Nom Wah Tea Parlor has been a Chinatown institution on Doyers street since the 1920s. It started out as a bakery and tea parlor, known for their Chinese confections and dim sum. It is a place to go for Yum Cha, which is the dining experience of drinking Chinese tea and eating dim sum. The restaurant had a makeover last year and has become a destination for foodies and dim sum aficionados. A Tea Parlor with great history and dim sum? When Yosh O. made this the latest Ramen and Friends destination, I knew I had to attend.
I had been to Nom Wah once before, prior to the renovation. My husband and I were taking an audio tour and were instructed to sit down and order 'tea and almond cookies'. I remember enjoying both, in a restaurant that felt like a time capusle. The exterior of Nom Wah has remained the same, and the interior has kept much of its charm, with some minor updates. The tea menu immediately grabbed my attention. The prices are very affordable, and the selection is good. They offer a choice of pu-erh, oolong, green, and white, a surprisingly nice list. I ordered a pot of Shui Hisen (Water Fairy Tea). It is described as a dark and heavy oolong. With some research I discovered that this tea is very popular in Chinese restaurants, although I don't think I've ever had a version as good as this one.
I can't wait to return to Nom Wah and try something new. This is a great spot to escape the chaos of the neighborhood, and linger over a pot of tea while munching a few dumplings, or a crunchy almond cookie.
Nom Wah Tea Parlor: 13 Doyers Street NY, NY 10013- Recommended
Highlights: affordable Chinese tea, dumplings, almond cookies
So nice to learn about the selection of Nom Wah's teas from an expert. Next time I must listen to you and order a pot with some almond cookies. They look divine.
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