
Nom Wah Tea Parlor
NYC's oldest dim sum parlor since 1920, offering a historic taste of Chinatown with classic Cantonese dishes and a unique vintage atmosphere.

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Nom Wah Tea Parlor

Highlights
Must-see attractions
NYC's oldest dim sum parlor since 1920, offering a historic taste of Chinatown with classic Cantonese dishes and a unique vintage atmosphere.
"Step back in time at this iconic Chinatown spot for authentic dim sum that's worth the wait."
Visit Early
Arrive early to beat the crowds, especially on weekends. Lines can get long.
Payment Options
Bring cash or an American Express card; they do not accept other forms of payment.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Dim Sum, Chinese
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

A Century of Dim Sum History
NYC's oldest dim sum parlor, established in 1920, offering a taste of history and authentic Cantonese cuisine.

Iconic Original Egg Roll
Don't miss the 'O.G.' egg roll, a unique and highly recommended dish with a century-old legacy.

Fluffy Pork Buns
Experience the ultra-fluffy, oversized roasted-pork bun, a must-try classic that's a fan favorite.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit Early
Arrive early to beat the crowds, especially on weekends. Lines can get long.
Payment Options
Bring cash or an American Express card; they do not accept other forms of payment.
Lunchtime Savings
For a more affordable experience, consider visiting during weekday lunch hours.
Group Dining
The restaurant can get crowded, with some suggesting it's best for groups of 4 or less.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit Early
Arrive early to beat the crowds, especially on weekends. Lines can get long.
Payment Options
Bring cash or an American Express card; they do not accept other forms of payment.
Lunchtime Savings
For a more affordable experience, consider visiting during weekday lunch hours.
Group Dining
The restaurant can get crowded, with some suggesting it's best for groups of 4 or less.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nom Wah Tea Parlor is lauded as an iconic Chinatown institution, celebrated for its historic ambiance and authentic dim sum, particularly its highly-praised original egg roll and fluffy pork buns. While many enjoy the great value and delicious food, some diners have noted that certain dishes, like the pork, could use more seasoning, and a few have had negative experiences with service and cleanliness. Payment can be limited to cash or Amex, and lines can be long, especially during peak hours.
"There are plenty of options for Dim Sum in Chinatown and this is the oldest of them. We came here for dinner on a Monday night and had no issues getting a table. The service was fast. The food was great and very affordable. The three of us ate for a total of $60 and none of us left hungry. I would absolutely come back here and recommend checking it out."
Ben McGuire
"I understand why this place had such a long wait line as soon as I got to taste the food. The rice roll is my favorite, soft and had the perfect texture. The dumplings are surprisingly big! You get a really good value for the money you spend here. The only item I felt was subpar was the egg roll, it didn’t have enough salt/savory/umami for my tastes. Everything else was very good and well-balanced between sweet and savory. I would personally bring +$60 of cash per person, since their payment options are limited. Also, space is limited, I was very lucky to come here on my own and get in quickly. I would only eat in a group of 4, at maximum, if I had to eat in a group."
Sandy Le
"An institution par excellence. Everything was so so good. We ordered the must haves such as pork buns and chicken soup dumplings which were great! We also really enjoyed the shrimp and chive dumpling. The egg fried rice was simple and oh-so-well-done. Cash only or Amex fyi!"
Rajarshi Das
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Nom Wah Tea Parlor is famous for being NYC's oldest dim sum parlor, established in 1920. It's particularly known for its "O.G." egg roll and fluffy pork buns.
Nom Wah Tea Parlor only accepts cash or American Express cards. It's advisable to bring these forms of payment.
Yes, there is often a line, especially during peak hours and weekends. Visiting early or on weekdays can help minimize wait times.
No, Nom Wah Tea Parlor has moved away from traditional carts and now offers an à la carte menu.
Popular dishes include the Original "OG" Egg Roll, House Special Roast Pork Buns, Shrimp and Snow Pea Leaf Dumplings, and Shumai.
