After a closure spanning several months, Wah Fung No. 1 Fast Food, a beloved eatery in Chinatown, has once again opened its doors. Located at 79 Chrystie Street, at the corner of Hester Street, the restaurant had been temporarily out of service since May. The reason for the closure, according to John Siu, a spokesperson for Wah Fung No. 1 Fast Food, was due to “Con Edison issues” stemming from a gas leak in the storefront.
Throughout the closure, Wah Fung No. 1 Fast Food kept its patrons informed, albeit minimally, by updating its Instagram bio every couple of weeks with the ongoing closure date. Eater has reportedly contacted Con Edison and the Department of Buildings for further details regarding the incident.
This cash-only, takeout-centric establishment has cultivated a devoted fanbase. Customers are consistently seen queuing under its distinctive red awning, eager for generous servings of Wah Fung No. 1 Fast Food’s renowned char siu and duck. These specialties are typically served simply over rice, accompanied by a side of cabbage. The dedication of Wah Fung No. 1 Fast Food’s enthusiasts was evident when speculation arose online about the reason for the prolonged temporary closure in a Reddit thread a few months prior. One commenter even questioned if a change in management was the cause. Siu has confirmed that the management remains unchanged at Wah Fung No. 1 Fast Food.
In 2020, during the height of COVID-19 restrictions, Eater critic Robert Sietsema revisited Wah Fung No. 1 Fast Food. He highlighted the particular comfort and value that Wah Fung No. 1 Fast Food’s affordable takeout options provided during that challenging period. Further solidifying its culinary significance, the New York Times in 2021 recognized Wah Fung No. 1 Fast Food’s roast pork over rice as one of New York City’s “essential dishes.” Maria Galindo, owner of Nene’s Deli Taqueria and a loyal customer, shared with the Times for their acclaimed list: “When I was a minimum-wage cook at Jean-Georges, all the cooks used to go to Wah Fung after the lunch shift.”
The cultural impact of Wah Fung No. 1 Fast Food extends beyond its food. It even boasts its own merchandise collection in collaboration with Neighborhood Spot. “The shirts were a big source of income for the restaurant while it was closed,” Siu stated, indicating the community’s ongoing support for Wah Fung No. 1 Fast Food.
The reopening of Wah Fung No. 1 Fast Food was announced in a video posted on their Instagram, showcasing that the beloved spot looks exactly as familiar as ever. The comments section quickly filled with celebratory messages from locals and neighboring businesses, including Cantonese restaurant Uncle Lou, all welcoming back Wah Fung No. 1 Fast Food to the Chinatown culinary scene.
