When it comes to Dim Sum, there's only one name that reigns supreme in Chinatown: Nom Wah. This historic restaurant, which first opened its doors all the way back in 1920, is known for its delicious dumplings and steamed buns.
Nom Wah has been around since 1920, and in that time, it's become an icon of Chinatown. The tea house is based in NYC's Chinatown, but it also has locations in Nolita and Philadelphia. It's the oldest dim sum parlor in NYC, and its legacy is one that's firmly cemented in the city's food history.
What makes Nom Wah so special is its combination of tradition and modernization. For example, it offers both classic dim sum items like dumplings and har gow (shrimp dumplings), as well as new twists on these dishes that incorporate modern flavors and ingredients. So whether you're a longtime fan of Nom Wah or you're just discovering it for the first time, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Nom Wah has been around since 1920, and in that time, it's become an iconic spot for dim sum and dumplings in New York City's Chinatown. There are a few dishes that you simply have to try when you visit:
The Crab Rangoon is a must-have—it's one of Nom Wah's most popular items. These cheese-and-crab-stuffed wontons are deep-fried and served with a sweet and sour sauce.
Another fan favorite is the Shu Mai. These pork dumplings are steamed and topped with shrimp, making them a delicious and decadent choice.
And finally, don't forget the Lo Mein. This Cantonese dish is made with wheat noodles and vegetables, making it the perfect comfort food choice.
"It's always been a family restaurant," Tang tells us. "My grandparents, my parents, my uncle, they've all been a part of it at some point." And it was his uncle who first added dim sum to the menu in the mid-20th century.
But it was only in 2011 that Tang, who had been working in finance and real estate, took over the business from his uncle and began to implement his own vision. "I wanted to bring it back to its roots," he says. " restore the quality, and make it more accessible."
This has meant making some changes, like sourcing ingredients from local purveyors and increasing the number of vegetarian and gluten-free items on offer. But the most important thing for Tang has been staying true to Nom Wah's heritage. "It's about maintaining that old-school feel," he says. "The tea pots, the cups, the recipes—I wanted to keep all that."
Chinatown's tea houses are a world away from the hustle and bustle of New York City. They're a place where you can slow down, take a break from the chaos, and enjoy a delicious meal.
Nom Wah, in particular, is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. This tea house has been serving up dim sum and dumplings since 1920, and it's easy to see why it's so beloved.
The first thing you'll notice when you step inside Nom Wah is the smell of incense burning. This is traditional in Chinese restaurants, and it's meant to ward off evil spirits.
The next thing you'll notice is the decor. Nom Wah is decorated with red lanterns, gold dragons, and other traditional Chinese elements. It's like stepping into another world.
And of course, the food is incredible. The dumplings are some of the best I've ever had, and the dim sum is equally delicious. If you're looking for an authentic Chinatown experience, Nom Wah is the place to go.
What's also interesting about Nom Wah is that they're always innovating and trying new things. For example, they recently introduced a line of breakfast buns, which are basically like a cross between a croissant and a biscuit. They come in flavors like bacon, egg, and cheese; sausage, egg, and cheese; and ham, egg, and cheese.
And if you're looking for something a little sweeter, they've also got you covered with their matcha cream bun. It's basically a green tea-flavored croissant filled with matcha cream. So good!
If you're ever in the area and looking for a quick bite, definitely check out Nom Wah. You won't be disappointed!
Nom Wah is currently in the midst of a expansion, with new locations set to open in Nolita and Philadelphia. And while the tea house might be expanding, its commitment to quality and tradition remains the same.
So whether you're a dim sum aficionado or are just looking for a taste of Chinatown, Nom Wah is the perfect place to start.
Wilson Tang took over Nom Wah in 2010, and he's been keeping the traditions of his family alive while also making some much-needed updates. The dumplings are still as delicious as ever, but now there's wi-fi and a full bar, so you can spend all day there if you want. Dim sum is the perfect comfort food, and Nom Wah is the perfect place to enjoy it.
