Tim Ho Wan
World-famous Michelin-starred dim sum restaurant offering authentic Hong Kong flavors at affordable prices.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the lunch rush
Tim Ho Wan
Best Time
Beat the lunch rush
Highlights
Must-see attractions
World-famous Michelin-starred dim sum restaurant offering authentic Hong Kong flavors at affordable prices.
"The baked BBQ pork buns are legendary, and the overall quality for the price is unbeatable."
🎯 Must-Try BBQ Pork Buns
Don't leave without trying the legendary baked BBQ pork buns – they're a fan favorite!
⏰ Go Early or Late
To avoid long queues, aim for off-peak hours or visit right when they open.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Baked BBQ Pork Buns
All locations
The iconic, must-try dish. Fluffy buns with a sweet and savory BBQ pork filling.
Steamed Prawn Dumplings
All locations
Delicate dumplings bursting with fresh, succulent shrimp. A dim sum classic done right.
Vermicelli Rolls
All locations
Silky smooth rice noodle rolls filled with your choice of shrimp, beef, or BBQ pork.
Osmanthus Jelly
All locations
A refreshing and subtly sweet dessert to end your meal on a light note.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Dim Sum Experience
Budget-Friendly Michelin Dining
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Must-Try BBQ Pork Buns
Don't leave without trying the legendary baked BBQ pork buns – they're a fan favorite! +2
⏰ Go Early or Late
To avoid long queues, aim for off-peak hours or visit right when they open.
📝 Order Wisely
The menu is extensive; consider sharing a variety of dishes to sample more flavors.
💰 Value for Michelin
Enjoy Michelin-starred quality at surprisingly affordable prices for dim sum.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Must-Try BBQ Pork Buns
Don't leave without trying the legendary baked BBQ pork buns – they're a fan favorite! +2
⏰ Go Early or Late
To avoid long queues, aim for off-peak hours or visit right when they open.
📝 Order Wisely
The menu is extensive; consider sharing a variety of dishes to sample more flavors.
💰 Value for Michelin
Enjoy Michelin-starred quality at surprisingly affordable prices for dim sum.
☕ Hot Tea Policy
Be aware that some locations may require ordering hot tea to place your food order.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tim Ho Wan is widely praised for its delicious, high-quality dim sum, especially the iconic baked BBQ pork buns, offering excellent value for a Michelin-starred experience. While most reviews highlight the tasty food and reasonable prices, some diners have encountered lukewarm dishes or felt pressured to leave quickly at certain locations.
"We came with 4 people including a 6 month old infant.
The staff were helpful as they allowed our infant to stay in the pram and made space for the pram.
We ordered 7 dishes which came in a reasonable time frame. The dim sum here was quite delicious. The only con of this place is how it is abit more pricey compared to other spots nearby"
djiang87
"First time having dim sum at Tim Ho Wan. The experience at this branch was disappointing. The food (from steamed to stir-fried) was lukewarm at best. What’s even worse was our order of stir-fried noodles was precooked and all they did was reheat it with the steamer (even this came out lukewarm at best).
Even though the place was not even half full, the staff tried to pressure us into leaving right after we finished the last dish. This behaviour would be understandable if people were queued up outside waiting to be let in, but this was not the case at all.
Despite the abysmal experience, we are still willing to give another try at Tim Ho Wan. JUST NOT AT THIS STORE. The best place to test their worth is probably where it all started: their original store at Sham Shui Po."
LonelyWolf
"Great food for value, I would recommend anyone visiting HK to pay them a visit. We had shrimp dumplings, rice rolls with shrimp and bbq pork, and a cold sweet soup (dessert like). The only thing that I found a but unusual (hence 4 starts for service) is that they basically forced us to get hot tea, saying that without that they cannot take our food order. It’s cheap, but still…no logic to this."
