San Wo Chinese Restaurant

Chinese restaurant · San Diego

San Wo Chinese Restaurant

Chinese restaurant · San Diego

1

7330 Clairemont Mesa Blvd #A103, San Diego, CA 92111

Photos

San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by Helen I. Hwang
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null
San Wo Chinese Restaurant by null

Highlights

Cantonese BBQ, noodle soups, & fast takeout; cash or Venmo  

Featured in Eater
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7330 Clairemont Mesa Blvd #A103, San Diego, CA 92111 Get directions

samwoobbqcatogo.com

$10–20 · Menu

Reserve

Information

Static Map

7330 Clairemont Mesa Blvd #A103, San Diego, CA 92111 Get directions

+1 858 505 9888
samwoobbqcatogo.com

$10–20 · Menu

Reserve

Features

wifi
payment cash only
reservations

Last updated

Aug 8, 2025

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22 Essential Chinese Restaurants in San Diego

"This fast-casual establishment, located in the 99 Ranch shopping plaza, offers quick buffet-style dishes along with the highly recommended homestyle Hong Kong dishes cooked to order in their kitchen. Along with their roast duck and barbeque spare rib dishes, their shrimp with scrambled eggs is a Cantonese specialty that leaves you craving for more." - Helen I. Hwang, Candice Woo

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-chinese-food-dim-sum-hot-pot-san-diego
View Postcard for Sam Woo BBQ Restaurant

Olive T

Google
We had late night dinner at Sam Woo Restaurant on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. We ordered honey walnut shrimps, pan fried seafood noodles and Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce. Food came out fast and was very tasty and satisfying. Service was excellent and the waitstaff was attentive and very friendly and made us felt like eating dinner with family. The budget friendly price point was a big bonus. This restaurant serves variety of food from porridge, noodles, clay pot rice to seafood dishes and different types of drinks and also has ready made food for take out; big and generous portion at that. This place has been a local staple for many years and we have frequented here many times over the years and have never been disappointed.

israel gold

Google
Nestled in 99 Ranch Market you’ll find some of the Best Chinese Food in all of SD. The dining experience is delightful with genuinely incredible food and portions for an incredible price (cash venmo or zelle only!) The service is incredible - caring, welcoming, and loving staff who are attentive, engaged, and smiling. All in all, I’ve been Woo’d by Sam Woos

Sue Duong

Google
07-04-2025 -BBQ Pork and Roast Duck on Rice $16.95- crispy pork skin, yummy! Roast Duck, mostly were bones -Beef Stew Wonton Soup $14.95- tender beef and tasty wonton. The soup broth however was not at the desired temperature. It should be hot and not warm Note: Cash only

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Google
Unfortunately, this BBQ spot isn’t what it used to be. Portions were filled with excessive fat, yet the prices remain sky-high. If you’re going to charge a premium, there should at least be the decency to serve properly trimmed, quality cuts. Felt more like a money grab than a good meal.

LULU LIVE Art

Google
I ordered delivery from Hungry Panda, and this is my first time to try this restaurant out. It was beyond my expectations. The roasted duck is so delicious and flavorful!! Highly recommend this dish. I also loved a daikon beef tendon dish it was super larger portion, with a reasonable price. The fried rice is very large optioned and yummy too, I loved the sweet sausage inside. The red bean & mung bean drink is tasty as well.

Paulene de Mesa Gomez

Google
This is a no fuss, no influencer gimmicks, just good food type of Chinese restaurant. I mean really good food. I used to live in the Clairemont area 5 years ago and would eat here frequently, but I moved away and had it again this weekend. And let me tell you--I ate the best duck wonton soup ever. It was everything I remembered Sam Woo to be. Too many restaurants have fallen to changing their menu and interior decoration to follow trends and losing out on good flavors. I'll go to Sam Woo for life if they don't change a thing!!

Christina Bae

Google
Is it the best Chinese food you’ll find? No. But it’s a solid place that opens early in the morning and will satisfy your Cantonese breakfast cravings. It’s cash or Vemno/Zelle only. Their breakfast menus is pretty good with each being $9.50 and they give you hot tea for free.

