Nom Wah: NYC’s Iconic Chinatown Dim Sum Parlor
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- čas přidán 6. 11. 2020
- On this episode of VICE's 'Autobiographies,' we sit down with restauranteur Wilson Tang to talk about his passion for Chinese American food. After escaping the second World Trade Center tower that was hit on September 11, Tang left his corporate finance job to run his uncle's historic dim sum restaurant against his parents' wishes. From there, Tang opened up a new modern Chinese restaurant that incorporates the hidden culinary gems of New York's Chinatown.
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I remember in 2007 when I was in college, a professor took four of us here. It was a hole-in-the-wall place, and never busy according to my professor. She'd been eating there since she was a student. Wally greeted us at the door. There were no other patrons, but there were about ten men playing mahjong and smoking cigars along a back wall. We were seated, and nobody brought us menus. They brought us tea, and then started bring us food. Plate after plate of the most delicious dim sum I'd ever had until we said we were done. Our professor paid the bill which we never saw.
The four of us went back, and again, we were brought plate after plate after plate. By the end, we were a little worried about how much the bill would be, since we had no idea what anything cost and the four of us had eaten so much. The bill came... and it was $17.
I kept going back during and after college, but after it was renovated (I think when Wally died?), it became a hotspot and totally changed. There was a menu, there was a line to get in, and it had a website. I'm happy that they were able to put it on the map but I selfishly wanted the little hole-in-the-wall place back. I haven't been back in a while (and obviously now I wouldn't be able to eat inside), but this video has made me want to go back and get some of the best dim sum I've ever had.
that professor sounds really cool
Every now and then you catch a good CZcams comment. Glad I stumbled on yours and thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing such interesting stories and memories. What a time!
Cool story, and I'll admit it did make me a little emotional. I miss the old school/hole in the wall, Chinese restaurants of my childhood growing up the DC area back in the 70s and 80s. My parents would take me to the DC Chinatown to get supplies of Chinese ingredients, and to eat at the restaurants downtown; these old restaurants. Most of those places are gone now (DC's Chinatown is barely once at this point); sure the Chinese restaurants of today are more updated, but I miss the atmosphere of those times past.
Today my parents are both gone (dad in 2006, my mom at the end of July). If I had one more chance to be with them I would like for it to take place at one of these long gone restaurants especially to enjoy the dim sum.
We used to hit that place back in the late 70’s & 80’s. It was a pilgrimage. Either Peking Duck House or Nom Wah. Canal, then Mott to Pell and Doyers St. The smell of rotting fish heads and urine. Hole-in-the-wall is being kind but once the plates arrived, the abrupt waiters (“You sit here, now!”) and greasy ambience disappeared.
He looks so well aged especially for all that he’s gone through. Low key thought he was in his 20s and then he told us about 9/11 and so on.
41! How!? 😯
@@lyness1217 41 is not what it was 30 yeara ago. life goes fast. im 37 and i still get asked for id. live your life
I think this was filmed in 2015. When he's speaking with David at 7.34 he says his business is 84 years old and was founded in 1931.
Everybody thinks you get old and wrinkly at like 40 or something. It’s still youthful years, if you take care of yourself.
I suspect he was in his 20s when 9/11 occurred so this would put him around the mid-40s currently.
His voice is really calming and soothing
Damn i got chills when he said “people started going back up”
Them- Its safe to go back up
Him- AYO WTF
It is hard to believe that he was a working professional during 9/11. He must be at least 40 then and looks half his age.
Black don't crack
Brown don't frown
ASIAN DON'T RAISIN
Asians don’t age that harshly at least the men. We tend to age outwardly slower than average people. Heck my grandpa was 75 but looked like maybe early 50s. My grandma is what 80 something but she looks maybe 60ish. Wilson just by looks maybe late 20s. I don’t look my age either as I look like a teenager but I’m early 30s. It’s normal for us to not look our age. Yeah we gain some weight but it’s usually worked off by doing something.