Yes, the menu is clearly labeled, and there are some vegetarian-friendly options like Vegetarian Dumplings and Turnip Cakes.
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The experience: Dim SumWhat started as easy-to-eat teahouse cuisine during the 10th century for travelers in southern China is now a popular incentive for New Yorkers to gather with friends on weekend afternoons. This quintessential NYC food ritual involves heading to Chinatown (often during brunch) and ordering small plates of Cantonese-style dishes that include dumplings of all kinds, rice noodle rolls, pork buns, turnip cakes, and a plethora of dishes that taste best when shared with a group of your closest homies. Converge with them at Nom Wah Tea Parlor, NYC’s first dim sum parlor known for items like their “O.G.” eggroll (which actually contains egg!), and with origins dating back all the way to 1920.
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New York's first dim sum house opened in 1920 on a rough crook of gang-riddled Doyers Street. After a near-century in business, the family-owned parlor is one of the most atmospheric rooms in Chinatown, with checkered tablecloths over Art Deco tables and vintage lamps—Nom Wah is completely unlike the chaotic banquet halls that dominate the dim sum scene. The food, too, stands apart: Try the ultra-fluffy oversize roasted-pork bun, the flaky fried crepe egg roll and the tender stuffed eggplant filled with a spiced shrimp-and-squid mixture.
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Nom Wah Tea Parlor has been a New York City favorite since 1920, but the Chinatown dim sum spot only became a popular buffet destination back in 2016. That was when local culture authority Thrillist outed Nom Wah’s “unadvertised, unlimited dim sum” buffet, offered exclusively to groups of 10 or more. For $55 per person (this includes unlimited beer and wine), you and nine of your hungriest friends can enjoy endless refills of New York City’s favorite dumplings and more.
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Nom Wah has the best outdoor setup in the neighborhood (and maybe in the entire downtown area). Their Doyers Street spot is blocked off to cars, which means the whole street feels like an outdoor dining room with yellow umbrellas and foliage. They also have some nice shady seats for people who are waiting for pick-up, in case you want to take your har gow to-go.
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Nom Wah opened in Chinatown in 1920 as a bakery and tea parlor. The iconic downtown restaurant eventually moved next door and expanded; it now has three NYC locations and one in Philadelphia. There are more than 30 dim sum dishes on the menu, including steamed rice rolls with shrimp, siu mai, and soup dumplings.
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Hidden down a narrow lane, 1920s Nom Wah Tea Parlor might look like an American diner, but it's actually the oldest dim sum place in town.
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Nom Wah Tea Parlor (13 Doyers Street) is the neighborhood’s oldest dim sum parlor, though it has left behind the carts rolling through the dining room stacked high with baskets of buns and dumplings for an ala carte menu. The same is true of Jing Fong (202 Centre Street), another historic Chinatown eatery that has downsized and modernized. For an old school touch, head to House of Joy (28 Pell Street), where the dim sum still gets wheeled through the expansive dining room by waiters wearing vests and bow ties and where tables seat a dozen or more.
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What started as a tea parlor and bakery in 1920 has since grown into a legendary source of dim sum for hungry locals and visitors alike, with the original Nom Wah restaurant in Chinatown on Doyers St and an outpost in Nolita. The restaurant is known for its roast pork buns; almond cookies; steamed lotus, phoenix, and red bean buns; shrimp, chicken, and pork siu mai; and Shanghai-style soup dumplings; while you’ll also find favorites like scallion pancakes and egg-fried rice on the menu. Wash it all down with Oolong, jasmine, or chrysanthemum tea.
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There is no shortage of fantastic dim sum hiding around every corner and on every stop of a food tour in NYC. But for the best of the best, this is a must-try.Established in 1920, Nom Wah Tea Parlor is the oldest dim sum haunt in New York City and a go-to for dim sum in Chinatown, NYC. With no carts, dim sum is checked off on a pad by the customer, and a waiter delivers the order. Nom Wah has all the classics, but some of the must-try dishes include the original “OG” egg roll, shrimp and snow pea leaf dumplings, turnip cakes and roast pork bun.