David Keith

Google
Okay experience with food being okay but not the best. Ordered a plate of rice with 1/5 duck for $16 and side of Chinese broccoli for $13. Overpriced and not that much food for $30! I have gotten more food for less. They overcharging I believe. Would not come back unless pricing was better. Nearby has more options and there is a take out place inside the plaza too in 99 ranch market that offers little better pricing.
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Mikey H.

Yelp
It has been a while since I've been here. But I was nearby and really needed to eat, and remembered there was a pretty cool Chinese takeout at Ranch 99, or is it 99 Ranch. I got half rice, half noodles, sweet and sour pork, and beef broccoli. This all hit the spot!!! Service was great! The woman who helped me was very patient! What I really wanted was a whole duck! LOL! Definitely worth checking out!
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Jeff F.

Yelp
4/27/24. Dine in here during breakfast and lunch for cheaper eats. 4/15/24: Honey Walnut Shrimp lunch special ($15.95): light crispy batter and the honey mayo sauce was just right. They give a good amount of shrimp but wished it came with fried rice instead of steamed white rice, 4/5 stars. Soy Sauce Chicken Lo Mein ($8.50): plain Jane and more of a province dish. There is nothing wrong with simple home cooking and this is a deal nonetheless, 3/5 stars. The service was adequate, as our server was amiable and our orders came out in no time.
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Ly S.

Yelp
We came around 3'ish and a few tables were occupied. The restaurant is spacious for a small or big group. A typical Chinese restaurant with no decorations, it looks like a fish tank style with cool white light. The dishes came out fast, and the wonton noodles soup was tasty and tender. The meat in the wonton soup was firm. A few minutes later, the salted chicken was out along with a small container filled with green onion sauce. The golden color on the skin of the chicken was appealing and the taste in general was fine. The price is cheap compared to other restaurants. Good eating place if you are out of ideas about where to go and just want to fill yourself up. Payments: cash, Venmo or Zelle.
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Jason W.

Yelp
Went here for the scoops later in the evening after 8 PM (they close at 9:30 PM). Fortunately they had a decent selection, but things were definitely not very fresh since it was near closing time. Still, it was the only game in town since the scoops at 99 Ranch closed at 7:30 PM. Overall solid quality food, plentiful proteins, and massive portions as they seem to want to try to get rid of things at the end of the day. Couple tables you can sit at too. Three scoops for $12.50 plus noodles and rice is hard to beat. Note they take cash, Venmo or Zelle only.
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Yueming Q.

Yelp
I ordered delivery from Hungry Panda, and this is my first time to try this restaurant out. It was beyond my expectations. The roasted duck is so delicious and flavorful!! Highly recommend this dish. I also loved a daikon beef tendon dish it was super larger portion, with a reasonable price. The fried rice is very large optioned and yummy too, I loved the sweet sausage inside. The red bean & mung bean drink is tasty as well.
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Julia G.

Yelp
I got here before 11:00 due to nearby Kaiser medical appointment at 9:00. I saw they had a separate breakfast menu so I ordered the roast stuff that they are famous for noodle soup. For $8.50. Everything on the breakfast menu is $8.50. The taste was very mediocre I did ask for the duck sauce on the side but it didn't make things much better. I'd rather pay double for the beef chow fun with extra gravy they bring it in a huge casserole dish makes me so happy. This did not.
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Erica C.

Yelp
Always a pleasure here. Enclosed is the catering menu as of Feb 2024. See photos. I go here very often and order catering and pay a few days in advance. I've never had an issue. Don't lose your receipts!
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Mary K.

Yelp
This bowl of soup was like a warm hug. I took note of when placed my order and within the same minute my noodles came out! They were piping hot! Just as I told myself I didn't want to fill up on the noodles, my duck over rice arrived. I think the duck, its sauce/juices, and the rice combined were perfect. Flavorful, tender, and slightly sweet. The lady who helped me was kind and definitely helped make my day.
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Yuxuan Z.

Yelp
Probably the best cantonese restaurant in San Diego: great bbq quality and taste: roast duck and chicken has been consistently good! What's more: I can order wonton/beed noodle soups and they are great too; not all cantonese restaurants here have them for some reason!
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Stew P.

Yelp
Best Chinese restaurant in San Diego. It is in Ranch 99 and decent size, but the food is great. There is also a togo option in the front. Come try this place and you won't regret it. I'm been going here for years and it hasn't disappointed me.
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Lisa M.