Leo GIERHAKE 41! 👦🏻
i came down to the comments to say the same thing. judging by the way people are maskless throughout the walking through the city shots, this was probably filmed a year ago. simple math makes that 18 years since 9/11. guy looks good for his age.
I came to the comments to say this hahaa
This has been an inspiring story for all those who are sick of their shitty job , monotonous life and toxic work environment . Well narrated Wilson .
This guy stopped paying himself a wage when corona hit. Says a lot about his character
sounds like he’s the OG.
@@criticalwokeracisttheory4645 this is a rerun from years back.
@Robin Clark 52.3 million cases and 1.3 million deaths, this is bigger than the flu. And the mortality rate of the flu is lower compared to the likes of Covid-19, just because it’s “basically just the flu” doesn’t mean it IS the flu, it can lead to Long term lung damage or death, it also spreads very quickly.
@Robin Clark as of now, 13th November 2020, there is no Covid 19 vaccine available for commercial use, and while there are people who are “vaccinated”, they are given test trails of the vaccines, not the same ones the public will be receiving in a few months/years
it's either God's gift or just the biggest luck in his life that led him to go down those stairs and walked to Chinatown and saved his life from the 9/11 tragedy. cheers mate now u thriving!
To all dads out there: when your kids are doing amazing, just be proud of them and tell them to their faces. You will have them only once in this one life, don't waste your time on hiding the good stuff.
its hard to show something that you never experienced or thought.
This is prototypical Asian Fatherhood. They only tell you, that you did a good job on their death bed.
Previous gen Asian fathers hardly show emotion yo haha. A slight head nod or smile is plenty from them
I can relate to this a lot. My dad grew up in the chinese restaurant business and he got other jobs but later on in life he wanted to open up his own food truck. Maybe being raised in that environment gives you that connection to your culture and food that made you happy growing up even if your parents want “better for you.”
That's pretty cool that your dad grew to respect the restaurant business. I think many Chinese immigrant parents know how tough and non-respectable the blue collar restaurant grind can be, so they try to discourage their kids from following that path. The reality might not be what they imagine because most work long hours under a boss and never get to own their own place/restaurant. Good for your dad that there was something enriching in the business for him to go back to something that resonated with him. I grew up in Manhattan's Chinatown during the 90s and recognize all the places shown here. (Un)fortunately during the 90s-2000s, most Chinese immigrant families just wanted to move out of Chinatown and in to the suburbs (Queens, Long Island, etc) like the Jewish and Italian immigrants in NYC did in earlier decades. I get pretty emotional watching these documentaries that show the children of Chinatown uncles and aunties, revitalizing Chinatown and keeping their stake in it. At some point we all grew up into looking like those Chinese uncles and aunties too although those East Asian genes really age like wine for some ;) In many ways, I'm glad my folks wanted better for us. In others, I feel like we lost our community for sure.
@@diogenes8338 it’s tough bc a lot of Boston’s Chinatown is starting to be gentrified bc it’s next door to the financial district so I’m sure some landlords are getting some big offers but some places are still there and aren’t selling. I just don’t want like you said to lose the culture there
@@lewchootrain Ah, I'm familiar with Boston's Chinatown. I live nearby and have volunteered at some of the community-based organizations there before. I'm actually on a listserv for Boston's Chinatown Stabilization Committee. I'm not the organizer and haven't been to any of the meetings myself, but one item that was on their list and that I was in favor of was to preserve the low-income row houses you must have seen when going to the restaurants and grocers in Boston's Chinatown. If you're interested, just private message me.
@@diogenes8338 I'll be in contact, just super busy trying to start a new business of my own. But thank you, I will save your account.
You can see that he's educated and well-mannered. Such a calming voice.
I myself am from a migrant restaurant family and know how HARD these people work, 7 days a week. The current pandemic has been especially brutal for Asian businesses.
Loved this video. Now I'm craving dim sum. 😩
Love this guys story, you can tell how 9/11 still lives with him and just now loves to work at his restaurants showing his culture to the world. Hopefully one day I could eat at one of his businesses.
