nom wah has been on my list for a while! came here on a friday for dim sum with friends and family visiting from out of town — wait was 5-10 minutes (not bad) and we were quickly seated once the table was cleared and cleaned up. we ordered shrimp rice rolls, turnip cake, egg yolk buns, spared ribs, shrimp dumplings, and rice rolls with fried dough - all were amazing! loved every bite :’). definitely one of the better dim sum spots i’ve had in chinatown nyc - will come back here again if the wait isn’t too bad 😭

Nom Wah Tea Parlour is a Chinatown classic, offering all the dim sum staples—from tender chicken feet, steamed spare ribs, rice rolls, savory soup dumplings to stuffed eggplant and fluffy roast pork buns. But the standout here is the OG egg roll, a nostalgic favorite with a crispy, flaky exterior and a delicious filling of chicken and vegetables. This egg roll is heartier than most, fried to golden perfection with a one-of-a-kind egg batter. Nom Wah’s OG egg roll is truly special and a must-order. Visiting here is like stepping into a piece of NYC history, with flavors you won’t find anywhere else!

+2

Walked in with no wait on a Tuesday evening and had a great experience! Was a bit overwhelmed on what to order but the stand outs were the pork soup dumplings and the pork bun. The shrimp siu mai was interesting but not sure I’d order again. Also had the cilantro rice roll (ordered two but could have definitely shared) and the spring rolls. Will definitely be back!

+1

This is a traditional Chinese restaurant that has retained the atmosphere of old New York. The interior is cosy, with classic decorative elements 🥢🥡 The staff are friendly, the service is fast and the place is clean. There are often queues after 6pm . There is a fairly wide choice of dishes - dim sum, rice rolls, pork, rice and noodles. There is also a small selection of desserts. 🫖🍻 Drinks - a good selection of tea, Chinese and Japanese beer. 👍 Top dishes: 1. Shanghainese Soup Dumplings 💯. Chicken Soup Dumplings, the dough was thicker, so I liked them less. 2. Cilantro and Scallion Rice Rolls. 3. Pork Siu Mai are also interesting. 4. For dessert, the red bean buns are the best. The yellow ones are too sweet. 👎 I didn't understand the Shrimp and Egg-Fried Rice at all. There were only 4 prawns and a lot of liquid smoke (or something that gave such a strange smoky taste, but unfortunately in the worst way). The Chicken Soup Dumplings was mediocre. 💲 The prices are reasonable considering the quality of the food and the atmosphere. But $14,5 + tax for mediocre rice with 4 prawns is too much. Yes, the portion is huge, but the satisfaction is 0. Definitely one of my favourite places in Chinatown. It's worth a visit 🐉🥟🍜🥢

+4

Stepping into Nom Wah Tea Parlor is like taking a walk through culinary history. This iconic spot has been serving up delectable dim sum since 1920, and it does not disappoint. From the House Special Roast Pork Bun to the Shrimp and Snow Pea Leaf Dumplings, each dish was a delightful experience. The Pork Siu Mai and Steamed Bean Curd Skin Rolls were particularly memorable, packed with flavor and expertly prepared. The Original “OG” Egg Roll and Pan-Fried Noodles in Superior Soy Sauce brought a wonderful savory balance to the meal, while the Steamed Phoenix Buns were a sweet ending. Nom Wah’s charm doesn’t just lie in its food; the history of the place adds an extra layer of enjoyment. If you’re looking for authentic, delicious dim sum and a touch of New York history, Nom Wah Tea Parlor is the place to go.

+6

Located in a narrow quiet street, this is a hidden gem in Chinatown. Inside is relatively small for dim sum, but food are really good, also there are a large variety of food on the menu. We ate a lot, yet there were still s little of others on the menu we wanted to try……service was good and fast. Highly recommended. If you ever go to Chinatown, this is the place worth trying.

+2

Saw nom wah tea parlor have no lines or wait after decades of trying to go here. There was a rainstorm so the stars aligned like some movie. Food was freaking delicious and it’s so beautiful in there.

Excellent Dim Sum, huge portions, cheap prices. It’s nothing fancy but there is a reason this place is a not so best kept secret spot in NYC. It’s small so get there early! A must dine for dim sum lovers & those visiting NYC and looking for an authentic Chinatown experience.

Exceeded my expectations! Vintage atmosphere with the moat amazing food!! And 6 of us ate until we were stuffed for under $130...great value. 10 out of 10, would recommend!

+6

Excellent food! The place is so cute and the wait in line is totally worth it. Service is quick although they forgot to bring us one item. Our favorites were the stuffed eggplant, eggrolls, spare ribs with flat noodles. Also good but not that special: the scallion pancakes, dumpling soup and fried rice.

Delicious dim sum! I came around 3pm on a Sunday afternoon and there was a short line. Being a part of 2, we were seated inside pretty immediately, maybe 5-10 min total. We ordered the veggie dumplings, roast pork bun, and scallion/cilantro rice rolls. You must order rice rolls if you come here! We didn’t order any mains as we were going to another nearby restaurant after. Be mindful that it’s cash or AMEX only!

+1

Haven’t been here in a few years and it has gotten more busy and there’s definitely a lot more tourists here. But the food is great. Don’t let the awning outside fool you. The food is still good and priced reasonably. You check off what you want on a sheet. And they bring the food out. Also they only take cash or Amex. We had to wait so expect to stand in line for a bit. Large groups is not a good idea. I would say 4 people max. Just stand in the line and someone will out to you. No need to go inside and put your name down. My wife loves the chicken feet. I enjoyed the pork bun and the soup dumplings.