Yelp
Bring CASH! They also accept Zelle and Venmo but cash is easiest. I came to Sam Woo's which is located inside the 99 Ranch Market to have lunch before grocery shopping. My mother and I were greeted by a nice lady that sat us right away. We were given hot tea and waters to start. We both ordered soup; I got the shrimp dumpling and mom got the fishball soup. We also ordered seafood fried rice. The soup was tasty but both our orders tasted pretty much the same. The fried rice was very flavorful. I would come back to try some of their other dishes.
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Ha L.

Yelp
Delicious and affordable family portioned food! Always my go to for comfort asian food. Service here is quick. Servers can speak English, Chinese, and Vietnamese well. Restaurant is decent sized with a few booths and tables, located inside of 99 ranch. They have a togo bbq section but also a sit down restaurant side as well. Food comes out fast with big portions. My favorite is the shrimp and scrambled egg chow fun with gravy. Their roast duck is always flavorful and juicy as well!
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Mai H.

Yelp
3 item combo for $12.50 pre-tax, what a steal! They load it up; and I mean, REALLY load it up. The 3 item combo can easily feed and satisfy 2 people. The orange chicken was good: meaty and not greasy, unlike other places. Their chow mein also wasn't too oily nor greasy, as I could usually see the glistening of the noodles from other places... not here. The broccoli beef was super tender. Chicken wings were good texture. The rice was alright. I've yet to dine in but I will one of these days. I just can't pass up their fast food combo when I'm in the area.
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Amy T.

Yelp
I recently visited Sam Woo BBQ Restaurant for a weekday lunch, expecting a pleasant dining experience but was left disappointed. The restaurant was almost empty with only a couple of tables occupied, which initially seemed like a good sign for quick service. However, that was not the case. We were seated immediately, which was the only prompt service we received throughout our visit. After being seated, the staff seemed to forget about us. Attempts to catch the attention of the waitress were futile, resulting in a 15-minute wait just to place our order. This lack of attention and service was a recurring theme throughout our meal. I ordered a whole duck with three white rices for our party of three. The duck was served lukewarm to cold, which was less than appetizing. While the taste was just okay, the size of the duck was surprisingly small. It was barely enough for the three of us and consisted more of fat and grease than actual meat. The white rice, a staple that should be hard to get wrong, was mushy and not at all appealing. The service issues didn't end with the meal. Trying to get the check proved to be another challenge. Our attempts to flag down a waitress were ignored, forcing me to stand up and attempt to pay at the counter. Even then, I was told to sit back down and that the check would be brought over to us. In summary, the disappointing service, the quality and presentation of the food, and the overall dining experience at Sam Woo BBQ Restaurant ensure that I will not be returning. It's unfortunate, as I had hoped for a much better experience.
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Vy N.

Yelp
Love to come here morning weekend before 11am... the special breakfast only $8.50/each still full portion... I love the Congeee, very light, no msg or salty. The dumplings are also very big too. I am glad they have option for Venmo so I don't have to carry Cash.
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Marivic R.

Yelp
Sam Woo is located inside 99 Ranch supermarket in Clairemont Mesa. It's just good Chinese food in no-frills surroundings. They don't accept credit cards, they do accept cash, Zelle and Venmo. It's a sit down restaurant and they also have fast food stalls with ready made food to go.
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Mallory W.

Yelp
Nice spot for fairly authentic reasonably priced Chinese food, and hands down the best Singapore Noodle in town that we could find so far. Singapore Noodle is a meal, it's a pile of hair-thin turmeric noodles with shrimp, small bits of pork, egg, peppers, onions, bean sprouts and a touch of jalapeños. The serving size is giant. Pair that with BBQ meats (Two or Three delicacies, where you choose two of chicken, duck or pork - or get all three if you feed more than 2 people), ask for spicy sauce, omit the rice (unless the company much is larger and you're really trying to budget) and you'll have an awesome lunch or dinner to stuff 2-4 people. Seating is generous, they're welcoming, accommodate kids and wait time's reasonable. Four stars because they still don't take credit cards - cash, Zelle or Venmo only.
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Tommy C.

