Nom Wah Pier 57 Review: Are the Dumplings and Crispy Chicken Buns Worth It?

Quick Summary

I've always enjoyed trying different Asian restaurants in New York City, so I decided to visit Nom Wah at Pier 57, a Chinese dim sum food stall located along the Hudson River in Manhattan.

Nom Wah has a long history in New York. Its original Chinatown tea parlor opened in 1920, making it one of the city's oldest dim sum establishments. The Pier 57 location is a newer branch inside Market 57.

During my visit, we ordered Pan-Fried Noodles with Crispy Chicken, Chicken and Cabbage Dumplings prepared two ways (steamed and pan-fried), and Crispy Chicken Buns. My favorites were definitely the dumplings and crispy chicken buns. Both were delicious, although I wasn't particularly impressed with the noodles.

The total came to $46.82 including tax but excluding tip ($54.56 with tip), which I thought was expensive for a food stall. However, I enjoyed the overall experience, especially because we explored the Pier 57 waterfront and public rooftop park afterward.

Overall Rating: 7.9/10
Food: 8.2/10 | Service: 8.0/10 | Atmosphere: 8.5/10 | Value: 6.9/10
Price: Expensive for counter service ($$)
Favorite Dishes: Chicken & Cabbage Dumplings & Crispy Chicken Buns
Least Favorite: Pan-Fried Noodles with Crispy Chicken
Best For: Casual bites while exploring the Chelsea waterfront and Little Island

Good to Know

📍 Address: 25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011 (Inside Market 57 at Pier 57)
🍽️ Cuisine: Chinese / Dim Sum
💵 My Total Spent: $54.56 (inc. tax and tip)
🚇 Subway: E or L train to 14th Street–8th Avenue Station (~12-minute walk)
🅿️ Parking: Street parking along 11th Ave & West St
⭐ Don't Miss: Chicken & Cabbage Dumpling Set & Crispy Chicken Buns
🌳 Bonus: Public rooftop park with panoramic Hudson River views

Watch My Experience

Jump to:

Quick Summary
Good to Know
Watch My Experience
Why I Wanted to Try Nom Wah at Pier 57
Atmosphere: Dining Inside Market 57
Exploring the Waterfront and Rooftop Afterward
Service: Simple and Straightforward
Location & How to Get There
What I Ate at Nom Wah
Chicken & Cabbage Dumplings — My Favorite Dish at Nom Wah
Crispy Chicken Buns — Another Favorite
Price & Value — Is Nom Wah at Pier 57 Expensive?
What I Think & Would I Return?
Final Verdict: Is Nom Wah Pier 57 Worth Visiting?
Frequently Asked Questions About Nom Wah Pier 57
Nom Wah Pier 57 Restaurant Information

Why I Wanted to Try Nom Wah at Pier 57

Exterior view of historic Marine and Aviation Pier 57 building with yellow brick facade on the Chelsea waterfront in Manhattan — The exterior of historic Pier 57 along the Hudson River in Chelsea.

I've heard about Nom Wah because of its long history in New York City's Chinatown. The original Nom Wah Tea Parlor opened on Doyers Street in 1920 and eventually expanded to other locations.

However, instead of visiting Chinatown, I decided to try the branch at Pier 57. One reason was the location itself. Pier 57 is located directly along the Hudson River in Chelsea, and I wanted to check out Market 57 while exploring the surrounding waterfront.

Atmosphere: Dining Inside Market 57

Nom Wah food stall counter inside Market 57 with yellow illuminated sign, red Chinese lanterns, and menu boards — The Nom Wah counter inside Market 57 at Pier 57.

Unlike the original Chinatown establishment, this location operates as a casual food stall inside Market 57. The food hall features several food vendors sharing a central seating area with wooden tables and wide windows.

During my visit, the space was lively with a mix of tourists, local office workers, and families. The Nom Wah counter features an open kitchen where you can watch staff prepare dim sum, framed by their signature yellow sign and red Chinese lantern decorations.

Exploring the Waterfront and Rooftop Afterward

One of the biggest advantages of eating at Market 57 is what you can do after your meal. Pier 57 features a massive public rooftop park that offers beautiful panoramic views of the Hudson River, Little Island, and Lower Manhattan.

I strongly recommend combining your meal with a walk around the pier and rooftop, especially on a clear afternoon in Chelsea.

Service: Simple and Straightforward

Kitchen staff member preparing dim sum in open kitchen at Nom Wah Pier 57 near commercial steamer equipment — Staff preparing dim sum inside Nom Wah's open kitchen.

Since Nom Wah operates as a food-hall counter, service is fast and direct. You order at the register, receive a buzzer or order call, and pick up your food on plastic trays. The staff was efficient and professional.

Location & How to Get There

Nom Wah is located inside Market 57 at 25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011.

Subway: Take the E or L train to 14th Street–8th Avenue Station. From there, walk west down 14th Street toward the Hudson River Park (~12 minutes).
Nearby Landmarks: Little Island, The High Line, and Chelsea Market are all within short walking distance.

What I Ate at Nom Wah

Complimentary Condiments

Condiment station set up with glass jars of chili oil with garlic flakes and glass bottles of soy sauce and black vinegar — Self-serve condiment tray featuring house chili oil, soy sauce, and black vinegar.

Before picking up our food, we stopped at the self-serve condiment station. They offer soy sauce, black vinegar, and house chili oil loaded with crispy garlic flakes. The chili oil was a great addition to the dumplings.

