Sun Say Gai

Literally the best place on earth. If there was a peice of heaven on earth, this is it

I came here with a craving for Cantonese roast pig, which is different from Cantonese bbq pork (char siu) in that there is no red glaze and it comes with an ultra crispy skin. Though Sun Say Gai’s version was very satisfying, I’m docking a star for how hard it was to order, even using Mandarin. I specified that I wanted #1 on the menu, which is a small portion of meat with rice, but somehow ended up walking out with more than 1 pound of roast pig, no rice. Cantonese roast pig is very fatty so I definitely didn’t need all that meat. It seems like the old-​time workers behind the counter only understand Cantonese.

When you’re hungry and you can’t wait to walk around another block for more, if not better options, come here. Food is pretty decent and the price is really good, but the overall experience is meh. People can’t understand you here and when you ask for a cup of ice and some extra wonton soup, they give you looks and deep sighs.
Not everyone here is like that though but everyone’s got their moments. Their pork is really good here though, the rice that came with it, not so much. You can do better just around the block! Food came quick though, that’s a star. Price– another star. And another star cause why not, food was edible and the portions were good.

I came here about 12y ago and will never forget their delicious well brewed hot tea, egg noodles, and casual but cozy ambiance. My husband and his family have been going for about 25y at least.
Today I missed brunch here with family as I was home sick in bed. My husband brought me requested takeout: wonton soup, pork noodle soup, and steamed pork bun. The wonton soup and broth was the best I have ever eaten and I’ve had my share (100s?) of wonton soup over the years. I didn’t even realize it could be this good. Just the broth alone was absolutely spectacular. The wontons were homemade and so fresh and delicate with tasty fresh meat filling. Not rubbery with meat substitute-​like filling as at most establishments. I cannot wait to eat the pork noodle soup tomorrow. The pork bun was good not outstanding (little too much dough) but the rice bun was amazing!
I can’t wait to come here soon for a proper sit down meal of roast pork over rice and more wonton soup!

Wow, I called today to simply ask if they take reservation they hang up on me, tough was bad reception, called again whoever pick up the phone told me do not call them again because they are too busy or he will use the F word on me. for real? Like whats wrong with the service?
on the phone is a Cantonese guy sounds like on his 30−50ish, middle age crisis?

So, I always loved this place. BUT, when I stepped in, a few weeks ago, I caught extreme attitude from the high school dropout at the cutting board. This was after several of his esteemed colleagues simply ignored me. I commited the crime of asking take out prices. And so, for my money, Sun Sai Gai can stick their roast pork you know where.

Worst experience ever! The wan ton was too dry, and chicken is salty. The vegetables are not fresh. It was a nightmare. And the worsts part is they offered no service but sked for more tips!!!

For what I came expecting, this deserves 5 stars.
No more, no less — cheap, quick, classic Chinese dining. Restaurant is tiny and dingy, as many other Unilocalers have noted. The waiter spoke little English and was singing to himself for most of the evening. The food came up on a small dumbwaiter (food elevator) from the basement, which was funny and a little sketchy.
We had to pour ourselves water from a pitcher at the front of the restaurant but hot tea was served to us in plastic glasses. The pork buns were perfect — lots of sweet, soft dough with marinated pork inside. Chicken bun and sticky rice bun were not as great but were interesting to try.
Duck on rice was exactly as it sounds and was so delicious — crispy skin and tender meat — and the rice was covered in a tasty duck juice (grease?). We also really enjoyed the shrimp yi mein (lighter, fluffier noodles than lo mein made with club soda). Really, really good.
Totally hilarious experience and we will definitely be back for more — the entire meal (4 buns and 2 entrees) came to 19 dollars!!! Win win.

Like many restaurants in NYC, this one is pretty small and cramped. We were able to get a table before the dinner rush though. When seated, they give you tea instead of water, which is a nice change. Maybe that’s the norm in NY but since I was visitin, I wasn’t sure.
Our orders were done fairly quick. I got a rice noodle soup bowl with wonton dumplings and duck. The broth was okay, but kind of bland. I didn’t mind though because I hoped that meant they didn’t use as much MSG. The pieces of duck was most fatty pieces with little meat. I was mostly disappointed about the wonton dumplings because they tasted old, like they had been made some time ago and had been frozen awhile. My sister ordered a noodle bowl with veggies, and they added LOTS of veggies in it, which was good.