Yelp
Updated review: Had some morning errands yesterday and my wife wanted congee afterwards. I was thinking Storehouse La Jolla but you know what they say, "happy wife, happy life." I couldn't think of any place that served congee except for Sam Woo at 10am, so off we went. Still like them, but definitely not for their breakfast menu. Pork & preserved egg congee - don't think it was boiled long enough. Flavour was lacking and the rice should be blended into a more homogeneous, thick soup vs. so separated. The worst part, the pork tasted previously frozen. Can only give it a "C-". Beef brisket noodle - beef brisket is nicely done. Problem is, I got very little meat. And the noodles, despite decent flavor, were wayo of overcooked. All in all, not too bad, much better than the congee. A "C+." Chinese doughnut (is that the English name?) - the best part of the meal. Crunchy outside, moist inside, served piping hot. An "A-". Note to self: When going to Sam Woo, stick with BBQ and wok stir fried items.
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Yen T.

Yelp
The parking can be difficult during peak hours and weekends. A whole peking duck is a must. Ask for duck sauce and chili oil. Not really a fan of the food made for the sit down side of restaurant. Been there a total of 3 times. Soups lack flavor: The prepared to go food item/side is not too bad especially the squid and chicken wings. Chicken lo mein is not a stir fry. It looks like a chicken noodle soup (see picture for reference). Beef and broccoli comes with Chinese broccoli. Orange chicken was okay, just like the service.

SS B.

Yelp
This is my go to for comfort food. It's good quality food, great service, and nice portions at a reasonable price. Some of my favorites are seafood tofu hot pot, fish fillet with vegetables, young chow fried rice, Singapore rice noodle, beef stew and daikon hot pot, and century egg and salted pork congee with Chinese cruller. Don't forget a lemon iced tea. I order mine less sweet. How could I forget the barbecue items? Roast duck, chicken, barbecued pork. You don't go for the ambience. You go for the food.
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Ari Z.

Yelp
We came late on Friday night. We got a booth quickly. They brought us tea, and we had white rice, eggplant with minced pork, and BBQ pork. Everything was good, especially the BBQ pork. It was really comfortable, and the service was very good. Our total was about $34 + tip (we totaled $40). The bathroom was clean too.
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Cyn C.

Yelp
It's Dec 2022, and they have Ong Choy! Be sure to get this seasonal veggie. It's cooked in a fermented fish paste and has a kick. I have been coming here since I was young whenever I'd go grocery shopping with my mom, and to be honest, the tradition has not changed. We went today for breakfast and followed up with a long stroll through 99 ranch market. It's still cash only, so be ready to have your bills. The staff operates as a traditional Cantonese business and will give you subpar service, so don't expect anything exemplary here! You'll have to step up your game, speak up, be impatient, and enjoy the great food here. Mom and I had four dishes altogether. I forgot to snap a photo of the noodle dish. Note that the dishes come with complimentary white rice and soup, and they will give you a generous amount of chili oil upon request. I will come here to eat until the day I die or when they close whichever comes first.
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Amy C.

Yelp
I have been going there since my boys were very young. We still do. Portion size is huge. Food tastes great. The cashier lady is very friendly and helpful. She even knows what I usually order. Chinese BBQ pork is just like what I remember as a child. Make sure you ask to have the sauce in a cup if you're picking up. All the dishes are tasty. Staff are polite. The cashier lady is great. Nice quiet setting. Not fancy but clean and comfortable. I'll continue to go. Try their boba milk tea. It's cheaper than the tea shop. The only negative thing is the boxes are very sticky when we get the food home. I think it's because they give you so much food. It spills over especially the BBQ sauce. But that's OK! Comparing to Panda Express. You get your money worth. I wish they'll open one in Sports Arena or Mission Valley. We live far from their location. I'll go more frequent if it's closer.
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Dominico R.

Yelp
We go here often before buying grocery at 99 ranch. Their food taste so yummy. Young chow fried rice has lots of shrimps and meat in it. The Cod with black beans is so good with chili sauce. You have to bring cash they don't take credit card. .service was quick.
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Dmdd S.

Yelp
I can't help feel a bit of nostalgia when I come here because they have been our family go to Chinese food when I lived in LA. Came in today to celebrate Lunar New Year with my daughter since she has also grown to love this place. In spite of being busy service from the little Asian ladies was on point. Place is small but the great service and food makes up for all of it.
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Arleen A.

Yelp
For the past 20 years, I've come here for breakfast! The service is average, but the food and prices are well worth it! They now accept Zelle and Venmo, but there is also an ATM near the roast duck. Here are some or the dishes I recommend: * duck egg noodle soup * thousand year old egg rice porridge * bbq pork/duck rice plate * green beans * wonton noodle soups * Chinese donuts
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Rebecca T.

Yelp
Located inside 99 Ranch (toward the back end), this is a convenient location to pick up Chinese takeout on your way home after shopping, if you're like me buying a bunch of groceries but are too lazy to cook them when you get home lol. You know, their food is not limited to their ready-to-eat stuff at the display window. Most of the time, I order from their menu so they make it hot and fresh, and also I like the stuff that's not available in the trays, for example their seafood pan-fried noodles, oh so good. Also their dried beef hor fun had a lot of wok hei (charred flavors from stir frying in wok). I also like their congee, reminds me of Hong Kong. There aren't many good Cantonese restaurants in SD, but Sam Woo consistently reminds me of my home which is great!
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Arthur H.

Yelp
Honestly this place deserves higher ratings. It's got that outdated look from the late 80s or early 90s but that gives it character. My wife and I ordered the beef stew noodle soup and BBQ pork fried rice. Both were excellent and flavorful and the beef stew noodle soup had a lot of tender beef as well as parts with collagen like tendon and marrow with Chinese broccoli or bok choy. The fried rice was delicious also and I like that they used jasmine rice and the dish was quite flavorful. The server was nice and hot tea came out very quickly to our table. Would recommend this spot for BBQ pork/duck and no frills Chinese food. My other favorite spot is Minh Ky on el Cajon blvd and it's also a hidden gem and sits unassuming in a little parking lot.

Mark W.

Yelp
The best Chinese in the county in my opinion. what ever you order it will be perfect don't forget cash only
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Calina N.

Yelp
A hidden gem inside of 99 ranch market and honestly one of the best places in town for cheap Chinese food! I only get my peking duck from this place. I have been coming here since I was a kid for Sunday morning breakfast so I have a lot of memories here. They even have a takeout section of the restaurant and a dine-in area. Tons of options and very affordable. They only take cash but last time I went it seems they have Venmo as an option too. The only reason I can't give it 5 stars is because the service is ok (to non-asians probably terrible lol)
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Hannah W.

Yelp
It can be hard to find a GREAT chinese spot in San Diego, but look no further! Sam Woo is a chain, yes, but you know it's legit when it's a greasy spoon/hole in the wall/cash only kind of establishment. this is my family's go-to spot when we want chinese comfort food, because there's just something different about how the restaurants make it versus at home. all time faves are beef chow fun, salt and pepper tofu, eggplant and ground pork, and roast duck. we literally order these every time we go, and I will never get tired of them!
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R E.

Yelp
This review applies for the walk-in food selection not main dining area. Ordered three combo items - Broccoli and Beef: Very salty seasoning may have contained MSG. Fried Rice- Bland taste, no favor. Pig Feet: Mainly small bones, and Steamed Fish: Nothing. impressive. If you want Chinese food to fill your stomach but not in quality, cheap price this is the place.
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Tera M.

Yelp
3 stars bbq pork very tasty Duck more fat & bones then meat 2 stars for the price since fatty. Be aware CASH ONLY I didn't know I had to find a Wells Fargo, Chase or Mission Fed none super close so I went out of my way - came back. I'm thinking cash only was a sign keep driving don't turn back.
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Kitty C.

Yelp
The portions are amazing especially for to-go. They pack that combo box with food. I always order my roasted duck, chicken and roasted pork from here. The dine-in food is great as well. I grew up coming to this place and it's pretty much the same servers since I was little. Highly recommend the salted fish fried rice, garlic and salt pork chops and all their veggies are delicious!!! Great place to eat with groups and it's connected to 99 ranch market! Just remember, they only take cash!! I recently noticed they'll accept Zelle or Venmo....one of those apps. No cards! Def try it if you're in the area.
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Samantha W.