+2

Adored this place! The food was phenomenal, and you get such a great bang for your buck. Our whole meal was $80 for two, but we have leftovers for 2 meals easily. The service was also great, food came out quickly, and welcoming/lively atmosphere! Only couple of notes are that: 1) I thought all the meat and veggie dishes were better than the rice dishes. They were good, but not as we seasoned and fresh as the rest of the items that we ordered. 2) Cash or AMEX only

+4

Incredibly delicious dim sum classics in a no frills setting. This is hands down the best dim sum I’ve had, with so much on the menu to enjoy. Wish some other options were included but what they do have is insanely tasty. The scallion pancakes and shrimp dumplings were unreal! They’re cash or American Express only so make sure to plan ahead.

+6

Quick line, despite its length. Very competent hostess. The food was great, but our milk teas weren't sweet despite asking to add sugar to them, which was slightly disappointing. Regardless, it was reasonably priced dim sum and I liked the restaurant's vibes. Very casual (a place to go with friends, but not necessarily business partners or a date). Be aware that it's cash only!

+1

Most delicious dim sum I’ve ever had. This spot is super popular for a reason. The scallion pancakes were the perfect crispy texture. The shrimp balls were crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and delicious all around. The fried dumplings were also very tasty. A pot of jasmine tea is the perfect way to wash it all down. The line for this spot was super long when I left, so try to get there before noon.

Finally was in the area when the line wasn’t extremely long and the lines are well deserved. The food was delicious and delivered quickly. It may be a touristy place but the history of the restaurant makes it well worth the visit

+3

First trip to Chinatown - not sure why I waited so long! Very nice dim sum place. The food we ordered was all yummy, wished there were more of us so we could try even more items on the menu! Esp love the OG egg roll, so much goodness inside the crispy exterior. We were there on a Friday arriving at noon and were seated immediately. When we left at 1+pm, a long queue (30 mins wait according to wait staff) had formed. So go earlier, make a reservation before you go.

+6

This restaurant is the oldest dim sum restaurant in NYC. Year 1920. The egg rolls were really good. You can actually see the filling is wrapped with eggs! The food came out fast and was delicious. My oldest loved the bacon wrapped shrimp!

+2

My first eating dim sum, and not my last. This place was delicious. Everything was so good and tasty. Soup dumplings were really good too. 3 of us didn’t wait that long either outside and it was Valentine’s Day. I’ll definitely be back!

+1

Had a great experience here, very quiet during lunch time and we had booked a table but this was not necessary. Service was great, dim sum was great - had gai lan, dumplings, spring rolls, siu mai, all the stuff you'd expect at dim sum. The fried pork chops were also nice.

Such a good dim sum experience! As a veggie, there was plenty to eat, everything was tasty, prompt, and authentic. Got there right at 11 on a Sunday as a queue forms quickly. We’re a group of 5 and seated nearly straight away.

+1

There are plenty of options for Dim Sum in Chinatown and this is the oldest of them. We came here for dinner on a Monday night and had no issues getting a table. The service was fast. The food was great and very affordable. The three of us ate for a total of $60 and none of us left hungry. I would absolutely come back here and recommend checking it out.

Let’s take a trip back in time with a visit to Nom Wah Tea Parlor. This Chinatown’s first dim sum restaurant and a true NYC icon. Over a century old since 1920, Nom Wah is a Hong Kong style tea house that stood the test of time, outlasting trends, and surviving wars in Chinatown’s infamous “bloody corner.” Its exterior and interior is a living piece of culinary history. Their retro interior and decor blends perfectly with a vast menu of delicious food items. Think about a place where generations have gathered and you instantly feel connected the moment you sit down. Grab a bite and sip on some tea. Keep the teapot lid open and their friendly servers come refill your pot. Come for the history and stay for dim sum.

+6

Best spot in Chinatown in my opinion!!! The food is fresh and comes out quickly. You can try SO many things - I love their rice rolls and spring rolls! The bokchoy is fantastic. You really can’t go wrong! Cash only, very comforting atmosphere.

All I can say is “wow”! This was my first time at Nom Wah Tea Parlor and absolutely will not be my last. We ordered a variety of dishes and I was so disappointed when I was too full to eat more. We ordered shrimp dumplings, soup dumplings, beef rice rolls, pan fried dumplings, pan fried noodles, sesame buns with lotus paste, and the phoenix buns. My favorites had to be the beef rice rolls, pan fried noodles, and the soup dumplings. The phoenix bun was also excellent but I was so full that I couldn’t eat a full one.

While in Chinatown, we found this small, charming restaurant with excellent ratings, so we decided to give it a try. The place was packed, and although we wanted a booth, we couldn’t sit there since we were only two people. The service wasn’t the friendliest, possibly due to a language barrier, but the food made up for it. I’m not usually a fan of Chinese food, but my boyfriend is, and I’m glad we stayed—the food was delicious! The menu had photos and numbered items, making it easy to order. I’ve included photos of what we tried. Highly recommended if you’re in Chinatown!

+6

I love Chinatown and I probably ate in several restaurants here already but I keep coming back to this place due to its delectable food and good price. I could say that it’s somewhat authentic not to mention very popular. The line can be very long on busy days so I suggest going here on weekdays (except Friday) especially during lunch. I brought several friends here and they got to love this restaurant too. So I would definitely recommend this place. I just don’t like the smell of cigarette smoke in the area especially when the servers are on their smoking break because they do it in front of the restaurant. It’s not a good place to be especially when you’re outside waiting in line. Nevertheless, the restaurant exudes an authentic Chinese restaurant vibe.