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Originally opened as a tea parlor/bakery in 1920 that was known for its mooncakes, Nom Wah Tea Parlor has slowly evolved into an immortal, Chinatown eatery in NYC where you can get a decadently delicious dim sum of every variety. So, do as the locals do and mosey on over during a Sunday afternoon so that you can enjoy a delicious brunch filled with dim sum, dims sum, and, oh yeah, more dim sum. Just don’t expect to have the place all to yourself since locals know that is this one of the many places you must eat in NYC.
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All of historic Doyers street is closed to cars to make room for outdoor dining, and if you know what is good for you, you will run-not-walk to dim sum at Nom Wah Tea Parlor, the oldest dim sum parlor in New York’s Chinatown. Although it is a shame to miss the antique interior (which doesn’t look like it has changed since its opening in 1920), savoring your snow pea leaf dumplings and brothy, savory Xiao Long Bao on the bustling streets of Chinatown only adds to the experience.
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With various owners, Nom Wah Tea Parlor has an interesting history, first opening in Chinatown 1920 as a bakery and tea parlor, then moving a few doors down in 1968. Nom Wah Tea Parlor has been the backdrop for many movies and television shows and boasts three additional locations throughout NYC and one in Philadelphia. Known for dim sum and tea, the original egg rolls are delicious, featuring 2 pieces of chicken and mixed vegetables rolled in a crepe with homemade batter.
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Perhaps the most popular establishment on the list, this Chinatown fixture is known for its Instagrammable atmosphere and historic legacy—the original restaurant opened as a tea parlor and bakery in 1920. Although the restaurant now only serves Dim Sum à la carte rather than doling it out on push carts, it’s a nice move into the modern with above average food (the rice rolls with spare ribs are a must) that will leave you dreaming of dumplings in sepia tones.
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We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again, this vintage Dim Sum parlor serves the best BBQ pork bun in NYC. The simple act of biting into this delicacy is a truly euphoric experience—one that has quite literally ‘altered our brain chemistry.’ The sweet cloudlike dough houses sweet, sticky pork that may be certifiably addictive. We know traditionalists are going to push back on this, but the scallion pancake hot dog is one of our favorite bites in NYC.
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This iconic Chinese restaurant first opened its doors in the 1920s and has been a hit since then. Despite its 100-year history, the family-owned nom Wah Tea Parlor continues to offer an exciting and fun-filled atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere in Chinatown. This Chinese-themed eating joint distinguishes itself from other banquet halls through its unique interior décor comprising vintage lamps checkered table cloths over rustic tables.
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Dim sum, the Cantonese brunch tradition of sharing small plates of dishes like dumplings and buns, is an NYC favorite and the art is truly perfected at Nom Wah Tea Parlor. Located on Chinatown’s photogenic Doyers Street, Nom Wah was NYC’s first dim sum restaurant and has been a local favorite since 1920. Both the interiors and exteriors of the restaurant harken back to Chinatown’s beginnings and are worth more than a few snaps.
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Nom Wah Tea Parlor is NYC’s oldest dim sum restaurant, serving the Chinatown neighborhood since 1920. Tucked away on the iconic curved alley of Doyers Street, this vintage gem doesn’t look like much from the outside—but inside, you’ll find a surprisingly spacious and charming space filled with history. The menu features all the dim sum classics, made to order, along with a drink list that includes tea, beer, and wine.
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In 1920, New York’s first dim sum restaurant opened its doors on Doyer Street in Manhattan’s Chinatown. Nom Wah Tea Parlor remains open today and has established itself as a household name for many New Yorkers. Purchased by one of its own waiters in 1974, Nom Wah is now owned by that waiter’s nephew, Wilson Tang, who has gone on to expand the brand and open several restaurants of his own.
