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Nom Wah Tea Parlor
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Nom Wah Tea Parlor
8.5
A classic Chinatown dim sum stop with a vintage dining-room feel and an ordering-sheet format that’s easy for groups. It’s best as an all-day dim sum hang where you lean into the staples and treat the room’s history as part of the meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original egg roll, Shrimp dumplings (har gow), Soup dumplings
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Old-school Chinatown dim sum in a retro, landmark-like dining room.
Who should go: Small groups doing a dim sum crawl
When to visit: Early weekday lunch to dodge lines
What to order: Egg roll, har gow, soup dumplings
Insider tip: Go early and order in waves to keep dishes hot.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited; nearby paid garages in Chinatown/SoHo are the most realistic option.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual. Jeans and sneakers are fine; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — easy to talk within your table, but the room has a steady buzz.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes is common during peak brunch/lunch hours; evenings are lighter but still busy.
Weekday lunch: Usually 10–20 minutes early, closer to no wait before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable dumplings, buns, and small plates.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-based options, but check fillings carefully.
Gluten-free options: Limited — rice rolls and select dishes work, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual or daytime first date than a romantic one — the ordering-sheet format keeps things low-pressure, but it’s lively rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays, but expect a wait on weekends. Going early is the easiest way to walk in.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — dumplings are approachable for kids, and the quick pacing works well for family meals.
Best For
Better for: Group-friendly, all-day dim sum with a historic Chinatown atmosphere and an easy ordering system.
Skip if: You want carts, ultra-traditional Cantonese service, or a quiet, upscale dim sum experience.
Nom Wah Tea Parlor
8.3
A historic Chinatown tea parlor where the menu leans classic and the experience is part of the draw. The best move is to order a tight spread of steamed staples plus one signature fried item, then let the room’s old-New York energy do the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original "OG" Egg Roll, Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings), Shrimp Siu Mai
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: A century-old dim sum parlor pairing classics with Chinatown history.
Who should go: First-timers and out-of-towners doing Chinatown right
When to visit: Weekday lunch for shorter waits
What to order: OG egg roll, har gow, shrimp siu mai
Insider tip: Order steamed first, then add one fried item to finish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking. Street parking is extremely limited; nearby paid garages in Chinatown/SoHo are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Jeans and sneakers are fine; no need to dress up, but people often come styled for photos.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is easy within your table, but the room is energetic and can get loud at peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, sometimes longer during peak tourist seasons
Weekday lunch: 15–30 minutes; occasional no-wait during off-peak weekdays
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable dumplings, buns, and sides are available, though not a dedicated vegetarian menu.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-based items work, but options are not clearly marked and require asking the server.
Gluten-free options: Very limited — most dim sum items use wheat-based wrappers or soy sauce; not ideal for strict gluten-free diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for daytime or casual dates. The historic setting and shareable plates make it engaging, though it’s more lively than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait during peak lunch and weekends. Going early or off-hours dramatically improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — dumplings and buns are easy wins for kids, but the space can feel tight with strollers during busy periods.
Best For
Better for: Classic dim sum staples, historic atmosphere, and a quintessential Chinatown experience that feels uniquely New York.
Skip if: You’re looking for modern, high-end dim sum techniques or a quiet meal — newer dim sum houses offer sleeker rooms and more experimental menus.
Nom Wah Tea Parlor
8.3
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
A Chinatown classic that works for families because the menu is straightforward, the portions are shareable, and kids can stick to dumplings-and-buns comfort. It’s best as a daytime meal where you order a tight set of staples and keep the table moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Egg rolls, Shrimp siu mai, Rice noodle rolls
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: An iconic dim sum room where ordering is easy for all ages.
Who should go: Families who want dumplings, buns, and low-risk sharing
When to visit: Weekday lunch for the easiest seating
What to order: Egg rolls, siu mai, rice noodle rolls
Insider tip: Pick 6–8 items for four people and stop there.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited in Chinatown. Garages available nearby but expect a short walk.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, sneakers, and family-friendly daytime attire all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy to talk, but expect background chatter during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 60–90 minutes during peak daytime brunch/lunch hours on weekends
Weekday lunch: 15–30 minutes typical; earlier is easier
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable dumplings, rice noodle rolls, buns, and a handful of small plates.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable-based items, but confirm ingredients with staff.
Gluten-free options: Limited—rice noodle rolls and a few naturally gluten-free plates, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual daytime meet than a romantic dinner—the vibe is busy and communal rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Nom Wah operates primarily as walk-in only. Expect waits during peak times, especially weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—dumplings and buns are easy wins for kids, and the casual setting works well for families with elementary-age children.
Best For
Better for: Classic, no-frills dim sum with approachable ordering and a historic Chinatown atmosphere.
Skip if: You want carts, a quiet meal, or a modern upscale dim sum experience—look to larger Cantonese halls or contemporary spots instead.