+6

Nom Wah Tea Parlor is one of those places that feels like stepping into history—and it’s the kind of history you want to eat. The vibe is super old-school Chinatown, and it’s charming as heck. You come here for dim sum, and trust me, it delivers. The shrimp dumplings? Perfectly steamed, with that bouncy shrimp texture you dream about. The BBQ pork buns are fluffy clouds of happiness, and don’t even get me started on the scallion pancakes—crispy, flaky, and just greasy enough to be amazing. Oh, and the egg rolls? Like, real egg rolls, not the tiny, sad ones you get from takeout spots. These are fat, crunchy, and stuffed with goodness. The tea hits the spot too, especially if you’re into the classic oolong or jasmine. It ties the whole experience together. Service can be a little slow when it’s packed, but honestly, you’re not here for fast food. You’re here to soak up the atmosphere and chow down. If you’re looking for fancy or modern, this ain’t it. But if you want straight-up delicious dim sum with a side of nostalgia, Nom Wah is 100% worth it. Just come hungry and bring some friends—you’ll want to try everything.

+3

Great dumplings and great tea. I often see big lines waiting for this place which I don’t understand as there are so many other places around that have just as good or better food. However, if there’s no line it’s worth stopping in just for the atmosphere and the tasty pork buns.

I just don’t know why this place isn’t 4.8 Maybe it’s the peeny-weeny bathroom or vintage old dive diner seats at the bar, I just had lunch there and though I saw the 4.2 outside I decided to open the door and check the vibe and it was a YES for me! As a 🇯🇲CHef, I was delighted to try another cultures’ chicken foot done right 👅delicious skin firm but tender - just an enjoyable well seasoned chew in a signature chinese wok taste. I don’t care for pasta but Love rice cakes & noodles. This scallion cilantro dressed rice noodles folded over nicely in a sweet soy is lusciously delicate. And a pot of Oolong tea which was just perfectly fragrant & soothed my soul. My waiters were pleasant,welcoming & comfortable explaining menu.Apparently it’s been around for ages, but I still feel lucky to have found it now. I’ll be back with my bunch

Great location to have a tasty Chinese style meal. The restaurant has an old but elegant look, the service is fast and professional. We ordered Chinese Greens in Oyster Sauce, Egg Fried Rice, Pan Fried Pork Dumplings and Sweet And Sour Pork Chops. I can say that all the dishes were delicious, but the last one was exceptional. Reasonable Prices.

+5

Craving authentic Hong Kong-style dim sum? Nom Wah, NYC’s first dim sum restaurant since 1920, is a must-visit! 🍽️ They offer a wide variety of delicious dim sum dishes, from flavorful dumplings to fluffy buns. But the real star? Their Original Egg Roll — it’s huge, packed with flavor, and unlike anything I have ever tried! Located in Chinatown, Nom Wah is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. Pro tip: Book a reservation because this iconic spot is always bustling!

+6

Nom Wah Tea Parlor – A Classic Dim Sum Experience I visited Nom Wah Tea Parlor on Mott Street for the first time and tried their dim sum and eggplant. Both were so good! The interior has an old-fashioned Chinese restaurant vibe, which adds to the charm. The line is always long, but it’s worth the wait for the food and the nostalgic atmosphere. Definitely a great spot for dim sum lovers!

If you’re in New York and want to enjoy an authentic culinary experience in one of the city’s most historic corners, Nom Wah Tea Parlor is a must-visit. It is known as the oldest dim sum restaurant in the city, in continuous operation since 1920.

The food was awesome. It’s a place that looks like time forgot it… A must visit restaurant in China Town.

+2

Must stop, this is a legend in NYC Chinatown. No wait, server came right over, food came fast. Not the best dumplings, not a michelin starred place but so worth the stop.

The dim sum is good, the atmosphere is old time diner meets Chinatown. Great place for families or a date. The food was yummy, I’d prefer the rice rolls to be a bit hotter, but the soups and Siu Mai were super tasty. The service was attentive and kind.

An institution par excellence. Everything was so so good. We ordered the must haves such as pork buns and chicken soup dumplings which were great! We also really enjoyed the shrimp and chive dumpling. The egg fried rice was simple and oh-so-well-done. Cash only or Amex fyi!

+1

It was my first time visiting this place with so much history. So much warmth in every item served . Sipping various flavors of tea was a highlight. Right in the middle of New York China Town, it was a mix of culture and culinary expedition. The wait for this place was okay as we girls had a lot to catch up even though we were crazy hungry after a long 4 hour trip. We were a large group but attended very quickly. The menu is simple and clearly labeled with ingredients which made it ready to order. The fried rice, noodles, flavored tea, dumplings remain my favorite. 5/5 for service and ambience. Definitely a must if you are visiting New York.

+6

Came here with a buddy of mine on a Wednesday and didn’t wait in line very long. The food itself was good but nothing super amazing. The food came out quick but was very tasty. We ordered a bunch of different dimples and noddles. I’ll def be back. It feels like you been transported back in time and the vibe inside was fun!

Angel Marin

The food was pretty damn good, some of the best in Chinatown. Prepare to be in line 30-45 minutes. Staff was friendly and food came out quick. Definitely recommend this place and I will becoming back. It’s all served family style, so get a couple of dishes and share. We went in a group of 5, here’s what we ordered. For the table 01 house special roast pork bun - 8/10. Pretty good! 05 Pork sui mai - 7/10. Nothing special, but still tasty. 06 shrimp dumplings - 7/10. Again, nothing special but still good. 13 sticky rice with Chinese sausage - 10/10. Loved every bite of this. Will definitely be ordering 2 bowls of this next time. 17 beef rice rolls - 9/10. These were some of my favorite of the night. And the sauce they have them in is 👌 28 fried shrimp balls - 10/10! By far my favorite! These were amazing and I could eat 20 of these! 36 turnip cake with Xo sauce - 8.4/10. Didn’t think I would like these as much as I did, but would definitely order them again. 37 salt and pepper shrimp - 9/10. Very simple and straight forward but delicious. Can’t go wrong with this. 40 pan fried noodle in superior soy sauce - 6/10. Nothing special. Dessert 45 fried sesame balls with lotus paste - 8.8/10. Delicious and sweet. 46 steamed lotus bun - 6/10. Not a fan.

