Oldest Cantonese comfort food spot in Chinatown. Humble, no-frills, cash-only eatery w/ authentic dishes and a sense of home.
Established in 1967, this humble Chinatown eatery offers a nostalgic journey into traditional Cantonese comfort food. It's a no-frills, cash-only spot cherished for its affordability and the warm, communal atmosphere that evokes a sense of home, especially for those with Hong Kong roots. The experience is further enhanced by classic wood menus and an old-fashioned cash register, making it a rare gem in NYC.
Specializing in traditional Cantonese comfort food, this cafe is highly recommended for its Zongzi, particularly the Toishan variety, which are noted for their generous stuffing and size, often deemed better than other local options. Other praised items include cheung fun (rice rolls), siu mai, salted fish with pork patty over rice, and simple egg sandwiches. The establishment also offers good Chinese/Malaysian beef jerky that travels well. While the cheong fun is described as thicker and chewier, some may find it less to their preference.
"The Toishan zongzi are highly recommended for their size and stuffing, and are considered by some to be the best in Chinatown. Other recommended items include salted fish with pork patty over rice, siu mai, and cheung fun (rice rolls)."
Customers praise this establishment for its authentic Cantonese comfort food and nostalgic, home-like atmosphere, highlighting its affordability and traditional charm.
Important Note
The cafe is cash only and has been noted to close early. One user reported it being closed during their visit.
"Mee Sum Cafe is recommended for its Zongzi, stating they come close to homemade versions and are worth the higher price due to generous stuffing."
Positive"This user recommends Mee Sum Cafe, describing it as a 'hole in the wall' with excellent dim sum, suggesting it to someone staying in Chinatown."
Positive"Suggests Mee Sum Cafe for cold Zongzi to take home. These sticky rice items are wrapped in leaves and can be refrigerated or frozen."
Positive"Recommends Mee Sum Cafe's Toishan zongzi as the best in Chinatown, noting they freeze and transport well."
Positive"This commenter simply mentioned 'Mee Sum Cafe' in response to the original post."
Neutral"This cafe is suggested as a place that offers thicker and chewier cheong fun, potentially matching the desired noodle texture."
Neutral"A user on the thread recommends Mee Sum Cafe as a good place to buy early morning lunch."
Positive"The commenter notes that Mee Sum Cafe closes early and expresses a preference for Toishan style zongzi, which includes a variety of fillings."
Positive"The commenter attempted to visit Mee Sum Cafe but found it was closed at the time of their visit."
Neutral"The commenter recommends Mee Sum Cafe, stating their zongzi is 'better than Zongzi Lady's' despite being more expensive, as they are larger, have more filling, and are suitable as a meal."
Positive"The user lists Mee Sum Cafe as one of their runners-up for the best zongzi, indicating a positive opinion."
Positive"The user recommends Mee Sum Cafe for zongzi, stating they believe it has the best in the city due to their huge size and abundant stuffing."
Positive"Mee Sum Cafe is a personal pick for ZongZis, especially if they are not available where the user is from, and also offers good Chinese/Malaysian beef jerky suitable for bringing back."
Positive"This cafe serves club sandwiches."
Neutral