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Opened in 1920 (more than 100 years ago), Nom Wah Tea Parlor is the oldest dim sum restaurant in NYC. You couldn’t miss it if you tried because the line normally snakes the block, everyone eager to try the restaurant’s famed shrimp dumplings and roasted pork buns. As such, getting a meal at this iconic NYC restaurant is one of the best things to do in Chinatown for foodies.
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If you’re into dim sum, Golden Unicorn is my absolute favorite but Nom Wah Tea Parlor and Jing Fong are also close contenders. Finally, I’m obsessed with Xi’an Famous Foods’ cumin lamb noodles, but there are locations all over the city so it may be best to save it for a different day of exploring. For dessert, I love the egg custard tarts at Tai Pan Bakery on Canal Street.
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Nom Wah is the first Chinese restaurant to introduce dim sum to the United States. The restaurant was established in 1920 in its original location of Doyers Street near Manhattan’s Chinatown. At the time, Doyers Street was one of the most dangerous areas in New York City located in what was called the Bloody Angle because that’s where the city’s criminals congregated.
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Nom Wah Tea Parlor is an iconic spot in Chinatown, known for its delicious dim sum and exceptional soup dumplings. Their xiao long bao are crafted with thin skins and a savory pork filling that bursts with flavor. The historic charm and bustling ambiance make it a favorite among both locals and tourists.Address: 13 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013
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You can’t talk about classic New York City restaurants without mentioning Nom Wah Tea Parlor. A Chinatown staple since the 1920’s, Nom Wah serves up affordable and delicious dim sum from their no-frills storefront on Doyers street. While there is usually a line to get into this NYC favorite, the queue moves quickly and is well worth the wait.
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Nom Wah opened as a tea parlour and bakery in 1920 at Doyers Street in the heart of Chinatown. Between the 50s and 80s, Nom Wah sold dim sum on the side, but their main forte was the bakery. And their specialty was mooncakes, a pastry filled with lotus paste and red bean filling that are staples of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
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This vintage dim sum parlor dates back to the 1920s and is a great place to stop and grab a bite to eat. With an extensive menu that includes tea beer and wine, it is one of the local favorites to grab some authentic Chinese food. We recommend making a reservation online as it can get busy here during lunch and dinner.
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Runner ups: House of Joy (Chinatown Manhattan), Tim Ho Wan (East Village. Some dishes can be oily!), Nom Wah Tea Parlor (historic & always busy!), Golden Unicorn Restaurant (Chinatown Manhattan. Kinda inconsistent sometimes! They no longer have the ladies coming with the carts and replace them with the cat robots.)
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It was first opened in 1920, and still, it is serving customers. It has a beautiful dining room with classic vintage tile floors, red vinyl seats, pendant lamps and painted tin ceilings. Americans usually try the dishes of Nom Wah, stuffed with chicken, vegetables and mushrooms and fried in homemade butter.
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This spot in Chinatown is the oldest Dim Sum parlour in New York. It is much more quaint and charming than some other Dim Sum restaurants in Chinatown with communal seating. The decor is a crossover between Art Deco and cozy kitchen, with fancy furniture, checkered tablecloths and old posters on the walls.
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For over 100 years, Nom Wah has been serving incredible classics like turnip cakes, shrimp dumplings, chicken feet, and more. But it’s not just the food that calls to us, it’s the ambiance as well. Nom Wah’s vintage interior and excellent outdoor seating keep us coming back despite the weekend wait.
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- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (976 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)- Price: $- Address: 13 Doyers St, New York City, NY 10013-5104- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like: How inflation of 10 items in New York City compares to the rest of the US
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If Chinese food is more your thing, then you’ll want to check out Nom Wah Tea Parlor. This restaurant has been serving up traditional Cantonese cuisine since 1920, so they definitely know what they’re doing!. The Dim Sum is mouth-wateringly good, and we also highly recommend trying the Egg Rolls.
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With a beautiful tile floor and sepia tones, it looks like the kind of room where the cast of In the Mood for Love would go when they wanted dumplings. Renovated a few years back, it no longer doles food out in carts but simply offers dim sum à la carte, as the modern Hong Kong restaurants do.
