I first tried Tim Ho Wan in Hong Kong a couple of years ago and really loved the baked pork buns. Last year, Tim Ho Wan opened in SM Mega Fashion Hall with endless lines. I was not going to line up that long for that plus they don’t sell the buns for take out.
It took me a while, more like a few months before I got a chance to eat there and this was all because Jane offered to queue for a table. She got a table in less than 30 minutes and to think it was for 10 people so not bad at all.
Irene and I quickly scanned the menu and ordered a few dishes including their baked pork buns. Prices here are fairly more expensive than Hong Kong, around 20-50% more.
First to arrive was the Baked Pork Buns (P145/3 pcs.). It looked the same as the ones from Hong Kong but was not hot when served to us.
I can forgive the temperature if the buns tasted the same as HK but they were not. The bun was thicker than what I had plus the filling was also sweeter.
Beancurd Skin Roll (P120). 3 pieces of bean curd skin wrapped around a combination of pork and seafood. This is one of the better ones we’ve had in Manila.
Beef Ball with Beancurd Skin (P120). The beef balls were tender and tasty and not over steamed with the meat still pinkish.
We ordered Congee with Lean Pork, Century Egg and Salted Egg (P140) for Lauren. She tried some but refused to eat anymore probably because of the salted egg which she does not eat. Irene and I finished the rest of the bowl. One of the better dishes that day.
The last thing we ordered was the Steamed Egg Cake (P85). This is the one that Lauren finished off, her super favorite dimsum dish. Light, soft and aromatic.
Here are some of the things our dining mates ordered. I was able to try some of them.
Pork Dumpling with Shrimp (P150). I was not impressed by the one in HK, and this one did not serve to change my mind. Lots of better versions in other places.
Vermicelli Roll with Pig’s Liver (P150) and Vermicelli Roll with Shrimp (P150). The shrimp was not bad but I’m really not a fan of the pig’s liver.
Tonic Medlar with Osmathus Cake (P70)
I hope people realize it’s not worth it to line up at Tim Ho Wan, prices are not cheap when compared to Hong Kong. You are better off eating at the hotel dimsum buffets like the excellent one in Shang Palace complete with great food and service. I don’t even consider their buns the best in Megamall, my pick goes to TuanTuan.
Tim Ho Wan PH
G/F SM Mega Fashion Hall Edsa cor. Julia Vargas Ave.,Ortigas, Mandaluyong City,
Metro Manila
Facebook Page: Tim Ho Wan PH
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Over hyped dimsum and BBQ Pork Buns. I enjoy eating at Tuan Tuan than THW.
Service needs to be improved in TuanTuan though
Definitely worth it. To avoid the long lines, come as early as possible. For good food like Tim Ho Wan in SM Mega Fashion Hall is superb. Thank you for bringing this flavors to the Philippines. I hope to see more branches in SM MOA and other part of the Philippines. Great food guys!
You liked the pork buns in Lun Hing right? The one in marco polo? That one we can go again & again Richard haha no line! ;))
did not like those also plus those are expensive.