Truth be told I only came here because its on the way to the subway.
I got breakfast, lunch and a snack for the day here for $ 4.55, two steamed sticky rice rolls and a peanut and pork in sticky rice wrapped in leaves (Chinese tamale).
I also the other day got three steamed buns that will last the whole day for $ 2.70, two chopped meat buns and a sticky rice roll.
The food here has always just been ok for me. Huge buns. Fair price. If I’m in need of quick food on the way to the train, it’s always here in the same corner.
I thought Ming’s story about the waiter asking about her via her mom is hilarious. It’s so Chinatown!

As one of the oldest establishments in Chinatown, Sun Say Gai has had the fortune of being situated along the corner of Baxter and Canal, a tourist hot spot next the landmark red kiosk /​CTown info booth. It also has the misfortune (or pleasure) of being neighbors to the infamous Win Choy seafood market (
) and all the glorious odors and tourist photos that come with it. Locals and frequent visitors will almost always recognize this corner as one of the central points on the Chinatown gritty map.
Sun Say Gai is pronounced «Sun Psy/​Sai Guy» and not «Son Say Gay.» They didn’t exactly do themselves any favors by switching from Kai to Gai in the last couple of years, but kudos to them for being PC with the Jyutping spelling. For those wondering, the «Nha Hang Tan The Gioi» is actually Vietnamese for «New World Restaurant», which is the equivalent to the Canto version of the restaurant name. (#1)
Inside it is unremarkably dingy and as divey as one would expect. The skewered meats in the window, from BBQ pork to roast duck are reasons I ever come in here. Most of their dishes that revolve around them (usually over rice) are probably the thing they do best. I haven’t been a fan of their noodle soups, the base has been bland and noodles aren’t always soft the way most should be.
Then there is the service. I never expect stellar service in any Chinatown establishment, but it’s possible the years have been tough on the staff here. They’ve all seemed a bit rushed for speed /​payment /​dish clanging yet apathetic on just about everything else. Here’s hoping for a new change in their say gai (world).
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(#1) No Viet dishes served here. Xin Loi.

Over the years I have eaten here several times… especially when I wanted to bring back the feeling of the Cantonese Chinatown of yesteryear. Although the place is located near the gathering place of the masses of tourists, it still serves the local community as well.
The food when I have sat down has been inconsistent and the prices reflect that they also cater to tourists. It has remained a hole in the wall and the waiters can be quite short with you.
The roast pork buns at the counter on the left when you enter the restaurant have, however, remained exceptionally good. The people who work behind the counter sometimes come off as not so personable, but if you had been behind the same counter since 1978, you might be as well. On the other hand, if it is not mobbed and you engage the people there in a conversation, you will find them to be very personable and friendly.

This place is conveniently located near the canal street train station across from the tourist information center. I usually come here for their pastries which are pretty good but this is my first time experiencing the food and frankly it was a bit disappointing. The roast meat was flavorful and adequately done.
However, the wonton noodle soup was rather bland and remarkably undercooked. The noodles were very hard– like chewing on uncooked noodles– and one of the wontons were still bleeding when I bit into it. I had to send it back to get reheated, but after the initial experienced I was pretty much full.
Bottom line: don’t order the noodle soup and opt for the roast meats if you were to choose between the two

Best steamed chicken buns around.
When you walk in the bun counter is on the left. The main restaurant takes up the remaining space.
Baked chicken buns are also good, but steamed is better. The steamed sausage buns are ok, but nothing I would eat again.
Duck noodle or wonton soup is savory and delicious.
Other dishes worth ordering are —
Chicken with hot peppers,
Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce,
Shrimp with pickled veg on rice,
Roast duck over rice

UGH I LOVE THIS PLACE! It’s dirty it’s dingy and it got a B on the rating and I don’t give a sh*t. I used to come here growing up with my parents! Best little section for their baked goods. And it’s still freaking dirt cheap for everything else around… 90 cents for egg custard and custard buns… every time I’m in there I have to run in and buy them! The best!
And the duck is crack they go through them so fast, and I walked in here the other day and my sister had the last whole duck to go. $ 19.50…
I’m a classic girl, I’ll get white rice, some chinese veggies and bbq pig and roast duck as my entrée. Hot tea and I’m good to go. oh how i love thee.
And the waiters have been there for years, one guy has been working there since I was 10 and that was 17 years ago!

