After 48 years, okay fine mga 10 years lang, always passing by seeing the long queue and not having the patience nor the time to line up, we’ve finally managed to dine at Tim Ho Wan’s first store in Manila, conveniently located at SM Fashion Hall, Megamall in Mandaluyong City.
What was once a hole-in-the-wall eatery in Hong Kong defined all odds and gained entry in the Michelin guide. It’s a big deal when a restaurant is a Michelin-starred one, as there is a great expectation when it comes to food & experience.
Tim Ho Wan’s menu is simple. A one-page place mat that is categorized based on the kind of dish.
Despite Tim Ho Wan being open for a few months now, there’s still a long queue especially during peak hours- lunch and dinner. Lucky for us, we didn’t mind having early dinner. And by early I mean hello, 5 pm pa lang go laps na! Inisip ko na lang I’m doing the before 6 diet. Ahihihihi. Thankful though that my DIL willingly lined up for us. 🙂
Out of the four heavenly dim sum must-try at Tim Ho Wan, we ordered only one. But we also tried some of the other dishes.
Prawn Dumpling Php 160
Pork Dumpling with Shrimp Php 150
If you were to ask me, all dim sums are the same. It’s better to ask Mr. GJG & lil’ Ms. GJG, my father-daughter tag team who love dim sum so much, they can tell if it’s worth lining up for in just one bite. Tim Ho Wan’s Prawn Dumpling got a thumbs up from my 4 year old dim sum connoisseur while Mr. GJG liked the Pork Dumpling with Shrimp.
Bean Curd Skin Roll with Pork & Shrimp Php 120
Now bean curd is my thing & Tim Ho Wan’s didn’t disappoint. Not that it was fancier compared to others, it was just flavourful that I’d order it again next time we dine. Spot the photo, lacking one bean curd. I forgot I already took one before taking a photo. Heehee.
Beancurd Skin Roll with Shrimp Php 140
The crunchy bean curd version, equally good as the steamed one.
Vermicelli Roll with Beef Php 120
Vermicelli with Shrimp Php 190
I like the Vermicelli with Shrimp more than the beef variant. I feel like the vermicelli works well with the former rather than the latter. I guess the composition of the beef (chewy strips) weren’t as tender and delicious as I’d expect it to be. Now this makes me wonder if the Vermicelli Roll stuffed with pig’s liver is worth trying next as I’m not really a fan of liver.
Glutinous Rice In Lotus Leaf Php 190
Glutinous Rice in Lotus Leaf aka Machang as what I know it, is such a filling dish. Looks can be deceiving for this one as the photo doesn’t do justice to how it tastes like. This lump of rice reveals a delicious centre of seasoned meat. The sticky rice flavor wasn’t overpowering the sumptuous meaty centre. This dish is something I’d eventually buy & freeze just because I’m craving for it.
Chicken, Sausage & Mushroom Php 170.
This was Mr. GJG’s dish and according to him it tastes good.
Pork Ribs Rice Php 170
I’m not really a fan of pork ribs especially rice toppings as I find it tedious to enjoy. For me, removing the meat from the bone also strips away the enjoyment of eating it, which is why I usually order beef. But since I was drawn to the chilli toppings, I decided to give a try once and for all. The hassle of dissecting the meat from the bone was worth it, as the meat was tender and the rice soaked in delicate sauce.
The last but not the least, one of the four stars of Tim Ho Wan and one of the dishes (I assume) that made Tim Ho Wan Michelin worthy, Baked Bun with Pork BBQ Php 145 (3 pieces).
I love BBQ, I mean who doesn’t?! Tim Ho Wan’s Baked Bun with Pork BBQ is one of those that you would remember for the rest of your life. That crunchy, sweet tasting baked bun is irresistible. Wait ’til you make your way through the centre and you’ll love it even more. I’m just so happy I finally had the chance to order this dish that I got 3 sets to go! Ahihihi.
When dining at Tim Ho Wan, be prepared to shell out at least Php 400 per person. While you can enjoy the different dim sums with your family or friends, I recommend you try their rice toppings too as it can compliment the dim sum of your choice.
I’m definitely going back for those Baked Buns, Vermicelli and Glutinous Sticky Rice. Would I line up and queue for these? Umm, not really.
Quick tip: Take a chance and queue during off-peak hours which is usually in between two to five in the afternoon. Take out is easy and if you’re lucky, you can order more than three sets of Baked Buns. 😉
GF SM Mega Fashion Hall, Megamall, Mandaluyong City
(02) 470-8836
Open Monday- Sunday from 10 AM to 10 PM
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