Yeah I’ve been to this place, it’s such good food. I hope you get to eat there someday too my dude.
it's either God's gift or just the biggest luck in his life that led him to go down those stairs and walked to Chinatown and saved his life from the 9/11 tragedy. cheers mate now u thriving!
@Throngdorr Mighty nah, there was a guy who showed people in that second building how to evacuate. The manager of the first building wouldnt let him. He died that day trying to help more people. You can look him up
@Throngdorr Mighty if only there was some kind of real evidence to back up such an idiotic claim.
Wait a minute, he said they told him it’s safe to go back to work before the second plane hit. So more people can die? Glad he didn’t listen, used his intellect, and gtfo of there.
@@sandreid87 it's common knowledge.
@@viktorcheng2061 it wasn't his intellect, it was instinct
Wow his story is inspirational. I’m glad he’s doing something he loves and is clearly passionate about. I grew up in a restaurant family and I can attest it is hard back breaking work.
I’ve eaten here twice before the pandemic and the food was really good. I remember their “gao choi gao” pan fried shrimp chive dumplings were delicious. I hope his business stays afloat during these tough times.
THIS right here is the "American Dream." Well done!
yes indeed
Is he a veteran after 9/11
@John Wayne not everyone is trying to be a millionaire
Imagine having a dim sum with Method Man and Freddie Kane man... much respect for my man Wilson y'all.
Hahahaha.. For Real!!
Yo is this where they shot Onyx’s The Worst vid
Freddie Gibbs* lol
@@josephmagual2403 nah Freddie Kane is nickname of Freddie Gibbs
Props to him surviving such a tragic event and being able to continue his life
I love how he just walks in and ask “how much did that shit cost?!” Lol
i grew up in the 1970s till 1984, my go to resto were Nom Wah, Mee Lai Wah, Wo Hop, Wong Kee, and Hop Sing ....old skool
Feel like the 80's and 90's Chinese kids go back to the restaurant industry lowkey just to piss off their parents.
it is true. it is built in our parents' gen mindset
@@cjchen822 Our?? My parents just ensured that I didn't become a bum and encouraged me to engage in sports and not piano lessons...
That and white people want more food that’s authentic (and Asian food in general is really popular).
Apparently this dude is at least in his mid 40’s talking about working in the WTC. He doesn’t look it at all.
He is 42 this year
that asian DNA is strong
Beige don't age.
Never change Nom Wah please. My favorite thing is to find original Chinese restaurants that haven't changed the decor from 70 years ago. They're like time capsules, and when every other restaurant is trying to be ultra-modern and hip, these original American restaurants don't have to try to find vibe, they already got it.
This was super heartwarming and inspiring. So much negative is said about younger generations, but here you have a young entrepreneur, showing not only respect for their heritage and preserving it, but also elevating and expanding on it. Beautiful! One day I'd like to travel and come try the food.
Truly amazing story, will be stopping by next month when I visit New York. Love and prosperity to you and your family Wilson.
Wonderful story. Tragedy turned into Triumph on so many levels!! Love that he maintained 1950s decor, Chinese culture n tradition, as well as, reinventing new dishes w/partners in the community. Cohesion in Chinatown!!👍
Thank you for sharing!!
*Not all of us get such a profound "WAKE-UP CALL"!!
Wishing you many, many years of success n good fortune!!
Old school. Love it. I grew up in a Chinese restaurant in Columbus Ohio from 5th grade til my highest school graduation. Did not want to pursue that profession! Kudos to you! Continued success!
So stoked that you are drawing your inspiration from your family and traditional foods, glad you are keeping up with your Uncles place and useing its success to bring a familiar but modern spin to your other venues.
This guy has such a calm, friendly way of telling a story I think I could listen to him all day.
This is what makes NYC so culinary amazing, 10000000-stories just like this, with love and passion for food to serve authentic cuisine.
Oh please please keep that fantastic retro store front, never change it. Gorgeous.
