Mei Lai Wah

- 41 Mott St, New York, NY 10013

Mei Lai Wah is a quintessential New York City institution, a place that has been serving authentic Chinese cuisine and baked goods to locals and tourists alike for decades. Situated in the heart of Chinatown at 41 Mott Street, it is much more than just a restaurant; it’s a cultural landmark. With a reputation that dates back to the 1990s, Mei Lai Wah is celebrated for its commitment to tradition and quality. It is a dual-threat establishment, functioning as both a beloved Chinese restaurant and a specialty bakery, offering a unique blend of savory dishes and sweet treats. The atmosphere is casual and bustling, often filled with a diverse crowd that includes both long-time patrons and curious newcomers, all drawn in by the promise of genuine, delicious food.

The restaurant is particularly renowned for its local specialty—the roast pork buns. Customers consistently praise these buns for their perfect balance of flavors, noting that the filling is "not too sweet," which sets them apart from the competition. While the pork buns may be the main attraction, the menu at Mei Lai Wah is expansive and offers something for every craving. From a variety of steamed and fried dim sum to hearty congee, rice noodle rolls, and classic Cantonese dishes like Beef Chow Fun, the options are plentiful and authentic. The bakery component of the establishment provides a range of other delights, including pineapple buns and cocktail buns, perfect for a quick bite on the go.

Mei Lai Wah's location at 41 Mott Street, New York, NY 10013, USA, places it right in the center of Chinatown's vibrant and historic core. This makes it an incredibly accessible destination for anyone in the city. Mott Street itself is a cultural hub, and the restaurant's presence there adds to the area's lively and authentic charm. While the place can get packed, especially during peak hours, its efficiency is a testament to its long-standing popularity. The new, bigger location, as noted by a long-time customer, is cleaner and more organized, making the experience even more streamlined for the high volume of customers it serves daily.

Navigating to Mei Lai Wah is a breeze, as it's a short walk from several subway stations. For those driving, paid street parking is available, though it's worth noting that it can be a challenge to find a spot in this busy neighborhood. The availability of multiple service options, from dining in to delivery and takeout, ensures that you can enjoy their food regardless of your schedule. They are also equipped with modern payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions quick and easy, which is essential given the high volume of customers.

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• On-site services for a full dining experience.
• Takeout for a convenient grab-and-go option.
• Delivery services to enjoy their food from the comfort of your home or office.

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• Famous Roast Pork Buns: The bakery is renowned for its signature Baked Roast Pork Bun and Steamed Roast Pork Bun, which are praised for their perfect flavor balance.
• Extensive Dim Sum Menu: A wide selection of traditional dim sum is available, including Shumai, Shrimp Dumplings, and Sticky Rice In Lotus Leaves.
• Comfort Food and Small Plates: The menu is rich with comforting and classic dishes such as a variety of congee, savory rice noodle rolls, and pan-fried noodles.
• Freshly Prepared Food: The establishment is known for its quick service and hot, freshly prepared food, ideal for a quick bite during a busy day.
• Diverse Drink Menu: In addition to traditional hot and iced teas, they offer unique beverages like Thai Style Milk Tea, Pineapple Ice, and various other fruit and milk teas.
• Caters to All Meals: Popular for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a reliable spot at any time of day.

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Address: 41 Mott St, New York, NY 10013, USA

Phone: (212) 966-7866

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Mei Lai Wah is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to experience authentic, high-quality Chinese food in New York. The restaurant's longevity and enduring popularity speak volumes about its consistent quality. What makes it particularly worth choosing is its dual role as both a bakery and a restaurant, giving you access to a wide array of dishes from savory mains to delectable baked goods. The famous roast pork buns are a must-try for any first-timer, as they represent the pinnacle of what the bakery does best. The fact that customers have been returning since the 1990s is a powerful endorsement of its reliable quality.

Beyond the buns, the dim sum and congee options are excellent reasons to visit. The variety of rice noodle rolls and fried dim sum items ensures that there is always something new to explore. The congee, in particular, offers a warm, comforting meal perfect for a chilly New York day. While some items may be an acquired taste, the sheer breadth of the menu means you're likely to find many things you love. The convenience of their service, from a quick visit for takeout to a more relaxed dine-in experience, fits perfectly with the fast-paced New York lifestyle.

The atmosphere, described as both casual and trendy, is another reason to choose Mei Lai Wah. It's a place where you can feel the energy of Chinatown, a true local experience that isn't overly commercialized. The ability to order through an iPad for card payments, as mentioned in a customer review, shows that the restaurant is embracing modern technology to improve service, even while holding on to its traditional roots. For a true taste of New York's vibrant Chinatown, with its famous buns and a wide selection of other classic dishes, Mei Lai Wah is an essential stop.

Mei Lai Wah

41 Mott St, New York, NY 10013, USA