Down Doyers Street, a sleepy alley tucked away from the hustle-and-bustle of Canal, lies the Michelin Star-rated Nom Wah Tea Parlor. A neighborhood dim sum gem located on the same street since 1920, Nom Wah has been home to the finest dumplings and pork buns since the days when Chinatown occupied only three blocks of Manhattan.
Photo by Dan Dao
Upon entering through the inconspicuous front door, the atmosphere is inviting and unpretentious. While the vintage tin ceilings and black-and-white photos of Manhattan adorning the walls are reminiscent of the restaurant’s past, Nom Wah appeals to the twenty-first century taste with a modern take on dim sum. The user-friendly menu features over 50 dim sum options, ranging from the everyday pork bun to a house dumpling soup and even fried chicken feet for the daring eater. Prices fall anywhere between $2.50 to $9.95 per plate. In typical dim sum fashion you order on a piece of paper, but Nom Wah has eliminated the traditional “push cart” service altogether.
The rice roll with fried dough was a definite standout. Drizzled in a sweet, savory soy sauce, the contrasting textures of soft rice lining and crunchy fried dough center paired surprisingly well together.
Photo by Dan Dao
The “Chef’s Special” with minced beef dumpling is simple, but packed with a ton of flavor. Aromatic beef dumplings float in a warm broth, surrounded by crunchy onions and greens. The dish is a great starter, large enough to continue eating between the heavier, fried bites.
Photo by Dan Dao
“The Original” egg roll is an unconventional take on the typical egg roll. The filling contains the usual chicken and mixed vegetable, but Nom Wah takes it a step further by rolling theirs in an egg crepe and frying the entire thing in a homemade batter. The fried shell is reminiscent of carnival fare but the egg is light and offers a hearty balance.
Photo by Dan Dao
Address: 13 Doyers Street (between Bowery and Pell)
Hours of Operation: Mon-Thu, Sun 10:30am-9pm; Fri-Sat 10:30am-10pm