Thank you for this story. The nostalgic aspect of the old Chinatown places got me a little emotional. This reminded me of the old-school restaurants I enjoyed with my parents growing up in Maryland in the 70s and 80s. They would also drive me to the Chinatown in DC (back when you could actually park in downtown DC). It was nowhere near the size of the NYC Chinatown but it had the stores where my parents would get their cooking ingredients, and we ate at the many restaurants. Most of these places are gone now. My parents are now both gone (my dad in '06, my mom this past summer). If I had the chance to see them again, I would want to meet them at one of the old restaurants (especially for dim sum) to catch up.
I love it! So awesome you chose to keep the originality of the restaurant. Been to New York a few times but haven’t visited Chinatown in NY yet. Need to go back to make a stop at your restaurant. Congrats on taking that leap of faith.
This is such a great video really enjoyed watching 💯
dim sum, new york, and chinese cuisine has been such a concrete part of me and my family’s lives, even before i was born. i have to visit this place with my family one day. sending much love and success to Nom Wah and their family.
His story gave me chills. Good for him for choosing what he really wanted to do in life.
Really loved this, need more of these
An enriching story and feature. Thank you.
I love the parents!
Inspiring story Wilson. I can't wait to return to NYC and am even more excited now at the thought of going to your amazing restaurant!
When I touch down NYC Nom Wah is my first pit stop. I have so much respect for Wilson Tang. It's awesome to hear the story behind the business and people behind the business.
Thank you for keeping the tradition going strong, I am very proud of you!!! 👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏
Food looks awesomee thanks to Vice for featuring. I can feel your passion
Fantastic episode
Loved this for many reaasons. Thank you
This gave me goosebumps, Salute to you for applying yourself!!!
Dim sum is my favourite thing ever ! Grew up eating it. Brings back good memories with my parents and me going to dim sum every weekend. Love this guy's story !!
Omg as an Asian American myself. I totally get why you teared up at your dad bragging. Bc we know as their children they wont ever admit it. Im proud of you,. happy for you. Appreciate you keeping the traditions.
Just went last week for the first time and I havent stopped thinking about it. It was amazing, truly amazing.
I'm so happy for him I cried
I really enjoyed this video and the incredible creative culinary style yet very entrepreneurial in concept
His story is inspirational and I really like how he embrace his roots, 100%
One of my go-to places every time I am in NYC. You have not lived until you tried their egg rolls!
I enjoy watching this so much, good for you for followed your dreams .
I’ve been to your place a few years back love it!
I saw you on the Drew Berrymore Show the other day very nice 👍
Ping’s beef jerky is the best !
Bruh 9/11 happened 20 years ago, and this man looks mid 20's
Thank you for sharing this story
I’ve always wanted to go to Nom Wah since Munchies featured Chef Wilson on a Chef After Hours episode! Cool to learn more about him/his history!
Very smart young man with a dream and the guts and drive to make it happen. Congrats!
7:02 shout out to Method Man and Freddie Gibbs!
yeah that was dope
Sharp guy!! He honors his culture..classy thing to do!! And his humility shines through 🎩
What an absolute pleasure to watch✌🏽 the best of luck to this dude 💙
I love the presentation. Wilson is truly a Visionary. I promise to go visit and have a great DimSum meal. Very educated and intentional. I wish him the absolute best of fortunes with his Restaurant. Much to be proud of.
damn that 9/11 story gave me chills!!! So glad he followed his intuition and kept walking down
I absolutely love the story of this guy its amazing what he has created with the restaurant and the business itself. He should be very proud of himself and his parents truly have a lot to brag about 😊
Love this story. Hope to visit soon!
I love this story.
Remarkable story! Very touching ♥️
I love food and how it brings everything & everyone together
What a nice video. I like it a lot. And I would like to visit the restaurant one day
Definitely needing to try this place out when I come to NY in two weeks!
Very good.
Always follow your passion!
Very inspirational!
Great video. Glad this man survived that shit. Also, this guy looks young as hell!!
I realise how profound a role parents play in the lives of East Asian people - all the East Asian restaurant short films I’ve watched always feature parents heavily, while for Caucasian chefs, parents are nowhere to be found
I think it’s just that immigrant mentality, most children of immigrants understand that our parents went through hardships and hard times so that we could have a better life and be more than what’s possible in most of their home countries which makes us very appreciative and maybe even closer to our parents than people who’s families have lived in the same country for generations. The idea of “finding a better life” is so far removed from most white Americans because their families immigrated to this continent many generations back.