I came here with my mom after her doctor’s appointment. My mom was the one who picked this place because «it was the closest» and she didn’t want to walk… so lazy…-__-#
This review is for the sit down service. My mom ordered rice with cha siu, chicken and roasted pig. I originally wanted the beef stew wonton noodle soup but they didn’t have the beef, so I just ordered the wonton noodle soup.
The food came out fast, maybe a little too fast. The noodles in my soup were kind of hard, really al dente. My mom didn’t like the rice. I guess we’re too used to eating Jasmine rice because it’s more aromatic. She complained the rice and the cabbage was very bland. I handed her the bottle of salt but she refused. She couldn’t finish her plate so she told me to eat the cha siu. I agree with her about the rice… blegh.
Afterward, the guy came by with the check and started talking to my mom about me in chinese… he was asking all these questions about me like if I was her daughter, how old I am, am I working??? Like really, mind yo damn business… After he left I told my mom that he was creeping me out and that I felt uncomfortable and how I don’t like that stuff. She was defending him!!! jeez, thanks mom… When we were leaving, he said bye pretty girl… eeek…(mind you he was like 40+ years old.
Mom, next time we’re walking to a better place… stop being so lazy!!!
And what’s up with the menu name???

Big-​ass steamed buns for a dollar: Yeah!
Chicken curry over rice: Neah!
I was walking by here late at night and out of the corner of my eye saw «Pork bun 90 cents.» I’ve never been a big fan of the steamed bun but 90 cents is 90 cents and I’m a gamblin man. It’s Chinatown and what restaurant would have a shitty steamed bun? Funnier things have happened though.
I made the mistake of ordering two buns and it was a mistake because damn they’re huge being mostly dough with a good amount of filling. Order a pork and a lotus bun and you’re good to go. Because it was late they had stopped serving the duck and the pork dishes so I wound up ordering a pretty underwhelming chicken curry over rice. You got a lot of chicken but there’s no real flavor going on except huge chunks of onion. Ehhhhh.
Gonna come back for the duck and pork!

Prominently positioned on Canal street, I always thought Sun Say Kai was a tourist spot and someplace too obvious to eat in Chinatown. I finally decided it was time to find out, and what better dish than roast pork on white rice.
At first I was disoriented because I expected it to have a much larger dining area (this was the fake image I conjured in my head over the past 5 years). One side has the chickens and pigs in the window with the man taking orders and on the opposite side is a pastry, dim sum, and coffee station. I was surprised by the low prices — $ 4.75 for the pork on rice — and they also had the coffee and pastries for under $ 1.00. Maybe this isn’t the tourist haunt I’d imagined.
I was a little confused about how to order a coffee and a dish and at which register I would pay at, so I focused on the lunch.
The weather was too nice so I ate in Columbus Park, noting the heaviness of my bag as I walked. Upon opening I knew I would never finish, this was a healthy serving. The pork flavor was exactly what you expect and want from this dish. Just the right amount of savory and sweet. This should come as no surprise, but I don’t like my pork too fatty, and this pork was cut thick and had some sizable fat pieces. I mostly ate around it and got some real enjoyment from the crispier end bits. I also really appreciated the good helping of cabbage that came along with it.
On my scale, this place starts with a strong 3-​stars and I’m interested to drop in again for some other items soon.

Old school Chinatown, in the heart of Chinatown. Sun Say Kai is what I call a throwback. Sun Say Kai has two counters, one to order roast meats and the other to order various dim sum, mostly of the steamed variety. Most of the waiters are 50 year old men who will gladly take your order. I have always wondered how a restaurant that is this old school survives in a Chinatown climate where new and creative is everything. For those who grew up in Chinatown, old school means food that is sometimes bland, made the old way (i.e. any meat-​filled bun that has way too much bun), roast meats that have too much food dye but not much flavor, and cheong fun whose wrappers are too thick.
This is not to say that the food is horrible at Sun Say Kai. Far from it, it is definitely passable for those who are used to non-​Chinatown Chinese food. When you eat here, just close your eyes and you’ll be transported to Chinatown circa 1978. Not so bad, just a different Chinatown.

VOID VOID VOID… I went back for the other duck half. hehe. BUT just a quarter of the salted chicken! The ginger-​scallion oil that came with the chicken is wonderful.
I love this place. But their English is very sorely limited sooooo just order your shit and get out. Pointing helps.