Yelp
Husband had the lunch special bean curd & veg with rice and I had roasted duck wonton noodle soup with vermicelli. Food arrived fast. My husbands bean curd dish was pretty tasty. My roast duck noodle soup was kinda bland. We'd probably come back to try other dishes. I'd give it a 3.5 overall
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Jhea E.

Yelp
A family favorite, food has always been consistent and delicious. An underrated San Diego gem. I recommend trying dishes that include duck, green beans, wontons/soup, and fish. We've been coming back here for over a decade now and there's still so many dishes we have yet to try. Lian, in particular, is an amazing and kind server. If you don't have cash with you, they accept Venmo and Zelle. Easy and quick transaction process.
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Valerie L.

Yelp
I always come to Sam Woo when I crave Chinese food. Service is really fast and friendly. We get seated almost immediately and the food comes really quickly as well. I always order their Beef Chow Fun, Green Beans, Salt and Pepper Pork Chops, Roast Duck and porridge. The food here is super flavorful although it can be a bit greasy. Great portions for price! The drinks they have are okay, but very sweet. Good thing Wushiland is next door to them, so I always get one before leaving the plaza. They used to take cash only, which is kind of inconvenient, but now they take Venmo and cashapp!
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Gingerlily L.

Yelp
Best place for Chinese noodles and wontons. Favorite eggs and shrimp, and Singapore vermicelli noodles. The have Chinese roast duck, pork and cha sieu. Love the black bean dishes here too. This is not a place for good service particularly. The wait staff are friendly, but they remind me of those diners I grew up eating at in San Francisco when I was a kid. Great food, and that's what you come for. During the pandemic when we all stopped going out to eat, this was the first place we came back to pick up to go for my birthday.
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Missy F.

Yelp
Tried Sam Woo BBQ thru delivery and yea, I wasn't impressed. I ordered duck and bbq pork over rice and also beef chow noodles. The best part was the bbq pork. I wish I would have just got that because I didn't finish the other food. The pork was very flavorful and tender, the rice was a no for me, like a hard NO! The duck wasn't bad, but to me the taste was off. The beef noodles would have been better had they added some veggies, sprouts or just a dash of garlic or salt or something. They were bland. I do like the fact that they give you a hefty portion, but would have been nice if the flavor was on point. I would come back for the bbq pork alone.
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Kimo K.

Yelp
Wanted to eat Cantonese food so we went here. I had forgotten that most Sam Woo's are cash only; good thing I had some cash on me. We ordered 4 dishes - roast pork, orange chicken, garlic green beans, and beef chow fun. All were okay but not outstanding. A little expensive imo but I guess pretty much standard for Southern California.
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Nancy K.

Yelp
Came here yesterday evening at 6:30pm & ordered the roasted pork with rice plate and the 3 bbq (chicken, bbq pork and duck) with rice plate. Food was so dry and bland. Rice was hard. Flavors lack. Food quality is not the same as it used to be. You are better off going to the 99 ranch fast food area.
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Krajicek K.

Yelp
One of our favorite causal Chinese restaurants. Reasonable priced and huge portion! Delicious BBQ items, tasty takeouts at the counter, and yummy kitchen dishes! I am a customer for 20 years. Make sure you bring cash.
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Cindy L.

Yelp
If you are looking for a place to dine in or get take out Chinese food, this place is a good for groups, friends, and family. The location is located inside 99 Ranch Market. It's fairly affordable and the portion size is enough for 2 people. They accept Zelle & Venmo for payment too. There's even an ATM for cash. The interior has booths and circle tables to sit and eat at. The service from staff would be average when ordering. But if you know the dialect, it's easier to order. The food is very good and savory. I would recommend the Honey Walnut Shrimp, Clams, Kung Pao Chicken, Chinese Broccoli, Fish Filet with Vegetables, Chinese Watercress, and Salt & Pepper Shrimp.
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Ann H.

Yelp
This place is great for hot foods to go. I have eaten there a few times and while that was OK, I find it's much better as a to go place. I normally get some char sui (delicious) and some of the hot foods like the beef broccoli or tofu seafood. The workers work fast and you're in and out quickly, they have always been friendly to me as well. The only downside to this place is they do not take credit card. If you don't have cash however, they do also take zelle and venmo.
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Nick C.