@@armando1611 nah i think it's asian culture as a whole. sure not every asian child is close to their parents/family but growing up consuming both western and asian movies/dramas, i realized that asians tend to put more importance on one's relationship with their family.
for example, one of the most popular "moral lessons" in philippine movies is being good to your family or at least putting emphasis that blood will always be thicker than water.
It's True most of us are so lucky. Whenever we needed to pause in life home was always a viable option to have as our safe haven both as emotional and financial support in our goals
I'd been going to Nom Wah since the early 1970s but didn't feel at home in the new version as re-imagined by Mr. Tang. It became too expensive, too crowded and too cool. That's OK. Since that time it's been a lot of fun finding other old school dim sum restaurants in Chinatown. How nice there are virtually endless possibilities.
Very inspirational!!
Congrats 🍾 I can’t smell it through my phone.But,am pretty sure it taste like a Chinese authentic dish 👍🏻Your Restaurant is on my bucket list of places to visit.Keep it up 👏
who watched munchies when they bored or bout to go to sleep ??😂😂
Here here 😂
🙋🏻♂️🙋🏻♂️🙋🏻♂️🙋🏻♂️🙋🏻♂️
I get hungry and try to make similar food😆
Trying to catch some 💤 now
Everything looks so good
what a great story. thank you!
Wow! Great story and great looking food!
This guy is awesome. So proud of you. Much respect ❤️
hello m-vice, eating nom wah was missed by me but seeing the dragon dance was fun (this year is my year 2023). dragon dance is done a little longer in the front of restaurants that paid a little more before the day but families stood in front of everywhere - the date / time is written on the newspaper (chinese). the drummers are the best to show they are coming. think it was the old tea parlor where the village seniors are their first thing - the ladies with kids are running to the bakeries with the papercups. these shops were the ones from the 60s. the shops did not work to be used to the kids who speak chinese to the ones that (thank you mr wilson tang) to show this. the seniors are used to the newspaper shop at the corner and sometimes the grandkids are able to grab a candy bar from them and walk in these shops. there is a shortage of rice in the last 10 years they say from the motherland and wish to note that this old shop did not sell rice. you would have to walk around the corner on pell and doyers to the flagship joe's shanghai for rice and rice cakes. rice cakes is not a nom wah baker place food. thank you tang - elle for soup dumplings
this is amazing. My mom and dad owns a chinese restaurant as well and i basically grew up in the restaurant because they would work 12 hour days, everyday...
Hmmmm. This was educational. My mom use to never show she was proud of me but she would brag to her friends about me. This warmed my heart. Shout out to all the Blue Collar Folks out there. Aslong as we are happy thats all that matters!
glad you made your parents proud doin your thing. Wasnt expecting to watch the whole thing but couldnt hlep it. Nice story
Wonderful! I hope to be there one day. Cheers from Canada
I’m so proud of him
Loved this
Whoa those prawns look deadly and that dim sum looks incredible! And those spring rolls... DAMN!!!
Amazing place. Can’t wait to go back.
Good story. Keep them coming.
Oh my golly. His voice is so soothing. It can put me to sleep
Inspired thank you
Great story,thank you!!
It’s great to see that love and attention put into the family business! Good luck on the continued success.
I love the idea of a tapas restaurant Chinese style. Dim sum is totally fit for that.
wow they tried getting people back up into the second building before the 2nd plane hit. Crazy thought process to tell people it was safe. Glad you went with your instincts
this guy gives off really positive vibes
Wow what a eye opening video ,I’m glad you went for your dream,I hope your doing ok during the pandemic
Best dim sum in NY. Always go when I’m in town. Never knew this story. Makes it secure its spot as number 1 for sure for me even more.
This is America right here! Awesome doc!
The best in NYC CHINATOWN THE OG OF DIM SUM BABY !!