Nom Wah Tea Parlor

I loved the food here but my only reason for knocking off a star is because they only accept cash and Discover card, they DO NOT HAVE AN ATM. That's my only issue with this spot. If you take limited forms of payment, then they should have an ATM. My partner and I didn't know it was cash and Discover only when we waited in line so we both had to leave once we were sat, at separate times to find an ATM. The server let us know there was a Chase and Citibank close by but the Chase was closed. The food came out pretty fast and was delicious. I really liked the Salt and Pepper Pork Chops and Shrimp Rice Rolls. I don't think I would order the Pork Buns again, I'm just not a bun person. The House Special Dumplings in Soup was also really good but I wish it came in a bigger bowl with more soup in it. I really loved the vibes inside, it felt cozy and authentic. There was plenty of seats but it's very tight. They try to maximize the space so it's a little hard to move around the restaurant. I would definitely come back here and now I know to come prepared with cash.

Nom Wah is the oldest dim sum place in Chinatown, so my friends and I decided to go and try it! It was pretty busy inside, but there was no wait for us (though there was a line when we left). The inside was charming, though pretty old. The booths were quite uncomfortable when we were sitting.The chinese broccoli was average, pretty on par to most I've had. The turnip cakes we got were cooked well, though they had forgotten to put on the Xo Sauce, so it was a bit bland. The rice rolls, siu mai, and har gow were also bland and a bit cold. We also got XLB, but I wouldn't get it again since there wasn't much soup in the dumplings, it was a bit grainy, and again not hot.Overall, I think I've had much better dim sum in NY and would recommend going elsewhere! The bathrooms were quite cramped and looked run-down as well.

I'm sure this place used to be good. But now the service is the worst and the food is generic. There are tons of better Chinatown dimsum places. Nom wah is not consistent even when comparing its two locations in the city. The food is a hit or a miss depending on the day, time and staff/ cook mood. There's a steady flow of tourists and since they get so many tourists, they don't seem to care to be very hospitable. Their attitude is of a classic NY establishment catering to tourists, iykyk. You'll wait for hours to get in to eat mediocre, overpriced chinese food. Not for locals, please avoid.

Nom Wah Tea Parlor is a true NYC institution and for good reason! As the oldest dim sum restaurant in America, it brings a piece of history alongside exceptional food that has stood the test of time. Located in the heart of Chinatown, the restaurant's charming vintage vibe offers a nostalgic step back in time, while still delivering some of the most delicious dim sum in the city.We arrived early to avoid the crowds, and the space was cozy with an old-school, no-frills charm. The service was quick and friendly, and despite its age, Nom Wah feels incredibly welcoming and well-maintained. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you're part of something special.As for the dim sum, it was absolutely fantastic. We tried a range of dishes, but the standouts were the **Shrimp Rice Rolls** , which had the perfect silky smooth fresh rice crepe and tender, flavorful shrimp filling. The **Pork Buns** were another highlight, with a soft, pillowy exterior and savory, melt-in-your-mouth pork inside. The ** potstickers and dumplings** were crispy on the outside with a perfectly seasoned, soft interior--so satisfying.Nom Wah offers a classic dim sum experience without the modern frills, but the quality of the food is what really shines through. The flavors are spot-on, and the portion sizes are generous for the price. Whether you're a dim sum enthusiast or a newcomer, this is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates authentic, well-made dishes.I can see why Nom Wah has been around for so long--delicious dim sum, great service, and an iconic spot in the heart of Chinatown. Highly recommend if you're in the area or even if you're just craving some top-notch dim sum in NYC!

Nom Wah has been around for over 100 years, so we were really curious to see what the hype was about! The restaurant has been reigned "New York's Oldest Dim Sum Restaurant" which opened in 1920. There is always a long line here, so we were really excited to check it out.I ended up waiting in line for about 30 minutes while my friend wandered around Chinatown to grab us some "pre-breakfast" snacks, lol.Unfortunately, the experience was pretty disappointing. The service is what you'd typically expect from a Chinese dim sum spot--nothing extraordinary, but it gets the job done. The food was room temp at best, and everything either tasted bland or salty. For a place that's been in business for over a century, we had high expectations, but it definitely didn't live up to them. I wouldn't recommend this spot at all. Just because a restaurant has been around for a long time doesn't necessarily mean the food is any good.There are plenty of other places in the area with shorter wait times and much better food. Ambiance wise, it's a small space with vintage photos on the walls and cute decorative plates.

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!

Mom Wah is a staple I keep going back to - I'm shocked why there's only 3.5 stars! Still good quality food with no frills

SUPERR overrated tourist trap!! As a native Chinese New Yorker, there are soo many other Chinatown spots with better dim sum, like House of Joy, Golden Unicorn, and Ping. There's a reason why it's only non-Asians lining up, but if you wanna go for the restaurant's history, then that's definitely up to you. The pros are the ambiance of a traditional authentic dim sum experience and the staff is attentive. The food comes out relatively quick and all at once. Ordering system is efficient and you number what you'd like on their menu. Otherwise, the dishes are pretty mid - the rice rolls came out just warm and the skin is thick. The dumplings were a bit over-steamed and softer. The flavor of their dishes is fine, but the quality is not fully there. The Steamed Roast Pork Bun is fine - definitely overpriced + you can find one that tastes just as good that's cheaper from a regular Chinatown bakery. Overall, to each their own, but I'll definitely be sticking to my local Chinatown faves for dim sum.

Too whitewashed. Small portions, cash/amex only, & average flavor. Please eat anywhere else in Chinatown but not this tourist trap.

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.