Why Locals Love Tim Ho Wan
Tim Ho Wan at Glorietta 3, Ayala Center, Makati City, offers an authentic taste of Hong Kong-style fast food, delighting diners with its famed dim sum and comforting snacks. Known globally as the “world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant,” Tim Ho Wan brings iconic Hong Kong flavors right to the heart of Metro Manila, balancing quality and affordability in a casual yet inviting atmosphere.
The menu is a treasure trove for lovers of classic dim sum. Crowd favorites such as the legendary BBQ pork buns—light, pillowy, and bursting with sweet, smoky pork—are a must-try, as many loyal customers eagerly affirm. Fans rave about the shrimp dumplings (hakaw), which arrive steamed to perfection, with translucent wrappers enveloping juicy, fresh shrimp that dances with every bite. If you seek a bit of a kick, the Mala Sauce Dumplings provide a fiery tang that beautifully ignites the palate and compels you to order extra rice, as Maggie C fondly notes.
The dining experience mimics the vibrant, bustling energy of a classic Hong Kong eatery. Though the space can get busy during peak hours, it’s part of the charm—conveying a sense of authenticity and popularity, where food lovers gather to savor quick, satisfying bites. The staff’s warmth and attentiveness, as highlighted by Karlo Guevarra, ensures each visit feels welcoming and smooth despite the crowd.
Adventurous diners might want to try the fried tofu with pork floss, a textural delight combining crispy exterior, soft tofu center, and savory pork floss topping. Those looking for a meal with more substance can explore dishes like the Yang Chow fried rice topped with pork chop, though some might find it leans slightly salty. For a comforting noodle fix, the beef brisket dry noodles present a simpler flavor, which may appeal to those who prefer less intense seasoning.
Overall, Tim Ho Wan’s dedication to delivering genuine tastes from Hong Kong shines through in every dish. Whether you’re a dim sum expert or new to this cuisine, the variety here invites you to discover favorites that feel both nostalgic and exciting. With its blend of savory, spicy, and subtly sweet flavors paired with a lively but casual dining environment, Tim Ho Wan is a gem for anyone craving quality Hong Kong fare in Makati.
Indeed, as Christine N. Salenga shares, it’s a beloved culinary destination that many make sure to visit regularly. Whether you come for a quick lunch or a soulful dinner, this vibrant eatery promises a flavorful journey worth savoring until your next visit.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Great dessert
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Table service
- Toilet
- Casual
- Trendy
- Groups
- Tourists
- Usually a wait
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
Real Reviews from the Community
- Mar 16, 2026
I’m pretty sure you’ve tried everything here by now, but here’s something new: the Mala Sauce Dumplings will make you want to order extra rice.
- Mar 11, 2026
Awesome crew! They provided excellent service to our group. We ordered the BBQ pork buns (super delicious although won't fill you up on their own), shrimp dumplings (typical hakaw but very yummy) and beef brisket dry noodles (very plain, lacking in flavor). We will surely come back for the BBQ pork buns and shrimp dumplings! I don't recommend the beef brisket dry noodles. I want to try the radish cake next time.
- Mar 4, 2026
OCT 2023 - good food as expected... just need to wait due to peak hours of service... almost near closing time. My TOP 3 Pork Buns Spicy Dumplings Beancurd Try the Fried Tofu with pork floss. Hows your experience in this restaurant?
- Feb 10, 2026
January 2025: It's our first time to try this place. The food was indeed tasty, but I found the serving sizes a bit on the smaller side compared to similar places. I tried the Yang Chow fried rice topped with Pork Chop; while it had great potential, it leaned a bit too salty for my taste. Overall, it's a spot worth visiting, just with a note on portion sizes!
- Jan 21, 2026
12/30/25 making sure to visit timhowan before the year ends! my favorite restaurant!
- Dec 20, 2025
Did not miss the chance to revisit Tim Ho Wan PH Tim Ho Wan, originally from Hong Kong, is famous worldwide for being "the world's most inexpensive Michelin-starred dim sum restaurant." While the Michelin star specifically applies to its Hong Kong branches, Tim Ho Wan in the Philippines maintains the same commitment to high-quality, authentic dim sum at affordable prices. In photos: Salted Egg Yolk Custard Bun (steamed), Pork Spareribs Rice, and Milk Tea with Black Pearl and Brown Sugar Syrup.
- Dec 10, 2025
The new dish minced ginger garlic chicken rice is not bad with good portions The vermicelli roll with BBQ pork just so so coz the inner part is too dry and tasteless Dim sum so far so good and barley water also fresh enough Overall is okay
- Dec 9, 2025
First time eating at Tim Ho Wan, because my friend said it is going to be acquired by Jollibee. I am not really a good food critic but I just wanted to share my thoughts as a person who rarely eats at these kinds of restaurants. We ordered different food options, but I haven't tried them all so I'll just rate those I tasted. Baked Bun Pork BBQ - this is just wonderful, I have no words to explain how magnificent this bun is, the texture and the taste was perfect. Easily 5/5. Rice & Beef w/ Fried Egg - it feels like just a regular dish, but it tastes different because of the special sauce they put in my dish. Not really my taste, 3/5. Glutinous Rice w/ Lotus Leaf - this is the first time I saw a sticky rice served as like a main dish, and it has meat inside it. The taste is good, because it both has sweetness from the sticky rice and savory flavor from the meat. Probably 4/5. Pork Dumpling w/ Shrimp - i don't know if I can describe this one correctly but, it feels just like a regular dumpling. Tastes regular 3/5. The service is alright, the staff can accommodate but it takes a little while for it. There is no service charge, and the atmosphere is just right.
