In Hong Kong, you can find the world’s most affordable one-star Michelin restaurant, Tim Ho Wan. Located in the underground arcade of Hong Kong’s IFC Mall, it has gained fame as the most budget-friendly Michelin-starred restaurant globally. Tim Ho Wan has expanded its presence and can now be found in major cities worldwide, including locations in South Korea, such as Yongsan Station and near Samsung Station.
“Finding Tim Ho Wan in Central, Hong Kong”
Locating Tim Ho Wan in Hong Kong can be a bit challenging. While it may appear on the map as being inside IFC Mall, you’ll actually find it in the underground arcade of Hong Kong Central MTR Station. This can be confusing for first-time visitors trying to find the restaurant. Even I had a bit of trouble finding it on my initial visit, and I stumbled upon it almost at the point of giving up.
“How to Find Tim Ho Wan”
You won’t find Tim Ho Wan in IFC Mall; you must head to the Central MTR Station underground arcade. Once inside the station, you’ll find the entrance to the underground arcade on the 1st basement floor.
Particularly, if you try to approach through the ferry terminal and enter through the IFC Mall entrance, it can be quite frustrating. A relatively easier way is to come from the south to the Hong Kong MTR Station entrance, go into the subway station, and take the escalator down to the B1 floor. You’ll find a place where people are lining up, and that’s Tim Ho Wan.
“Tim Ho Wan: A Michelin-Starred Restaurant since 2015”
Tim Ho Wan gained fame when it received a Michelin star in 2015. Since then, it’s been known as the world’s most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant. It’s particularly renowned for its dim sum menu.
“How to Order at Tim Ho Wan”
At Tim Ho Wan, you’ll likely need to queue up to place your order. While waiting in line, staff will distribute yellow order sheets. You can review the menu and place your order while in line.
Write down the numbers in the check column on the order sheet. Once seated, submit the order sheet to the staff, and your order will be processed. English menus are also available.
On this particular day, I personally ordered the Ha Jiao, which is a dim sum with prawns. Since I felt that ordering just dim sum might leave me wanting for more, I also ordered a rice dish similar to a bibimbap.
“A Remarkably Affordable Michelin-Starred Restaurant”
Being located in the underground arcade of the subway station, the restaurant is quite reasonably priced. Even after ordering dim sum and a rice dish, it didn’t cost me more than 10,000 Korean Won.
The taste is also quite good, to the point where it’s easy to understand why this place made it into the Michelin Guide. The dim sum I had here left such a strong impression that it stayed in my mind throughout my trip to Hong Kong.
If I ever visit Hong Kong again, I’ll definitely make a point to revisit this place. However, for first-time visitors, finding the restaurant might not be easy, so be cautious.
“Tim Ho Wan, Central Hong Kong”
- Address: Shop 12A, Hong Kong Station Podium Level 1, IFC Mall, Central, Hong Kong
- Phone Number: +852 2332 3078
- Website: http://www.timhowan.com.hk
- Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM