Hey everyone! Today, I’m thrilled to share my experience at Tim Ho Wan, the renowned Hong Kong dim sum spot often dubbed “the world’s most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant .” It’s a massive hit in Japan, particularly the Hibiya branch in Tokyo, where you’ll often spot long lines . In this post, I’ll give you the inside scoop on the vibrant atmosphere, how quickly we actually got seated, and—most importantly—the absolute must-try dishes!
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What Is Tim Ho Wan? Tim Ho Wan, originally from Hong Kong, burst onto the culinary scene in 2009, swiftly earning a Michelin star within its debut year. Their simple yet brilliant concept? Delivering high-quality , authentic dim sum at unbelievably affordable prices. Since then, it’s expanded globally, bringing its deliciousness to major cities like Tokyo (Hibiya, Shinjuku), Osaka, and beyond.
Tim Ho Wan Hibiya: Essential Details Here’s what you need to know about the Hibiya branch before you go:
Name : Tim Ho Wan HibiyaAddress : 1F Hibiya Chanter Annex, 1-2-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, TokyoOpening Hours : 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last orders at 9:00 PM)Closed : Open daily (follows the facility’s closure schedule, so check ahead for holidays!)Reservations : Not accepted – be prepared to queue!
Stepping Inside: The Inviting Atmosphere The restaurant has plenty of seating. In casual atmosphere is not like a Michelin restaurant！ You might be surprised by the interior—it’s surprisingly chic! Picture warm wooden tones, soaring high ceilings, and contemporary art adorning the walls. It feels more like a trendy café than a traditional Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant. The atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed, bright, and genuinely welcoming, completely shattering any preconceptions that fine dining has to be formal or intimidating. You’ll feel perfectly comfortable popping in, even for just a quick lunch.
Must-Try Dishes: My Top 3 Recommendations! Dim sum is truly about variety, so the best way to experience it is by sharing a few plates with friends or family. Here are my top three essential dishes you absolutely can’t miss at Tim Ho Wan:
1. Baked BBQ Pork Buns – ¥880 (3 pieces) Baked BBQ Pork Buns offer minimum quantity of 3 pieces. A moderate amount of pork-filled starchy sauce is also included. This is Tim Ho Wan’s undisputed champion—their most iconic and popular dish. Imagine a golden-baked bun, almost like a Chinese-style “melon bun,” with an irresistible sweet, crispy crust. Inside, it’s generously filled with rich, perfectly balanced sweet and savory barbecued pork. It’s truly a harmonious explosion of flavors and utterly addictive!
2. Steamed Prawn and Chive Dumplings – ¥780 (3 pieces) Dim sum also starts at 3 pieces, and the skin is transparent. These delicate dumplings are as visually appealing as they are delicious. You can clearly see the vibrant prawns and fresh green chives peeking through their beautifully translucent wrappers. The texture is delightfully chewy, and each bite delivers a burst of flavor from the plump, succulent prawns.
3. Pan-Fried Turnip Cake – ¥680 a dish that will become addictive with its crispy exterior and chewy interior. Golden-brown and crispy on the outside, yet wonderfully soft and fluffy on the inside, this pan-fried turnip cake is an umami powerhouse. It’s generously packed with savory dried shrimp and fragrant barbecued pork, offering a depth of flavor. This is a beloved classic that any dim sum connoisseur will instantly recognize and truly appreciate.
Waiting & Ordering: What to Expect The exterior of the store. it’s made of glass, so if you’re sitting by the window, you’ll be sitting next to the queue. Curious about the wait time? I visited on a Saturday around 12:30 PM. While there were about 10 groups ahead of us, the turnover was surprisingly quick, and we were seated in just 15 minutes! That’s excellent for such a popular spot.
How to Queue Unlike some other popular spots, the Hibiya branch doesn’t have a ticket system. Simply join the line and wait. The staff are incredibly efficient, ensuring the queue moves along swiftly.
How to Order Enter the number of items you wish to order in the box. While you’re waiting in line, you’ll be handed a paper menu. This is where you’ll tick the boxes for your initial order, which is placed before you’re even seated. Once you’re comfortably at your table, you can easily make additional orders by scanning a QR code with your phone.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Visit for Dim Sum Lovers! Tim Ho Wan truly offers a unique and rare experience: enjoying Michelin-starred dim sum in a wonderfully casual, incredibly affordable setting. Whether you’re craving their iconic baked BBQ pork buns or eager to sample a bit of everything, it’s an absolutely fantastic way to savor authentic Hong Kong-style flavors right here in the heart of Tokyo.
And here’s a bonus tip: they also have a convenient takeaway counter! So, if you’re ever in a hurry or the line seems a bit daunting, you can still easily grab some of their delicious dim sum to go.
I highly recommend Tim Ho Wan for anyone looking to treat themselves to an exceptional culinary experience—without having to break the bank!
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