Pan-Fried Noodles with Crispy Chicken — Just Alright

Black tray of pan-fried noodles topped with sliced crispy chicken coated in dark sauce and garnished with green scallions — Pan-Fried Noodles with Crispy Chicken ($15.00).

Price: $15.00

The Pan-Fried Noodles with Crispy Chicken arrived in a rectangular tray topped with sliced chicken in a dark, sweet glaze, scallions, and vegetables.

While it looked appetizing, the dish was fairly average. The noodles lacked the crispy, wok-charred texture I enjoy in pan-fried noodle dishes, and the seasoning was unremarkable. For $15, it felt overpriced for what was served.

Chicken & Cabbage Dumplings — My Favorite Dish at Nom Wah

Rectangular black tray of yellow-wrapped Chicken and Cabbage Dumplings prepared half steamed and half pan-fried — Chicken & Cabbage Dumpling set ($17.00), served half steamed and half pan-fried.

Close-up view of wooden chopsticks holding a juicy yellow-skinned Chicken and Cabbage Dumpling — A close-up view of the plump Chicken & Cabbage Dumpling.

Price: $17.00 for the set

Next, we tried the Chicken and Cabbage Dumplings, which we requested served two ways: half steamed and half pan-fried.

Served in a black tray, the yellow-wrapped dumplings were the highlight of the meal. The steamed dumplings were silky and tender, while the pan-fried ones had nicely crisp bottoms. Dipping both styles into the garlic chili oil made this the best dish of the visit.

(If you enjoy exploring dumpling spots around NYC, read my review of Momo Crave in Woodside for unique Nepalese-style momos.)

Crispy Chicken Buns — Another Favorite

Two Crispy Chicken Buns in a white takeout container with soft steamed bao bread, crispy fried chicken, lettuce, and orange sauce — Crispy Chicken Buns ($11.00) served in a takeout container.

Hand holding a Crispy Chicken Bun showing layers of soft white bao bread, crispy glazed chicken, lettuce, and sauce — A close-up view of the Crispy Chicken Bun.

Price: $11.00

The Crispy Chicken Buns (bao) were another win. Two soft, fluffy white steamed buns were stuffed with golden fried chicken, crisp lettuce, scallions, and a creamy, slightly tangy orange sauce.

The contrast between the soft steamed bread and the crunchy chicken was great. At $11, it was still priced high for two small bao, but the flavor was delicious.

(For another perspective on Chinese culinary influences in Manhattan, check out my review of Cuban-Chinese fusion at Calle Dao near Bryant Park.)

Price & Value — Is Nom Wah at Pier 57 Expensive?

Here is the exact breakdown from my receipt dated April 17, 2025:

Dish	Price
Pan-Fried Noodles with Crispy Chicken	$15.00
Crispy Chicken Buns	$11.00
Chicken & Cabbage Dumpling Set	$17.00
Food Subtotal	$43.00
NYC Sales Tax	$3.82
Total Before Tip	$46.82
Tip	$7.74
Final Total	$54.56

Spending $54.56 for three food stall dishes is on the higher side. While the dumplings and bao were delicious and the portions filled us up, you are definitely paying a premium for the Chelsea pier location.

What I Think & Would I Return?

The Chicken & Cabbage Dumplings and Crispy Chicken Buns were delicious, and spending time on the Pier 57 rooftop afterward made for a great afternoon in Chelsea.

However, the pan-fried noodles were plain, and the prices feel high for counter service.

Would I return? Probably not. While I enjoyed the trip, there are too many other dim sum and Chinese spots across New York City to explore first.

Final Verdict: Is Nom Wah Pier 57 Worth Visiting?

If you are already at Pier 57 or visiting Little Island next door, Nom Wah is a convenient spot for a casual bite. Stick to the dumplings and crispy chicken bao for the best experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nom Wah Pier 57

Is Nom Wah at Pier 57 worth visiting?

It's worth trying if you are already exploring Market 57 or the Hudson River Park waterfront. Stick to the dumplings and bao.

What should I order at Nom Wah Pier 57?

The Chicken & Cabbage Dumplings (get them half steamed and half pan-fried) and the Crispy Chicken Buns.

How expensive is Nom Wah at Pier 57?

Our order of three items came to $46.82 before tip ($54.56 total). Dishes range from $11 to $17 each.

Is this the original Nom Wah location?

No, the original Nom Wah Tea Parlor opened in Manhattan's Chinatown in 1920. The Pier 57 location is a modern food-hall outpost.

How do I get to Nom Wah at Pier 57?

Take the E or L train to 14th Street–8th Avenue and walk west down 14th St to 11th Ave.

Nom Wah Pier 57 Restaurant Information

Information	Details
Restaurant	Nom Wah
Address	25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Location	Market 57 at Pier 57
Neighborhood	Chelsea, Manhattan
Cuisine	Chinese / Dim Sum
Visit Date	April 17, 2025
Food Subtotal	$43.00
Total Before Tip	$46.82
Final Total (inc. Tip)	$54.56
Favorite Dishes	Chicken & Cabbage Dumplings, Crispy Chicken Buns
Least Favorite	Pan-Fried Noodles with Crispy Chicken
Atmosphere	Casual, lively food hall
Service	Quick counter service
Seating	Shared food-hall tables
Reservations	Walk-ins only
Nearby Attractions	Pier 57 Rooftop Park, Little Island, The High Line
Subway	E or L to 14th St–8th Ave
Would I Return?	Probably not
Overall Rating	7.9/10