Okay, here’s my experience finding the best dim sum in Chinatown, NYC:
So, I set out to find the best dim sum in Chinatown, NYC. I’ve heard so many things about the dim sum there, and I had to try it for myself. I started my day early because I knew these places get crowded. I made a list based on some online suggestions, places like House of Joy, Golden Unicorn, and Nom Wah Tea Parlor were on it.
First Stop: House of Joy
My first stop was House of Joy. I got there and the place was already buzzing. I noticed a lot of locals, which is always a good sign. I grabbed a ticket and waited for my number to be called. The wait wasn’t too bad, maybe 20 minutes. Once inside, the carts started coming around. I tried their har gow (shrimp dumplings) and siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings). The har gow was juicy, and the shrimp tasted really fresh. The siu mai was delicious too, with a yellow skin and some orange stuff on top – I think it was fish eggs or maybe carrot. I also tried some of their steamed BBQ pork buns – they were soft and fluffy, and the filling was sweet and savory.
Next Up: Golden Unicorn
After House of Joy, I walked over to Golden Unicorn. This place is huge, with multiple floors. I got seated pretty quickly, which was nice. The carts here seemed to come around more often. I tried their char siu bao (BBQ pork buns) and some chicken feet. I know chicken feet sound weird, but they’re actually really good – tender and flavorful. I also had some of their egg tarts, which were warm and had a flaky crust. The filling was smooth and not too sweet.
Midday Break
By this time, I was pretty full, so I decided to take a break and walk around Chinatown. It’s a really cool neighborhood, lots of shops and people. I noticed that a lot of places are cash only, so I made sure to have enough cash on me. It’s a good tip for anyone planning to visit – bring cash to avoid looking for ATMs.
Afternoon Delight: Nom Wah Tea Parlor
In the afternoon, I headed to Nom Wah Tea Parlor. This place is one of the oldest dim sum spots in the city. It has a classic, old-school vibe. You order from a menu here instead of waiting for carts. I got some more har gow and siu mai to compare, and they were just as good as the other places, maybe even a bit better. I also tried their rice rolls, which were smooth and filled with shrimp. I also ordered some tea to go with the meal. The food here felt a bit more refined.
Final Thoughts
By the end of the day, I was stuffed. I had so much good dim sum. Each place had its own special vibe and dishes, but they were all delicious. It was a really fun experience, walking around, trying different foods, and seeing the neighborhood. If you’re ever in NYC, you should definitely check out the dim sum in Chinatown. Just remember to bring cash and maybe go with a few friends so you can try more dishes.
- Best har gow: Nom Wah Tea Parlor
- Best siu mai: House of Joy
- Best char siu bao: Golden Unicorn
- Best atmosphere: Nom Wah Tea Parlor
- Most variety: House of Joy
That’s my dim sum adventure in Chinatown. Hope you enjoyed it. I’ll definitely be back for more!