Nom Wah was a long lost memory.

Recently, David and I were wandering around lower Manhattan on a blustery Sunday afternoon.

We wiggle waggled down a side street in Chinatown and came upon a hungry group of people standing in from of a restaurant.

I looked up and read the sign…Nom Wah Chinatown’s Dim Sum Parlor.

Wow, I had not been to Nom Wah in decades.

A line always makes you curious so David weaved his way through the blocked entryway and was told it was a 50 minute wait.

He was willing so we hung.

It turned out to be over a one hour wait huddled in front of a time warp hair salon with perms for $69.

I have to admit it was not worth the wait.

The Chinese fare along with their noted dumplings were uninspired.

The interior is a throwback to happier days.

We filled out the menu and Wham! Bam! Thank You Ma’am! the food was not so gently placed on the chipped formica top.

The Scallion Pancake was undercooked ($4.50).

The Sticky Rice with Chinese Sausage was inedible ($5.50).

The Salt & Pepper Shrimp were decent, but undercooked $10).

The Vegetable Dumplings were disgusting ($4).

The Shrimp & Snow Pea Leaf Dumplings were fair ($4.75).

The Chinese Broccoli in Oyster Sauce was the best dish ($9).

The Shanghainese Pork Soup Dumplings were enjoyable ($4.50) .

We left half of the food and bid a less than fond farewell to the mediocrity of Nom Wah Tea Parlor.

Oh, the Bo-Lay tea, which aids in digestion, was lovely ($1).

I assume Nom Wah is in the tourists books.

For locals with knowledge of good food, stay away…don’t let the concept of being in business since 1920 sway you.

Some things should just remain a faint memory.

Nom Wah Tea Parlor 13 Doyers Street New York City. Open 10:30am-11pm daily. No Reservations.