Quite a long while back I got to know about Tim Ho Wan, the world’s cheapest Michelin starred restaurant. It’s a dim sum place that offers quality food made with premium ingredients at an affordable price (although it’s not so affordable for me!). I’ve had this place on my to-eat list since then. I missed out on it when I visited Hong Kong 7 years ago. So this time in my 3rd visit to Hong Kong, I make sure to grab a bite at Tim Ho Wan. I planned to dine at their original shop, however, I found out the original shop at Kwong Wa Street is no longer operating. Gah! So sad. I waited too long.
I’ve dined at Tim Ho Wan before, certainly not in Hong Kong, but at Mid Valley, Kuala Lumpur. This branch has closed down since last year. Only two dishes appealed to me at that time plus it was a very noisy atmosphere. The last remaining Tim Ho Wan (Melaka) in Malaysia closed down just a few days ago, and I thought I’ll give them a visit pretty soon.
On day 3 of my Hong Kong trip this year, I finally get to taste Tim Ho Wan at its birth country. There are several branches in Hong Kong and I choose the one with the highest rating in Kowloon area, which is the Sham Shui Po branch. It’s the second store opened after the original store at Mong Kok. Only the Tim Ho Wan at Sham Shui Po was awarded 1 Michelin star for 2018. The ones at Olympian City and North Point were awarded with Bib Gourmand. Tsk, the original shop was relocated to Olympian City.
Compare to my 1 Michelin star dining experience at Kam’s Roast Goose the day before, both restaurants differ as night and day.
We arrived at Tim Ho Wan around 5.15pm. I was expecting a queue but there was none. Fhew! And the tables were not fully occupied. It was pretty empty. Good! We proceed to order (write the quantity we want on the menu paper) and soon our dim sum came.
While waiting we saw an ang moh couple order lots of food. Basically taking over two square tables and then they suddenly left with many foods still on the table. OHMYGOD, what a waste!
Note: Photos are yellowish due to restaurant lighting and they’re the best I can do to minimize its effect though some turn out pretty ugly!!!
Baked bun with BBQ pork (3 pieces) @ HK$20. This is their signature dish and it’s undeniably good.
Congee with pork and preserved egg @ HK$20. Surprisingly very good. Sis and me ended up fighting for the last bit.
Steamed pork dumplings with shrimp @ HK$28. Pork and shrimp are really fresh. 👍👍👍
Steamed fresh shrimp dumplings @ HK$28. Again 👍
Pan-fried turnip cake @ HK$15. This turnip cake has wonderful aroma due to the dried shrimp and is so gooey and mushy. It easily breaks due to its softness. It’s quite oily (well, usually they are oily!). Yet another dish that we fight for its last bite. So good! Make sure you eat it with the chili sauce.
Steamed custard bun with salty egg yolk @ HK$20. I’m not a fan of this so my sis ate everything. Well, we tapau-ed a bun home because too full.
Steamed custard bun with its soft lava-like salty egg yolk custard center.
The above is what we ordered. When we saw an old couple sitting beside us order chee cheong fun, we thought we must get one too.
Steamed rice rolls stuffed with barbecued pork @ HK$23. Yet another winning dish. The secret lies at the soy sauce. Glad we ordered it.
We wished we can stuff more food in our stomach but alas it was near bursting! Besides the immensely yummmmmmy dim sum and relaxing atmosphere, what makes the experience more worthwhile are the friendly staffs. This place is so worth it.
We left around 6pm and the place still not really busy. From what I can tell, there are locals eating here besides us tourist. I was so satisfied with my dinner that I forgot to take a photo of the facade. 😛
Address:
添好運 Tim Ho Wan
9-11 Fuk Wing Street,
Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2788 1226
Opening time: 10am-9.30pm (Monday-Friday), 9am-9.30pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Nearest MTR station: Prince Edward, exit E or Sham Shui Po, exit B1
Map:
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