Jennifer Gomez

It’s a cozy restaurant serving a delicious range of your classic dim sum options! Service was also great. I came here with my sister around noon Sunday and they sat us / served us right away. I highly recommend.

Brandon Mallis

Rice noodle dumplings all day in every way!!! Love this Dumpling/Chinese spot in Chinatown. Haven’t had a bad thing yet and been going there for years. Expected to wait in line.

Konrad Strumidlo

Food at this establishment is phenomenal. I'm addicted to those fried sesame balls...literally. This restaurant gets packed out on the weekends due to high foot traffic and sometimes language barrier can be an issue, but the food makes up for that. Must try.

+6

this place is great. I do have to say the wait to get in is not ideal and I think you can get great dim sum at many places in Chinatown. maybe even better than here. the egg rolls are very interesting a soft creamy center wrapped in thin egg and tossed in batter and fried. I loved them but not for everyone. also loved the shrimp and onion shu mai. pan fried dumplings were great as well.

Nhi Hoang

All of these food and it was $23/person (tip included!!) We got there early so there was no waiting at all. Highly recommend the Sui Mai, House Special Roast Pork Bun, Shrimp & Snow Pea Leaf!! Great comfort food and dont forget to get some tea! Will definitely come back for good casual food:)

+1

Natalie Krause

Great vibes and yummy dim sum! My favorite were the soup dumplings and shrimp dumplings. Excellent value for the price, just make sure you have cash :) Beautiful interior and they served us very quickly.

+4

Went one hour before closing, place was quiet, lights were dim and it felt magic. An institution that thankfully hasn’t been changed, it was dining inside a museum full of history. The pieces of art were the food. Would fly all the way back just for the shrimp and snow pea dim sum- a must try! Give the stuffed aubergines a go and the pork soup dumplings. Servers are rude but I guess that’s part of the authentic charm.

We’ve visited this restaurant multiple times and we love it! It’s one of the best dim sum restaurants in New York City. Our favorites are the Roast Pork Bun, Scallion Pancakes, Spring Rolls, Shrimp and Bacon Rolls. While it can get busy with a long waiting line, the food is served incredibly quickly. Love the old diner-style ambiance and decor. There’s plenty of both indoor and outdoor seating. The staff is always friendly and welcoming. I highly recommend dining here!

+6

This place was a delight. It was authentic, food was delicious and arrived quickly. I will say, the service could be much better. Take a buddy and chat and you will be able to get over the surly manger. Regardless of this, I will be back happily!

Samina Chowdhury

This spot is NYC’s oldest dim sum restaurant, serving authentic Hong Kong style dim sum in Chinatown since 1920 and somehow the prices are still reasonable in this economy! Tucked away in one of Chinatown NYC’s most iconic alleyways, this spot is known for classic dim sum favorites like shrimp dumplings, soup dumplings, shrimp shu mai, beef rice rolls, scallion pancakes, egg rolls and pan fried noodles. You can get 4 massive dumplings for under $7 😮‍💨 They are incredibly delicious and the portion to price ratio is a steal! If you’re looking for the best dim sum in NYC, a Chinatown food spot, or affordable dim sum in New York City, add Nom Wah Tea Parlor to your list ASAP.

+3

Denisa Rajská

real good prices and real good food - pretty typical for chinatown, the service is fast and food is delicious. the place is poppin' and also on a weekend or in the afternoon hours there tends to be a line but i'd say it's worth the wait if you have time

+5

Sandy Le

I understand why this place had such a long wait line as soon as I got to taste the food. The rice roll is my favorite, soft and had the perfect texture. The dumplings are surprisingly big! You get a really good value for the money you spend here. The only item I felt was subpar was the egg roll, it didn’t have enough salt/savory/umami for my tastes. Everything else was very good and well-balanced between sweet and savory. I would personally bring +$60 of cash per person, since their payment options are limited. Also, space is limited, I was very lucky to come here on my own and get in quickly. I would only eat in a group of 4, at maximum, if I had to eat in a group.

Chantal Theresa

Incredible spot if you’re in the mood for family style dim sum! Reasonable prices and dishes made here that you can’t find anywhere else like their jumbo pork steamed buns and giant eggrolls. Loved all the food and will be back soon!

+4

I have always wanted to go here. Chinatown's oldest restaurant, since 1920. It's got that old-school vibe inside and nothing has been updated, which I love. We got some tea and came in on a night t…

Amazing dimsum, ambiance is great, food is amazing!! If you know what you're doing while ordering, it will not disappoint.

I went twice to this place and I still think about the food. I was introduced to this place from a friend. The place takes cash or American Express only. The service is off but the food compensates…

Maybe a 45 minute wait at 1pm, fast service, great food. Place is like a diner in the sense that it is fast paced. Great overall!

I have been here about 5 times and it's always enjoyable! They were able to seat us for early dinner without a reservation, very nice service. The chicken soup dumplings are my favorite! An insti…

I have been here about 5 times and it's always enjoyable! They were able to seat us for early dinner without a reservation, very nice service. The chicken soup dumplings are my favorite! An institu…

I loved everything about it - it was nostalgic -- food was lovely -- the sweet and sour pork chop was insane. Nothing made me feel to heavy even the fried items. Straightforward fast service true…

A hidden Gem \nTraditional with modern fusion ! \nA fun bar with good music, great food and amazing drinks. The service is awesome too. I like to come here as a date with my bf.

Awesome food and really fast service too. Really great flavors for all of it. Loved the steam ribs and good environment to eat in

Fantastic! \n\nWide menu variety, delicious food, and prices are unbeatable. \n\nGreat, casual spot. Excellent for groups or special occasions. No frills - just simple and delicious.

