a three-flavored duck, which is better than smoking marijuana
Amazing food. Look at that glistening pork. Soup is definitely 11/10! It is soup for the soul. $7.50 + tax for a soy milk drink, soup and meal.
Dishonest store!! Keep an eye on the butcher if you are ordering a full chicken or duck!! I ordered a full chicken and ended up 1/4 of the chicken is missing. Also ordered 1 lb of char siu and brought home 0.7lb of char siu!
barbecue pork delicious
SANITARY AND HEALTH ISSUE REVIEW: Honestly the worst place to order food from, the woman at the counter just stares into thin air and doesn t even bother asking what I want to order, it s like I have to beg for her attention, I ask for noodle and they give rice (Couldn t even be honest about not having any noodles ready or too lazy to make what they charged me), also the butcher is cheap AF, keep an eye on him, there was barely any meat, duck was all bones, and bbq pork was all burnt and inedible pieces, don t get me even started on the vegetables, it had mould all over it yet they STILL served it anyways, none of their drinks were filled up to the rim. Save the $11 bucks, mc Donald s is better. They don t care about you, their business is only running to claim back all their business expenses, and fraud Tax since they only accept cash and no other form of payment. All the good meat is enjoyed by their own family, none are for you. -5/5 stars
Ordered two BBQ meat rice combo, came with a drink and a soup, paid approximately $13. Taste okay. For the price nowadays, cant complain.
Really good bbq pork! I used to get their bbq pork rice when I was a kid. Of course not the best service but food is always almost good.
Consistently good, tasty, barbecue. Deserves a higher rating, real ones know. A $12 filling and clean meal is hard to come by these days, you can find it here.
I ll give 0 if it s possible! Terrible and the worst service I ever have had from a old lady. Will never suggest and come.
Very tasty BBQ pork and soya sauce chicken
The owner will literally serve you with this disgusted look on her face. The disrespect is unimaginable. Only thing thats consistent is their work attitude
Cantonese style barbecue with great value for money. Different dishes come with soup or soy milk, which can quench thirst and relieve greasiness. According to my personal experience, in todays time of rising prices, their prices can be called conscientious. Recommend
Food is not bad but the service wasn t great.
Highly recommend their Si Bow Fan. It has a variety of meat, and the price is a steal.
Great taste! Best rice box in scarborough. Their bbq pork is always juicy and the soy sauce they put over all their meats taste great
The couple have poor customer service. Rude and rude. I ask a question in chinese and their response/ attitude is impolite or they will ignore you. If they do not enjoy their job or dont need the money from this business, why do they open and give everyone such an attitude????? Unbelievable.
Update: If you ever reach my post here, please notice that, most of the 5 stars comments posted for this places are identical. You know you better not try this one becuz of the stars. My second time there and I am pretty sure I will NOT go back again. Before you can taste their food you would have a taste of their altitude. I dont think they care about their customers. they just want your money. Not to mention their meat is so toasted and salty. It is a myth that their rating is so high.
Poor service
The lady server was really rude. The food does not justify the rude experience.
The roasted duck tastes number one. The barbecued pork melts in your mouth and is not overpowering. The roasted pork has crispy skin and tender meat.
Foods not bad but the service...
The sauce is delicious and makes the food more delicious
Chinese B B Q
tasty!
I ordered the BBQ rib rice, also come with hot soup and soybean drink.
Amazing flavours. Best green onion condiments in town. Got a great selection of chicken, pork, and duck. Also, they sell fried tofu. Always get that when its available.
Lol what a joke of a place. Travelled from downtown. Heard it was one of the better BBQ places in Scarborough after doing research. I dont care about customer service unless its super atrocious. Ordered the char siu and duck combo with rice. Very classic and simple bbq dish. The duck looked pretty good behind the butchers glass. I thought it was a good pick. I shouldve stayed to keep an eye on the butcher. What I got was microwaved leftover duck. You can tell by how greasy the duck is and how much the skin shrank. The accompanying soy milk was thick and gritty. Started off 2020 with disappointment.
Got myself a BBQ pork rice and the BBQ pork was burnt to the point I had to go back and ask why they gave it to me in the rice box! They shrugged their shoulders and a couldnt be bothered with you glare and I just threw the rice box in the bin! The soy milk that they give for free tasted like coconut and fresh milk with a hint of soy bean and was horrible and also went straight to the bin Not sure why people come here when the food court has plenty of other good shops to eat at, first and last time I will go to this BBQ shop.
I dont like to leave bad reviews but this place has let us down. The service as stated many times before is terrible. Theres no courtesy here. Ordered the BBQ pork and was given a side of attitude with some over seasoned pork. There are many nicer people and better quality food in this food court.
Let s talk about the shortcomings first: 1. It only accepts cash, 2. The clerk only has an old couple, and the meat cutting is a bit slow. 3. The face of the landlady is just like the stinky-faced landlady you see in TV series and games. But his roasted duck and roasted pork are really delicious. The pork is very soft and melts in your mouth, the duck skin is very crispy, and the duck meat is quite tasty. Just be sure to eat it with rice, as the meat will feel salty if you eat it with your mouth. I will recommend this restaurant to my friends, but I will sell it to my friends first because the boss lady really doesn t smile very much XD
This is my go to place for the Bbq duck. It is very flavorful and juicy. The trick is to only buy a half or whole duck. You dont always get the choice/best pieces when you buy the rice combo. But that applies to many Chinese BBQ places. It is quiet now due to Covid 19. But there is usually line up
Everybodys right about the attitude here. Its bad. Will change the review after trying three food!
Dishonest store, buy BBQ pork ribs meat, the chopper change it to pork hip meat, when I went home to see my purchase, they changed other part meat from his chop table cuz I am not height enough to keep eye on his chopping, careful, actually the taste is not special, find other place if u have choice.
Consistently good. Traditional flavours of southern China style.
The food is mediocre, but the smell hasnt changed for ten years. Every time I go there, I feel like I owe them tens of millions. I politely asked, Is there any roast goose?, but he rolled his eyes at me and replied, Dont you have the eyes to see it?. Im really drunk. If I go again, Ill be struck by lightning!
Sam May is in the Dynasty building and if you love pork, and anything BBQ; this is the place. For under $10, you get a nice meal with soy milk and soup. You can choose from BBQ pork and rice, to roast pork, BBQ pork and rice, to BBQ duck, roast pork, and rice! Quick service; place to check out.
Good food
Food is good, but service is the worst, seems like you begging them for food..
duck and soya chicken are really tasty here but as others say the service is really bad. cheap asian bbq meat enough said
Good food
$9.6 and you get a lot of food
I used to eat at this place a lot when I worked around the area. Always serve great food! I wish they have another location in the wet side of Toronto!
food is good but the face is impatient
BBQ is good. Poor service.
