So I’ve finally visited TIM HO WAN Manila! I’ve been seeing a lot of photos of Tim Ho Wan’s Manila restaurants plus their uber popular baked buns with pork BBQ (char siu) filling. At bilang fan na fan ako ng dim sum, I knew I just had to include Tim Ho Wan in my must-visit list next time I’m in Manila.
Tim Ho Wan, which originated in Mong Kok, Hong Kong, is recognized as HK’s most famous Michelin star restaurant. Actually, Tim Ho Wan is the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant! And you know how it is if a restaurant is awarded a Michelin star. It means you simply have to visit.
The Tim Ho Wan Manila franchise, a result of a partnership between Felix Ang of Cats Motors and Ricky Dee of Mesa and Todd English Food Hall, is less than a year old but based on a lot of posts and photos, it’s still notorious for the long, long lines of patiently waiting customers especially during meal times.
Since I was staying in Makati the last time I was in Manila (the main reason of which was to attend the Senator Chiz Escudero – Heart Evangelista wedding), my Manila-based cousin and I decided to visit the Tim Ho Wan restaurant in Glorietta. It was a weekday and we went a little past lunch time so we were pleased to see this:
NO LINES!!! WOOHOO!!!
So there’s a tip: try to go during non-peak hours
We were met by a courteous food server and were immediately escorted to a table. We were then given an order sheet where we tick the boxes that correspond to our orders. If you notice on the menu, the meals are assigned codes.
By the way: Reservations are NOT accepted here and there is no take out/take away option plus you can’t be accommodated if your group isn’t complete yet!
If you notice, the prices are very affordable.
So many options!!!
But of course, I simply cannot skip the popular Tim Ho Wan baked buns with BBQ pork:
THEY ARE SOOOOO GOOD!!! The char siu (pork BBQ filling) is divine – very tasty. The bun is almost like a conversation piece – it’s very light, crumbly (when you press on it, your finger even leaves an indentation), soft, not oily at all and the taste goes well with the char siu. YUM!
I also ordered rice with chicken, sausage and mushroom (R20). This was also a winner!
Also got the prawn dumplings (S9). I LOVE hakaw and Tim Ho Wan’s did not disappoint. The shrimps were plump and every bite felt full.
The beancurd skin roll with pork and shrimp (S13) was a pleasant discovery! This was really delicious! Actually, I spotted two tables with this dim sum as we were being escorted to our table so I figured – it must be good, right? RIGHT!!! Hooboy, I’d go back to Tim Ho Wan and just order this and the buns and I’m all set 🙂
I’m really glad Tim Ho Wan is now in the Philippines. Delicious, world-class dim sum at affordable prices. Now if only they open a branch in my neck of the woods, eh? Sure na, balik balik gyud ko!
Have you visited Tim Ho Wan? What are your favorites? Please let me know in the comments section so I can try them when I’m back in Manila 🙂
Thanks!
*Disclaimer: I paid for all of our meals and this is an unpaid post.
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Mindanaoan is a multi-awarded blogger, content creator, seasoned social media strategist and publicist with undeniably successful track record. 2012 International Visitor Leadership Program (for global leaders) alumnus and O visa grantee (for people with extraordinary skills and who have risen to the top of their field). Avid traveler and a proud relief operations volunteer. Regular resource person for social media, blogging and content creation. Available for work and travel – [email protected]
