Oldest Chinatown Cantonese comfort food spot. Known for homestyle cooking & nostalgic vibes. A true taste of home.
Established in 1967, this humble eatery in NYC's Chinatown is a cherished spot for traditional Cantonese comfort food. It offers a nostalgic experience with its old-fashioned charm, warm atmosphere, and affordable prices. The cafe is particularly known for its authentic flavors that evoke a sense of home, making it a beloved destination for those seeking classic Hong Kong-style dishes.
This cafe specializes in traditional Cantonese comfort food, with a strong reputation for its authentic flavors. Highly recommended dishes include the Toishan zongzi, noted for their generous stuffing and size, and Cantonese-style beef jerky, which is great for takeaways. Other praised items include siu mai, shrimp rice rolls (cheung fun), and a comforting egg sandwich. While some users recommend it for early morning lunch and dim sum, one user noted the cafe was closed during their visit.
"The Toishan zongzi are highly recommended for their large size and abundant stuffing, often considered superior to other local options. Additionally, the Chinese/Malaysian beef jerky is noted as being very good and suitable for travel."
Customers express a strong positive sentiment, praising the authentic Cantonese comfort food, affordability, and the nostalgic, home-like atmosphere. It's particularly loved for its traditional dishes and welcoming environment.
Important Note
One user mentioned that the cafe was closed during their visit, suggesting checking operating hours.
"This user lists Mee Sum Cafe as one of several places in Chinatown that serve rice noodles."
Neutral"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