Oana Morutan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tim Ho Wan has numerous locations worldwide, including in major cities like New York City, London, Macau, and various parts of Asia. You can often find them in popular shopping districts or malls. Searching 'Tim Ho Wan near me' or 'Tim Ho Wan locations' online will show you the closest options. +4
Most Tim Ho Wan restaurants are situated in well-connected urban areas, making them easily accessible via public transport such as subways, buses, or trams. Check local transit maps for the best routes to your chosen location. +1
Operating hours can vary by location, but generally, Tim Ho Wan restaurants open around 10 AM and close by 10 PM. Some may have slightly different hours, so it's always best to check the specific hours for the branch you plan to visit.
While some locations might accept reservations, Tim Ho Wan is primarily a walk-in establishment, especially during peak hours. Be prepared for potential wait times.
Yes, many Tim Ho Wan branches offer delivery and takeout services through third-party apps like DoorDash, GrabFood, or Foodpanda, as well as direct pickup options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Tim Ho Wan is a restaurant, not an attraction requiring tickets. You simply walk in and are seated. However, be prepared for potential queues during busy periods.
Wait times can vary significantly depending on the location, day of the week, and time of day. Weekends and lunch/dinner hours typically see the longest waits, sometimes exceeding an hour.
There is no admission fee. You pay for the food you order. Tim Ho Wan is known for offering Michelin-starred quality dim sum at very reasonable prices.
While some Tim Ho Wan locations might offer reservations, it's not always guaranteed or common practice, especially for smaller branches. It's best to check with your specific location or be prepared to wait.
There is no formal dress code. Tim Ho Wan is a casual dining restaurant, so comfortable, everyday attire is perfectly acceptable.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The absolute must-try is the Baked BBQ Pork Buns. Other highly recommended dishes include Steamed Prawn Dumplings, Vermicelli Rolls with BBQ Pork, and the Pork Chop Fried Rice. +2
Tim Ho Wan is celebrated for its affordability, especially considering its Michelin star. Most dim sum dishes range from $3-$7 USD, making it a great value.
While the menu is heavily focused on meat and seafood, some locations may offer a few vegetarian-friendly options like steamed vegetable dumplings or certain rice dishes. It's advisable to check the menu at your specific location.
Generally, dim sum is served fresh and hot. However, some reviews have noted that food can sometimes be lukewarm, especially if it's been sitting for a while or during busy periods.
Tim Ho Wan gained fame as the first dim sum restaurant in the world to receive a Michelin star, recognized for its exceptional quality and culinary excellence. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The Baked BBQ Pork Buns are visually appealing with their golden glaze. The Steamed Prawn Dumplings and colorful Vermicelli Rolls also make for great photos. +1
Yes, taking photos of your food and the restaurant ambiance is generally acceptable. However, be mindful of other diners and avoid intrusive photography.
Daytime visits, especially near windows, offer the best natural light for food photography. Evening visits can be more atmospheric but may require adjusting camera settings for low light.
Focus on capturing the vibrant colors and textures of the dim sum. The presentation of dishes like the BBQ pork buns is often a highlight for photos.
Use natural light whenever possible. For phones, ensure your lens is clean and consider using portrait mode for a shallow depth of field. For cameras, a macro lens can be great for close-ups of the dim sum.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🍜 Dim Sum Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Michelin Star Legacy
While the Michelin star is a significant draw, it's important to note that the star was awarded to specific locations and may not apply to every single Tim Ho Wan restaurant globally. However, the brand's ethos of delivering excellent dim sum remains consistent across its branches. Travelers often seek out Tim Ho Wan specifically for this unique culinary distinction, making it a destination in itself for food enthusiasts.
Navigating the Menu: Must-Try Dim Sum
Beyond these icons, explore the Vermicelli Rolls (Cheung Fun), available with various fillings like shrimp, beef, or BBQ pork, all bathed in a savory sauce.
When dining with a group, the best strategy is to order a variety of dishes to share. This allows everyone to sample the breadth of the menu and discover their personal favorites. Remember that dim sum is meant for sharing, so embrace the communal dining aspect and enjoy the culinary journey.
Global Reach and Local Flavors
While the core menu remains consistent, some locations might offer subtle regional variations or seasonal specials. For instance, the opening of a branch in SM Baguio, Philippines, brought its world-famous dim sum closer to the 'City of Pines,' catering to local tastes while maintaining its Hong Kong roots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit