It has been almost a year since Tim Ho Wan 添好運, Hong Kong’s most famous Michelin star dim sum restaurant, opened its first international expansion in the Philippines after the Singapore branch, which owns the Asian franchise of this Hong Kong original. Tim Ho Wan is a “go-to” for consistent Chinese food, pleasing diners with its simple and straightforward menu of traditional favorites and more modern specialties plus drinks.
My sister and I had lunch in its flagship branch in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City on a Wednesday. With bright and inviting atmosphere and great food that round out the experience, there’s no wonder why the dining room fills up very quickly anytime of the day and anytime of the week. Take note that strictly no reservations are accepted. With that said, it’s most recommended to go early or expect a wait. The hype has not died down. Wahaha. 🙂
Review of Tim Ho Wan 添好運 (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City)
Service: ★★★★★
Tim Ho Wan’s waiting system must have already proven itself effective, with the staff bringing order to an otherwise potentially chaotic situation. Chairs for people in queue are available outside, while others have to stand and wait until their names are called. We were lucky to find seats immediately, since we came before the prime of lunch hour. To order, we just ticked the items on the checklist and submitted it to the staff.
The restaurant was full but we were not rushed and were given the best customer service we could ask for.
Food: ★★★★★
Tim Ho Wan is popular in dishing out lots of yummy goodness to impossible lines of loyal fans. Ordering the Baked Bun with BBQ Pork (PhP 145 for 3pcs) is a must. This is the iconic signature dimsum that lures in crowds who push the wait to an hour or more (consider yourself warned).
The buns were pillowy soft, light, not oily, not chewy, with crumbly pastry crust that’s so freshly baked. The char siu filling was sweet and savory. It’s an indulgence worth braving the crowd for. 🙂
The Steam Spinach Dumpling with Shrimp (PhP 120) is a welcome break from ordinary sautéed spinach. It’s a great way to enjoy tender, leafy greens with shrimp in translucent, delicate wrapper.
We dipped it in a mixture of soy sauce and chili sauce for better taste. It’s a simple yet tantalizing treat that’s elegantly showcased, a sensible choice for this lenten season. 🙂
We also had Glutinous Rice in Lotus Leaf (PhP 190) (machang) which was served steaming hot. The fragrant glutinous rice was seriously good stuff, and shredded of meat and mushroom inside were tasty and perfectly flavored. We loved every bite!
Price for Value: ★★★★☆
I have no qualms about the freshness and good quality of ingredients that went into making good food here at Tim Ho Wan. With regard to prices, they are still more expensive than the Chinese restaurants my family frequents. However, considering that Tim Ho Wan is the “world’s cheapest Michel Star restaurant,” this place can be a safe bet and certainly one that warrants a return visit without question. 🙂
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