The best dim sum cuisine in Chinatown and all New York City. The dumplings were delicious. Perfect deep fried shrimps, crunchy delicate and not oily. prices are cheap, considering the average …

The best dim sum cuisine in Chinatown and all New York City. The dumplings were delicious. Perfect deep fried shrimps, crunchy delicate and not oily. Prices are cheap, considering the average of…

The staff were so nice and attentive. Their business is cash and Amex only so it was great to tell people before seating, because honestly I’m one of those cashless Apple Pay folks now, so that was…

Delicious, authentic, well-prepared food at reasonable prices. There was a long line, but it moved fairly quickly. We were there on a Saturday, and if you're dreaming of a quiet dinner in peaceful…

We came here and we had a 20min wait so we left and went somewhere else but then returned the next day and had a 15min wait but it was well worth it! Very clean, food was amazing. 100% recommend

Pretty good sit down place for dimsum with your classic dishes available to order. Interior is real Hong Kong cafe vibes. Portions were reasonable and if you want to order their signature items to try you cannot go wrong. We had to wait in line for about 30min on a weekend. Best to reserve in advance.

+1

One of the oldest dim sum restaurants in NYC and is popular with tourists. Would recommend trying the stuffed eggplant, scallion pancakes, fried shrimp with bean curd skin rolls, sticky rice with Chinese sausage and beef rice roll. While the food was delicious, the dishes did seem a bit greasy. The interior is quite spacious, although you might need to share one of the large tables with other diners during busy times. Looking around, you'll be able to get a feel for the place's history, with photos and memorabilia on the walls. The restrooms, while functional, could use some renovation. For dinner, would recommend coming here a bit earlier, particularly during the weekends, as it tends to get busy and you may need to line up outside.

+1

Luckily we made a reservation but we could not be seated until that exact time as there is a long line of people in the front. Its an old very popular Chinese restaurant in Chinatown in a small street, secluded but well known. They have a variety of dishes so you would need to come many times to taste them all. What we had was really good, I didn’t care for their fried rice and some gyoza. Noodles where a bit dry but very tasty, dim sum was good. Sesame rice balls were delicious. Service is fast and efficient. They bring the dishes as they are ready so there is always something on the table.

+6

Dumpling soup taste surprising good, the dumpling skin is thick, the meat ball is big but not much tasty. Choy vegetable is boiled not much tasty. also. Chang Feng the rice noodle taste good, evidently is noisy and customers are most yong

+2

Atmosphere typical old style Asian place clean with some old pics so the look is simple but acceptable for authentic Chinese food Food Was amazing! My inlaws have been visiting and this is the first time I finally found the time during this trip. Am definitely coming back again when I'm in town! I ordered so much food for 3 adults and 1 child 😆 Gave my 2 inlaws (first time there too) a mini lecture on what the different dimsum are. Thankfully they were daring to try everything except the chicken feet 😆 Each serving was around 3 pcs with some 4 pcs. So eventually I ordered a lot, there were dishes we had to half so everyone can taste each. Payment They only accept AMEX or cash, which almost disrupted my plan to eat as much as I can. Luckily my BiL treated us to lunch, but I did find I had enough cash despite my ordering around 8-9 dimsum and the total was a reasonable $63. Bathroom Used to 1st Men then 2nd Women, but someone decided to put M/F pics so unisex. Eventually decided to stick to the Women's on the right *unless you're desperate then go to the unisex originally Men's Typical mostly Male users = stinks a bit and for was ewwww vs the originally Women's one This place meets my expectations of what an authentic dimsum is from my childhood. And as one who has traveled to enough Asian countries to appreciate not Westernized Asian food that usually ends up lacking in flavor and/or too thick wrapper for the dimsum.

+6

We all came here because this place is NYC Chinatown First Dim Sum since 1920 . Inside the restaurant look cozy and feel like home . The food is good in the traditional way because the portions are big not like other dimsum place their portions smaller which i prefer so you can try different dishes. They bring you your order in the old way not people push cart around . That’s the difference, but im happy that i tried this place.

+1

Their dim sum was just average. The dumpling skin was a little too thick and their xiaolongbao didn’t have much soup inside. But the dishes with shrimp were quite good! The stuffed eggplant was very delicious too! The chinese greens in oyster sauce was a little too salty.

Nom Wah Tea Parlor, located in Manhattan's Chinatown, is a historic and iconic dim sum restaurant that has been around since 1920. Atmosphere Nom Wah Tea Parlor exudes old-school charm, with a vintage diner-like feel and a cozy ambiance. The decor reflects its long history, making it feel like a step back in time. It's a casual, laid-back space that caters to a mix of locals and tourists. Food As a dim sum destination, Nom Wah offers a wide variety of traditional Cantonese dishes. Shrimp dumplings : Delicate and filled with plump shrimp. Shrimp ball : fried ball with shrimp like a fish cakes. Pork buns : Soft, fluffy, and filled with savory, slightly sweet pork. Turnip cakes:Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and full of flavor. Egg rolls: Not your typical egg rolls—these are more substantial with a crispy shell and flavorful filling. The food is fresh, flavorful, and made to order rather than served from carts, as is common in some dim sum spots. This guarantees the dishes are hot when they arrive at your table. However, some find the menu more limited compared to larger dim sum halls. Price Nom Wah is reasonably priced for NYC, especially considering its historic status and location in Chinatown. While not the cheapest dim sum in the city, the prices are fair, and the portion sizes are generous. 👍 - Authentic and flavorful dim sum - Historic and charming atmosphere - Reasonable prices for quality andlocation 👎 - Limited menu compared to other dim sum spots - Service can be slow during busy times Nom Wah Tea Parlor is a beloved NYC institution, offering a nostalgic dining experience with solid dim sum options. It's a great place to experience a piece of Chinatown history while enjoying some tasty food.

+6

Food , service, and atmosphere were good. Bathrooms , teapot and tables could’ve been renovated but maybe this was the point … so we can all still feel like we time-traveled to the 1920s in nyc at a dim sum tea parlor . The oolong with hydrangea tea was also a delight to try . Thank you

GOT THERE WHEN IT OPENED AT 11 AM, BEEN COMING HERE FOR 30 YEARS, JUST ORDERED THE DUMPLING SOUP & PORK SHU MAI.

+1

Finally got to try this NYC Chinatown classic. They were very efficient with seating, and despite the line, we didn't wait much. The food was good. My favorites were the roasted pork bun and the soup dumplings. The noodles were also quite good. Interior is casual, chibatown eatery - it's not about the vibe, but that is a vibe of its own, isn't it? :)

+6

daniela mendoza

the food was soo good! Tried so much from the menu and everything was delicious, line was long but definitely worth the wait! everything felt very homey, like comfort food your mom or aunties make. Definitely recommend, can’t wait to return

JV Ante

One of the better Chinese restaurant that I always go to. This time was a bit of disappointment. The scallion pancake was just a crispy flat bread with barely a trace of scallion. The stuffed eggplant is always on point. Noticed that they tell customers upfront that they only take cash or Amex.

Nom Wah Tea Parlor is the oldest continuously operating dim sum restaurant in New York City's Chinatown. It offers a classic Cantonese dining experience, specializing in dim sum and Chinese pastries. The restaurant is located on the famously curved Doyers Street, which contributes to its vintage, old-New York aesthetic. Unlike many traditional dim sum spots that use circulating metal carts, Nom Wah has transitioned to a made-to-order system under its current ownership, ensuring that all dishes are served fresh and hot. Signature items include "The Original" egg roll, roast pork buns, and almond cookies. 1920 Opening: Nom Wah Tea Parlor opened at 13–15 Doyers Street as a tea parlor and bakery. Doyers Street's Past: The street itself, Doyers Street, is famous for its distinct, sharp bend. It was historically nicknamed the "Bloody Angle" due to its past association with gang violence among rival tongs (gangs) in the early 20th century, as the curve provided a perfect blind spot for ambushes. The Choy Family Era: In the 1940s, the Choy family became the first known operators, running the business primarily as a bakery and selling fresh pastries, steamed buns, and dim sum. Wally Tang Takes Over: Wally Tang, the Choy family's nephew, started working at Nom Wah in the 1950s and purchased the restaurant in 1974. He transformed it into a full-scale dim sum restaurant, and his mooncakes, in particular, became legendary, drawing long lines of customers. The Modern Era: In 2010, Wally Tang's nephew, Wilson Tang, took over. He revitalized the space, updating the kitchen and transitioning the service model to made-to-order dim sum while carefully preserving the restaurant's vintage charm—keeping the Art Deco touches, red vinyl booths, and overall historic aesthetic. A very history Dim Sum House I have never attended due to the crush of tourists that attend this establishment, I don't think i ever will since there are many compatible Dim Sum shops throughout Chinatown.

+3

Retro vibes, throwback to the good old days. Siew mai and fried crispy prawn beancurd rolls were good, and fried rice is simple with strong wok hey. It was interesting that they added celery to the fried rolls, added crunch to each bite. Only sad that there isn't any authentic HK milk tea here. Cash or AMEX only

Gordo

I enjoyed the atmosphere here at this restaurant, but the food I did not enjoy as much. Food is ordered using a checklist so there is not much of a connection with staff. The food is good just nothing different than options in the area. I felt rushed.

Mimi Coleman

I stopped by Nom Wah Tea Parlor and tried the shrimp shumai, shrimp rice noodle rolls, shrimp ha gow, and pork soup dumplings. Overall, everything tasted good—fresh shrimp flavor and satisfying fillings. The only downside was that the dough on most items was a bit thick and slightly hard, so the texture wasn’t as delicate as I expected. Prices are reasonable for the quality and portion size, and the old-school vibe of the place is really charming.

Came by on a weekday afternoon. I didn't have to wait for a table.\n\nThis place looks rough about the edges but that's part of the charm.\n\nThe food was average at best. prices are decent. Servic…

Came by on a weekday afternoon. I didn't have to wait for a table.\n\nThis place looks rough about the edges but that's part of the charm.\n\nThe food was average at best. Prices are decent. Servic…

Came by on a weekday afternoon. I didn't have to wait for a table.\n\nThis place looks rough about the edges but that's part of the charm.\n\nThe food was average at best. Prices are decent. Servic…

Visited Nom Wah for the first time with a friend on a Saturday for lunch. They don't take reservations, so we waited about 15 minutes for a table, and there was a line outside. Once seated, we were…

I was lucky to have an expert with our group to pick the shared plates. Everything was perfect. The soup dumpling and the little sandwich was some of the best I have ever had. \n\nNegative would …

Historic must visit Chinatown institution. Loved the rice rolls. Rest are pretty standard Chinatown fare with decent price points. Always crowded- but moves fast.

If I have to be honest, this place its not worth. Location is in the hearth of chinatown but inside its a mess and doesnt look so clean. I attach the picture of the bathroom. Infact the sanitari in…

If I have to be honest, this place its not worth. Location is in the hearth of chinatown but inside its a mess and doesnt look so clean. I attach the picture of the bathroom. Infact the sanitari in…

The dim sum was very good here. We especially enjoyed the soup dumplings and shrimp shumai. The Chinese broccoli was delicious, as was most dumplings. The ribs were very disappointing as they were mo…

The dim sum was very good here. We especially enjoyed the soup dumplings and shrimp shumai. The Chinese broccoli was delicious, as was most dumplings. The ribs were very disappointing as …

The dim sum was very good here. We especially enjoyed the soup dumplings and shrimp shumai. The Chinese broccoli was delicious, as was most dumplings. The ribs were very disappointing as they w…

The dim sum was very good here. We especially enjoyed the soup dumplings and shrimp shumai. The Chinese broccoli was delicious, as was most dumplings. The ribs were very disappointing as they were …

