It has been a decade of dim sum delights.
Tim Ho Wan, the Michelin-starred dim sum restaurant chain from Hong Kong, has celebrated its 10th anniversary in Singapore. Time really flies.
Do you remember when the restaurant first opened its doors in Singapore in 2013 at Plaza Singapura and attracted long queues for days?
You can now find outlets around Singapore at i12 Katong, Tampines 1, Citylink Mall, Great World, Jewel Changi Airport, Marina Bay Sands, Waterway Point, Westgate, Aperia Mall and 18 Tai Seng.
Tim Ho Wan is a familiar Dim Sum chain originating from Hong Kong that has quickly become a popular destination for foodies in Singapore.
It was started by Chef Mak Kwai Pui, who used to work at the prestigious three Michelin-starred Lung King Heen restaurant in Hong Kong’s Four Seasons Hotel alongside Chef Leung Fai Keung.
The duo launched their first Dim Sum restaurant in Mongkok (in 2009, seating only 20 people) known for delivering quality food at reasonable prices, and gained the Michelin Star from 2010 to 2021.
I recently visited their i12 Katong outlet and liked the welcoming ambience. Food wise, they were known for its “Big 4 Heavenly Kings” of Baked BBQ Pork Buns, Steamed Rice Rolls, Pan-Fried Carrot Cake, and Steamed Sponge Cake, but there’s actually many more to offer:
Baked BBQ Pork Buns ($8.50 for 3 pcs)
Of course if you are dining at Tim Ho Wan, the must-have is the Baked BBQ Pork Buns, known to many as the “Best BBQ Pork Buns” around with its delightful combination of textures.
Staying true to the Hong Kong recipe, these buns are made to replicate the original pork bun flavours closely, freshly baked with a crumbly and fluffy crust.
Of course, not forgetting the diced barbecued pork fillings in special THW sauce.
When I tried them, the buns were warm and fluffy with a crispy exterior that complemented the sweet and savoury filling. Still good.
Flat Fish, Meatballs & Peanut Congee ($8.00)
The congee was silky smooth and had a subtle flavour of flat fish and peanuts.
The highlight to me were the meatballs which were bouncy and flavourful, and added a nice texture to the dish. Warm and comforting that would fill you up nicely.
Shrimp Dumplings ($7.00 for 3 pc)
The Har Gao had a translucent skin, showcasing the plump and succulent shrimp fillings within.
The wrapping was delicate, and it didn’t break apart when picked up with chopsticks. But the real delicious part was the flavour of the shrimp fillings which were fresh and sweet.
Golden Lava Salted Egg Buns ($6.30 for 3 pc)
Have them while they are warm to appreciate the fluffy and light buns, along with oozy and rich salted egg yolk fillings – with balance of sweet and salty flavours.
Chicken, Cordyceps Flower & Mushroom with Rice ($8.00)
One of my personal favourites at THW, which features tender chunks of chicken meat on top of steamed rice.
Adding an earthy flavour as well as visual interest is a piece of whole shiitake mushroom in the middle, topped with woody-scented cordyceps flowers.
The rice was fluffy and flavourful after the sauce was poured in, a great option for those looking for a wholesome and not-too-filling meal.
Pork & Shrimp Dumplings ($6.50 for 3 pc)
Siew Mai with tender and flavourful pork & shrimp filling. I did wish for the meat to be juicier, but at least the skin was thin and didn’t detract from the taste of the pork.
Hong Kong Style Wonton Noodle Soup ($10.30)
A classic and a bowl of comfort for the noodle lover. Other than the springy noodles and flavourful broth, what I really enjoyed were the firmly wrapped wontons which were plump and juicy.
Steamed Sponge Cake ($5.50)
This fluffy sponge cake would be a suitable way to end the meal, other than their Mango Sago and Osmanthus Jelly.
Hong Kong Milk Tea
The cake was delicately sweet and had a light texture, and would be the perfect accompaniment to a cup of Hong Kong Milk tea to satisfy the sweet tooths.
The glass of strongly brewed black tea served Hong Kong style is a smooth, creamy and full-bodied beverage.
Tim Ho Wan – i12 Katong
i12 Katong #02-01/02, 112 East Coast Road, Singapore 428802
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon – Fri), 10:30am – 9:30pm (Sat, Sun, PH)
Other Tim Ho Wan Singapore outlets
Aperia Mall: Aperia Mall #01-01/02/03, 12 Kallang Avenue Lavender, Singapore 339511
Citylink Mall: Citylink Mall #B1-63/63A, One Raffles Link, Singapore 039393
Great World: Great World #01-139, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, Singapore 237994
Jewel Changi Airport: Jewel Changi Airport #02-223, 78 Airport Blvd Singapore 819666
Marina Bay Sands: The Shoppes at MBS #B2-02/03/04, 2 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
Plaza Singapura: Plaza Singapura #01-29A/52, 68 Orchard Road, Singapore 238839
Waterway Point: Waterway Point #01-62, 83 Punggol Central, Singapore 828761
Westgate: Westgate #01-13/14, 3 Gateway Drive, Singapore 608532
18 Tai Seng: 18 Tai Seng Street, #01-36, Singapore 534119
Tampines 1: Tampines 1 #01-43/44, 10 Tampines Central 1 Singapore 529536
* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Tim Ho Wan.
