Nom Wah Philadelphia

Steps away from the Philadelphia Convention Center and Chinatown

Nom Wah's signature egg roll on a plate, next to a bottle of Tsingtao Beer
Shrimp siu mai in a steaming tin, next to a ramekin with sauce and a Tsingtao Beer

Before 218 North 13th Street was the site of Nom Wah’s Philadelphia outpost, it was home to an array of interesting tenants.

Known as the Ballinger Building, the building was commissioned in December 1890 by F.A. Ballinger—house painter and decorator. Architect Albert W. Dilks was responsible for the project, creating a Renaissance-style façade, which served as the headquarters fore Ballinger’s house painting business. Richard Ballinger (no relation), a bricklayer, made use of the upstairs office space of the new building. R. Ballinger went on to take over the whole building after the death of F.A. Ballinger in 1901.

In the subsequent years, the Ballinger Building housed several different businesses, including a flower shop. It wasn’t until the 1960s when Barnard L. Sackett, an aspiring movie producer—who is best known for sexploitation flicks—established his film production company, Adelphia Pictures, in the neighborhood.

Towards the end of the 20th century, 218 North 13th Street continued to shuffle in identity, from architectural firm to printing headquarters to printing to hardware.

For more detail on the building’s history, visit Hidden City: Philadelphia.

Large pork bun on a plate

Click on the buttons below to see our menu options, and where also highlight gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan items.

Menu

 

Getting here

Find us at 218 North 13th St., less than a ten minute walk away from the convention center or Philadelphia’s Chinatown.

If traveling by subway, get off at the 11th St station and walk about 5 minutes. For the train, take it to the Jefferson station and walk from there.

FAQs

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FAQs *

  • Yes, please call for reservations.

  • Yes, please fill out the form on the contact page for more information.

  • We are open Wednesday to Monday from 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM, and are closed on Tuesdays.

  • We are located at 218 North 13th St., Philadelphia, PA and our phone number is (267) 519-2889.