When it comes to Dim Sum, there's only one name that reigns supreme in Chinatown: Nom Wah. This historic restaurant, which first opened its doors all the way back in 1920, is known for its delicious dumplings and steamed buns.
Nom Wah has been around since 1920, and in that time, it's become an icon of Chinatown. The tea house is based in NYC's Chinatown, but it also has locations in Nolita and Philadelphia. It's the oldest dim sum parlor in NYC, and its legacy is one that's firmly cemented in the city's food history.
What makes Nom Wah so special is its combination of tradition and modernization. For example, it offers both classic dim sum items like dumplings and har gow (shrimp dumplings), as well as new twists on these dishes that incorporate modern flavors and ingredients. So whether you're a longtime fan of Nom Wah or you're just discovering it for the first time, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Nom Wah has been around since 1920, and in that time, it's become an iconic spot for dim sum and dumplings in New York City's Chinatown. There are a few dishes that you simply have to try when you visit:
The Crab Rangoon is a must-have—it's one of Nom Wah's most popular items. These cheese-and-crab-stuffed wontons are deep-fried and served with a sweet and sour sauce.
Another fan favorite is the Shu Mai. These pork dumplings are steamed and topped with shrimp, making them a delicious and decadent choice.
And finally, don't forget the Lo Mein. This Cantonese dish is made with wheat noodles and vegetables, making it the perfect comfort food choice.
"It's always been a family restaurant," Tang tells us. "My grandparents, my parents, my uncle, they've all been a part of it at some point." And it was his uncle who first added dim sum to the menu in the mid-20th century.
But it was only in 2011 that Tang, who had been working in finance and real estate, took over the business from his uncle and began to implement his own vision. "I wanted to bring it back to its roots," he says. " restore the quality, and make it more accessible."
This has meant making some changes, like sourcing ingredients from local purveyors and increasing the number of vegetarian and gluten-free items on offer. But the most important thing for Tang has been staying true to Nom Wah's heritage. "It's about maintaining that old-school feel," he says. "The tea pots, the cups, the recipes—I wanted to keep all that."
Chinatown's tea houses are a world away from the hustle and bustle of New York City. They're a place where you can slow down, take a break from the chaos, and enjoy a delicious meal.
Nom Wah, in particular, is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. This tea house has been serving up dim sum and dumplings since 1920, and it's easy to see why it's so beloved.
The first thing you'll notice when you step inside Nom Wah is the smell of incense burning. This is traditional in Chinese restaurants, and it's meant to ward off evil spirits.
The next thing you'll notice is the decor. Nom Wah is decorated with red lanterns, gold dragons, and other traditional Chinese elements. It's like stepping into another world.
And of course, the food is incredible. The dumplings are some of the best I've ever had, and the dim sum is equally delicious. If you're looking for an authentic Chinatown experience, Nom Wah is the place to go.
What's also interesting about Nom Wah is that they're always innovating and trying new things. For example, they recently introduced a line of breakfast buns, which are basically like a cross between a croissant and a biscuit. They come in flavors like bacon, egg, and cheese; sausage, egg, and cheese; and ham, egg, and cheese.
And if you're looking for something a little sweeter, they've also got you covered with their matcha cream bun. It's basically a green tea-flavored croissant filled with matcha cream. So good!
If you're ever in the area and looking for a quick bite, definitely check out Nom Wah. You won't be disappointed!
Nom Wah is currently in the midst of a expansion, with new locations set to open in Nolita and Philadelphia. And while the tea house might be expanding, its commitment to quality and tradition remains the same.
So whether you're a dim sum aficionado or are just looking for a taste of Chinatown, Nom Wah is the perfect place to start.
Wilson Tang took over Nom Wah in 2010, and he's been keeping the traditions of his family alive while also making some much-needed updates. The dumplings are still as delicious as ever, but now there's wi-fi and a full bar, so you can spend all day there if you want. Dim sum is the perfect comfort food, and Nom Wah is the perfect place to enjoy it.