Yelp
My favorite kind of restaurant - a hole in the wall that gets by on offering good food at a great value. Located in the 99 Ranch Plaza, they are in direct competition with the food stall inside 99 Ranch. Both offer various cantonese style BBQ (pork, chicken, duck), along with a food counter where you can make a combo out of rice/noodles with 2-3 entrees. The amount of food you get for the price is staggering. The takeout box overflows and weighs the same as a newborn baby. I've definitely had better cantonese style Chinese food, although some of the entrees they offer in the combo section are pretty good. However for ~ $10 you really can't go wrong. If you're not a huge eater, one combo with 3 entrees can really be split into 2 meals. The BBQ items on the other hand were a little disappointing. I was really looking to the BBQ pork (char siu), but the glaze just wasn't that good. Maybe it was the way that the pork was cut, but there wasn't enough of the sweet red glaze for it to be called char siu.
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Tammy N.

Yelp
One of the best places to get duck in San Diego. I don't really like their take-out food that they scoop for you, but I only come here for their duck and bbq pork! I like that they have a duck and rice plate for when you are craving duck just for yourself and don't want to buy a whole duck. Today was the first time I got the duck & rice because I usually just get the whole duck, but they gave me some weird sweet and sour sauce instead of the usual duck sauce. But it didn't matter too much because it seems like they already poured the usual sauce over the rice, but I prefer to have the sauce to dip my duck in instead. The sweet and sour sauce wasn't good. Their prices are cheap but it's cash only. They also take Zelle. They also have really good boba drinks!
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Elizabeth D.

Yelp
Sam woo has always been an integral part of my childhood. We always had family meals various locations on Sunday mornings. Even as a grow older (and have been to many delicious family style Chinese places that rival or surpass this place), I always find myself craving the food here. Their chicken needs work, but DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT, skip out on their roast duck and roast pork. If I wasn't watching my health, I'd probably order a whole one all to myself of both haha! Came here for togo and ordered the following: -Combo meal with green beans, chicken and fried rice This was mainly my grab and go meal before heading back to lunch. I would skip out on the chicken. Can't complain too much since its their ready made hot food but the chicken was super dry and had a weird aftertaste. You have been warned. The fried rice was mostly rice with small pieces of eggs. Shoutout to the one pea in it! I could've just gone for the regular rice but idk man, the tiny pieces of eggs were calling for me! It was a great decision because the rice was flavored. You could put a bowl of it in front of me and tell me that's all I'm getting g for dinner and I'd be happy. (Rice is life yall, rice is life) -Chinese Broccoli Standard but on the salter side! Get ready to chug some water after. -Beef Chow Fun Was good and consistent with every other location. Remember to request for some chili oil on the side to elevate the taste!! I don't not like onion, but it comes with a lot of onion. Definitely ask for less if you're not a fan! -Seafood Fried Rice This was good, but yall can do better for yourselves. I ordered this one mainly because my family wanted just the seafood. If I were you, I'd the get fried rice with salted fish (duck or chicken, both are yummy) . Its a game changer!
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Fiona N.

Yelp
Came back again. Had to drive from the North to Sam Woo. Food was good, service was great as usual. With every restaurant raising their prices, Sam Woo still remain relatively affordable. Great news for those of u who doesn't carry cash like us, they now take Venmo!!!! Dine in only though. The take out still takes cash only.
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Bonnie F.

Yelp
Really good we went with a group of 10 we all ordered different items. I really enjoyed my Westlake soup and shrimp Chow fun. Husband enjoyed his BBQ pork and tripe on rice. Others enjoyed the duck, and shrimp dishes. Service was great considering it was busy when we left. Added: when I got home I realized that I was overcharged by about 45.00. We only had 4 items, it should not have been that much. We were with a group of 10 and we each paid our own tickets in cash. I can be reached for follow-up lost a star for this hefty mistake.
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Nang L.

Yelp
This place has a good selection of Cantonese food. When sitting down at the restaurant, my go to's are their salted fish fried rice, salt and pepper tofu/squid/shrimp, site fried green beans, fried stuffed tofu, and stir fried eggplant. If you ever have a craving for roast duck, roast pork, or bbq pork(cha siu), this is the best spot in San Diego. There's also a fast food take away area with a good selection and nice portion size that will last you a couple meals.