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Nom Wah Tea Parlor, which was initially established in 1920 at a different location, remains a beloved dim sum destination in New York City. Select from an abundance of choices, including rice rolls, dumplings, and braised pork buns, and make plans for your subsequent visit before you depart.
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It’s the oldest restaurant in Chinatown and still one of the very best. The restaurant started as a tea parlor and bakery in 1920 and has since shifted to include all kinds of dim sum. Instead of carts, you can order all of the classics on a piece of paper and keep adding as you go.
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Vintage dim sum parlor dating back to 1920 with a drink menu that includes tea, beer & wine. The oldest dim sum parlor in the city and operated by Wilson Tang, who took over from his uncle, Wally, in 2010. Located on the enchanting and hard-to-find Doyers Street.
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The small spot has a surprisingly substantial tea offering that's low key and delicious. Plus, if you have a sweet tooth you can enjoy extra macarons from the adjacent bakery. You’ll walk away feeling ready to take on the masses shopping on Broadway on a weekend.
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For a unique brunch experience check out Nom Wah Tea Parlor for dim sum. It opened in 1920 as a tea parlor and bakery in the heart of Chinatown, Manhattan. The restaurant offers an excellent authentic experience with tasty Chinese-inspired dishes and teas.
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Nom Wah Tea Parlor, established in 1920, is the oldest dim sum restaurant in New York City. Located on Doyers Street, this historic spot is a must-visit for dim sum enthusiasts. Unlike many dim sum restaurants, Nom Wah doesn’t use carts.
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The OG. Nom Wah first opened its doors in 1920, making it the city's oldest dim sum parlor. A second dumpling-slinging location recently popped up in Nolita. 13 Doyers St., New York, NY 10013; menu service, moderate weekend wait times
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Nom Wah Tea Parlor: If you are looking for unforgettable dumplings, Nom Wah Tea Parlor is where to go. It’s been around since 1920 making some of the city’s best dumplings and while there get some frozen dumplings to take home!
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Wilson Tang is doling out dumplings and pan-fried noodles at a Nom Wah outpost. Fany Gerson’s vibrant paletas are displayed in front of her new Mexican concept, Mijo. The Lobster Place has a casual kiosk called The Galley.
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Nom Wah Tea Parlor is one of the oldest Chinese restaurants — it dates back to 1902 and looks the part. The food is certainly good but part of the appeal is the ambiance. Nom Wah still draws a big crowd so expect a wait.
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A photo posted by Dad (@wablesdfwc) on Jun 5, 2015 at 9:45am PDT. This dim sum serves dim sum all day – a pretty unusual thing at dim sum establishments. The roast pork bun is one of a kind and an absolute must order.
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On the edge of Chinatown, Nom Wah Tea Parlor is a vintage dim sum parlor dating back to the 1920s. We love their soup dumplings after a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, but come knowing there is usually always a line.
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As NYC’s first official Dim Sum restaurant, it offers all the traditional Hong Kong style foods including roast pork buns and delicious sticky rice and is now a Chinatown staple thanks to its stylish décor.
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Opened in 1920, Nom Wah was the first dim sum restaurant in New York City. It retains its original neighborhood charm while operating with a more modern kitchen and an updated-yet-traditional menu.
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The iconic Nom Wah Tea Parlor has both indoor and outdoor dining. FYI waits are shorter later in the day. The Pan Fried Pork Dumplings are a family favorite.
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Nom Wah Tea Parlor – This is the oldest dim sum place in Chinatown, with a 100-year history. It’s known for its nostalgic charm and traditional dim sum.
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Nom Wah Tea Parlor is a historic restaurant on Doyers Street in Chinatown. The place started out as a tea parlor and a bakery, and dim sum was just a…
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13 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013Phone: 212-962-6047 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Woodburner (@southernsoulwoodburner)
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Wo Hop and Hop Kee are at the top of the list for me, and for Dim Sum specifically, It’s Nom Wah Tea Parlor for the win.
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