Delicious food, many options - Dumplinglovers will be in heaven. Not so much dumplinglovers find their options as well. Definitely try the Sesame Balls, Lotus buns and steamed Broccoli on oyster…

A historic gem in Chinatown, doesnt look like much from the outside but is quite spacious inside offering a nostalgic 1950s diner-like ambience with delicious dim sum. Their soup dumplings and no…

A historic gem in Chinatown, doesnt look like much from the outside but is quite spacious inside offering a nostalgic 1950s diner-like ambience with delicious dim sum. Their soup dumplings and nood…

A surprise to find good dim sum in NYC. The settings inside is quaint and old school. We ordered a good selection of shrimp dumpling, noodles, rice flour, glutinous rice, pork meat bun, sesame ball…

I like the back room alley vibe-it’s a gritty place and I loved it. Yes they only take cash or American Express (bummer but we pooled our money, we laughed and created a memory). The service was f…

Our family had a wonderful dim sum meal here. They offered reservations for dim sum on a Thursday and we were seated immediately. Very clean (including the bathroom). Everything we had was deliciou…

Known as the first dim sum place in NY. There was a long line to get a table. After we got seated, the tables were kind of close to each other. This isn’t a large place. There was actually an older white lady that was complaining about us taking pictures of the food, unbeknownst to her, this is how people find out online if something is good. She definitely wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. The service was meh, we got our food fast. The food itself is decent. It wasn’t super tasty but it wasn’t horrible either. I only came here because of the reputation, so I don’t think I’ll return.

+2

Came here with a group of 4 and this place only takes cash! Good: - Lots of variety and lots of options - I liked the fried eggroll a lot - it was very unique and I can't say I've had one before - The Chinese broccoli was good - a little oily but good Bad: - Takes quite a long time for the waiters to come around and help us - A little run down and not the most amazing food I've had - Only cash or American express only Overall wouldn't come again, it was cool to be at the oldest dimsum parlor.

Please note: they take only cash and AMEX. The oldest restaurant in Chinatown, Nom Wah has a very wide selection of dim sum dishes, from $6.85 (plus tax) and up. The shrimp and pea shoot dumplings, stuffed eggplant and bean curd skin rolls were all excellent. The egg fried rice was a miss, though, being too oily with dry chalky peas. Wait times can be very long on weekends. The inside resembles an old diner, which some may think is part of its charm, but I feel an update is long overdue.

+3

Chinatown is full of dumpling and Dim Sum places, and must of them are basically good, with few the top the rest. Thus is the oldest place for dumplings and dim sum, and the food here is good. I love the fact they left everything as it used to be many years ago, it gives the place some magic. I had Vegetarian Dumplings 🥟 , Cilantro 🌿 and Scallion Rice 🍚 Rolls and Minced Beef Dumplings Soup, the rice rolls were good but not warm enough, the vegetarian dumplings were ok , the soup was luck of flavor and I had to add some spicy sauce to give it some taste. Service is nice and welcoming, vibe of old times, like in a time tunnel. It is ok but not must to visit

I know they got 5 stars..my hope was so, so, so high reading all the good reviews before visited there. But I was super disappointed. Was food good? Yes, it was, but it wasn't great. It was an average taste. Those reviewers that gave 5 stars maybe they have never been to any authentic Chinese resturants 🤷‍♀️ I went to China around 11 times. I could say that food in this resturant is just average. The most disappointed point was, the dirtiness. We got the 1st booth table, to the left of the restaurant when you entered. We had to adjust the seat, which made my hat felt the floor, when I picked my hat and saw how dirty the floor was, all the dirt that got pushed into the wall, I saw tons of rat dropping and other yuck stuffs. Unfortunately I couldn't unsee what I saw. So I ate with that dirty images in my brain. I tried to use bathroom afterward, while queuing the bathroom odor made me just left the scene. And dont order the oyster kale. Its not worth the money...

+1

I know this is one of the top recommended dim sum places, but honestly, I wasn't impressed. I'd skip and try something else next time. The food was just... Eh. The egg roll was disgusting. Deep fat fried, dripping oil, with a gelatinous filling. We had way better food at small places in China Town.

Agree with other comments - very mid food. Nice venue with history, which I appreciate is kinda rare for the states. Grab a pot of tea and enjoy the venue. Also, they only take cash and amex. We got a good sampling of the food and some was better than others. Unfortuanly lots of fried (deep and pan) and the oil wasn't fresh.

anna k

The dim sum here is, unfortunately, aggressively mid. This place has been in Chinatown since I was a kid, and somehow that history is doing all the heavy lifting now. The line is usually out the door and packed with non locals. I never felt compelled to wait for food I can get literally anywhere else in Chinatown, so it was always a place I walked past without a second thought. I finally came in after watching a YouTuber promise great food and big portions.. they are average normal size btw. There was no line that day, thank god, because I would not voluntarily wait for this. The food is fine, not bad enough to send back, not good enough to remember, and absolutely not worth standing around for. There are plenty of nearby spots that are just as good, if not better, and cheaper, with no lines. Nom Wah feels like a textbook tourist trap for young out of towners checking Chinatown off a list. And the ha gow (shrimp dumplings) my favorite basic dim sum item was abysmal. The skin was too chewy and hard. I've had better frozen ones from the supermarket. The only thing I enjoyed was that it wasn't as noisy as a typical dim sum restaurant. But I guess this place will once again be exactly what it always was for me, somewhere I walk past and never step into.

