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19 Crowd-Pleasing Dim Sum Parlors in NYC
Consider these spots for Lunar New Year 2024
by Robert Sietsema and Eater Staff
Updated Jan 23, 2024, 10:54am EST
New Yorkers and tourists alike often find themselves in one of NYC’s Chinatowns in search of dim sum. After all, there’s something for everyone in this collection of delicate dumplings, braised chicken feet, fresh tofu, bulging rice noodle rolls, fluffy steamed bao, tiny custard pies, and other small dishes — many requiring extraordinary skill to make. Competition between dim sum parlors has resulted in innovation, so a visit to the most popular spots means there’s often something new on the menu (or rolling by on a roving cart).
Dim sum is also conducive for group dining during holidays like Lunar New Year — which starts on Saturday, February 10, this year, designated the Year of the Dragon — especially at those banquet halls, where it’s not uncommon to find three or even four generations of families seated at big round tables. The best dim sum spots in town are also affordable, as diners enjoy the heartwarming morsels even the humblest budget can accommodate. But these days dim sum is also an all-day affair in smaller fast-casual establishments that have appeared all over town, as this map demonstrates.
Sanmiwago
The signature pork and yellow chive dumplings are prodigal at Sanmiwago, a Taiwanese fast food chain that specializes in dumplings, noodles, and bubble tea. The dumplings are made at a counter in the rear as you watch — your guarantee of freshness.
Pork and yellow chives dumplings. | Robert Sietsema/Eater NY
Mott Street Eatery
This place provides magnificent dim sum in a food court setting — point to the selections you want through a plexiglass divider. The largest of the stalls, 89 Eatery, specializes in dim sum from a selection of 10 or so types at one time, plus congees and more kinds of la rou fan (Chinese charcuterie including ducks, chickens, and pork) than are found many places in Chinatown.
Beef rice noodle and shrimp siu mai at Mott Street Eatery. | Robert Sietsema/Eater NY