Joe Joe

We arrived on a sunday for a dim sum brunch. Arrogantly met with servers pretending to not know english. We ordered the og eggroll, which was unlike any eggroll I have had before. Basically a crepe filled with fresh veggies dipped and flour and fried. I enjoyed it. Then we got the soup dumpling which were on the line of trader joes frozen ones and the pork and shrimp shumai which were pretty tasty. Prices were decent. I gave a 25 percent tip and the waitress didnt seem happy about it????? I would recommend the place if u want to experience a 3rd world country feeling walking there. I prob wont go back much better in the area like dim sum gogo

The birthplace of the eggroll- I visited this shop for a quick bite while I was in Chinatown and luckily didn't have to wait for a seat. I ordered the House Special pork Bun and the Original Egg Ro…

The birthplace of the eggroll- I visited this shop for a quick bite while I was in Chinatown and luckily didn't have to wait for a seat. I ordered the House Special Pork Bun and the Original Egg Ro…

Nom Wah is the oldest operating dim sum restaurant in New York - over 100 years old. It's was known for its mooncakes, but the baker has since retired. It's now known for their dumplings and has a …

Food was okay. shrimp balls and turnip cake were the best part. Dumplings were tough and roll rice roll was thick and chewy not in a good way. Only Amex and cash accepted. Bathroom better left unse…

Definitely a place to visit at least once for the history! It's like stepping back into time. Food is okay, but definitely not the best. Some of the best dishes are the Phoenix buns, the chive dumplings, and the bean curd rolls. The Hong Kong Style Milk Tea was also pretty good.

+6

Expected authentic and traditional dim sum, considering that this place has been open since 1920 and had a long line outside it. The steamed items were good but must say the fried items were a shock and we couldn’t stomach the amount of grease and paid for items we couldn’t eat… and then were asked to leave more tip for the three of us. The egg rolls were encased in what seem to be a thick pancake batter. The scallion pancakes had no chewy center and were just a couple stiff, brittle, greasy layers. The fried shrimp balls were small, dense, compact and tough—not like the springier, full and “fluffy” texture we’re accustomed to. The fried rice was like what you get from Chinese carry-outs. The place was packed. So there are indeed many people who like food prepared this way.

+2

Dim sum spot in china town. We went on tuesday lunch time. There was little bit of waiting. They only accept cash or American express. We ordered 7. Vegetarian DumpTing 8.Shanghainese Soup 23.Shrimp Chive dumpling 35.Chicken Dump in Spoup 43.Ch Broccoli The best dish was shrimp chieve dumplings and rest were okay. Very small restroom and the atmosphere is very old. I would not go back.

+6

Ron Ng

As a HongKonger, this restaurant has the same hospitality and service you may expect from a Hong Kong restaurant. Which is fast pace, long wait and poor attitude. I don't blame them trying to flip tables as soon as possible and maximize revenue, that's business. But I would expect better foods to balance the downside. I would say this antique store must have been popular for too long and don't need to care about reviews at all or must have been sold at some point of time. The foods are just soso, and not deserve a 30-45 mins wait. The fried noodle has only one bite of noodles, the stuffing of dumplings are not juicy, the rice with sausage are lacking ingredients and favors. Fried dough rice noodle rolls is not crispy. I can only say it is pretty disappointing.

+4

Janet Chou

Such a big let down. I read the reviews how other rave about this place. It's a total let down. We ordered several things including few items marked as highly recommended. I'd suugest you to skip this place all together. Steamed cha shu bao - horrible OG egg rolls - ok Sausage sticky rice - good but could use some sauce/salt Pea and shrimp shu mei - decent Shrimp shu mei - ok Not recommended! I wasted a meal in NYC with this subpar place, don't make the same mistake as me.

+1

I had such high hopes for this restaurant but was sorely disappointed! \n\nNothing was freshly made. My salt and pepper pork was dry and tasteless. The soup dumplings were salty and served with no …

server was extremely RUDE!!! Unbelievable! The nerve!! Demanding higher tip for the rude and barely existent service? Will never go back to this dump, with over-hyped subpar food that any other d…

I've eaten here occasionally for over 60 years and it has now reached bottom. It was bad in every sense - food, service, ambience. The place looks untouched - which is both good and bad. Good i…

I've eaten here occasionally for over 60 years and it has now reached bottom. It was bad in every sense - food, service, ambience. The place looks untouched - which is both good and bad. Good i…

The food was good except for the sticky rice. I took 1 bite and told the waiter I didn't like it. Too much shrimp flavor for me. I was hoping they would take it off the bill but they do not do that in this restaurant.

A great place to watch the servers pick their noses and wipe their nose with the back of their hands and then look in their face mask for nuggets. I'm not antimask, even if it's a little wired in 2025, but I'm assuming it's meant to be there to stop the spread of germs. I watched several staff members pulling at their masks, then pick at their nostrils or wipe their nose with the back of their hand . The pork buns #1 were super dense and heavy and the shrimp dumplings were like bullets.

Ambre Leporcq Sourisseau

The dumplings were good, but the noodles weren’t that great. I went at 11:30, and it felt like the food was leftover from the day before. They only accept cash or American Express, which no one mentioned to me !!! They eventually accepted another card, but only after the woman at the counter yelled at me for “not paying attention” to what the waiter said. The waiter never even greeted me, let alone mentioned the payment methods. On top of that, she added a 30% tip herself for I quote “fees for paying with another card.”

lyle hawkins

I have to say this was the worst experience for me and my family! We were so excited to come here and it was our 1st time eating Chinese food in NYC. We saw a YouTube channel describing how great this place was and it definitely was NOT! The service was even worse. They never checked on our table, the rice was disgusting, they acted like we were the problem. Not a smile, a hello, is everything ok! They placed our food and walked away. In over an hour plus they asked us once if we needed something. They gave us our check and we told them the rice was gross and we all only had one bite each, the rice cost almost $15.00 and tasted like burnt salted oil! The server just took our check and that was it, not a word. I wish I had an AMEX because I would have disputed the bill. They only accept cash or Amex which is very convenient because you can't get cash back. Bathroom was also very filthy. Definitely go to another Chinese restaurant, don't believe the hype!

+5