Before we left, I researched on Hong Kong's best-kept foodie secrets just because I didn't want to eat at random places when we're in Asia's top spot for Michelin-starred restaurants. Our standing motto was: when in doubt, eat where the locals flock to eat! It's now my self-imposed project to blog about our Hong Kong foodie experience to share our awesome finds.
We first checked out Tim Ho Wan, a famous dumpling and bun place known for being the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant in the world. We almost got lost in the streets of Mong Kok trying to decipher our map and lined up for an hour to get a very cramped table inside, but it was all worth the wait!
For such a famous restaurant, the place was just your typical hole-in-the-wall spot and only allows 19 diners at a time. We got there at around 8:30 pm when you would expect most locals and tourists to be done with dinner, but we still had to stand outside for an hour just to get a table (which we had to share with two other tourists).
Even though we were dead tired from Disneyland, we managed to keep our tummies in check because we've heard so much about the famous baked barbecue pork buns. We were all smiles while waiting. Most of the time, anyway.
When our number was finally called, we were given a sheet of paper where we can tick off our orders. We ordered the baked pork barbecue buns, steamed fresh shrimp and pork dumplings, pan fried turnip cake, and vermicelli roll stuffed with beef. Each item was just under $15!
Lo and behold: the famous baked buns! The place was buzzing with people ordering these yummy babies. Everyone kept re-ordering and I eavesdropped on the Europeans to my left and found out that the locals would just illegally double park their cars outside the street until one of the waiters would bring their stash of buns, ala-call-and-pick-up style. Must be nice to live near the place.
Just look at that buttery soft-on-the-inside-but-crispy-on-the-outside goodness. The pork barbecue was savory with the right balance of flavors in the sauce. It really is the best thing I have ever tasted when it comes to buns. We kept wishing we can hoard the stuff to bring home to good old Manille but quickly realized they'll probably be soggy (not to mention, spoiled) by the time we got home. It was meant to be eaten fresh from the oven.
Here are the steamed fresh shrimp dumplings! Since I am overly fond of hakaw, this dish was another winner for me. The shrimps were fresh, just what you would expect from a legitimate Chinese restaurant.
The pork dumplings reminded me of the siomai at Wai Ying in Binondo. Nothing exceptional, but how are you supposed to make a pork siomai taste unforgettable anyway?
I weirdly liked the vermicelli roll stuffed with beef. It was kind of slimy in texture, given the vermicelli, but tasted so good. The beef was tender and the simple sauce kept it all together. It WOULD have been perfect with a cold glass of Coke, though. Just a tip: they don't serve any sodas or juices inside. You would have to buy from the nearby 7-11 or make do with their free brewed tea. Jake, who was apparently NOT a tea drinker, was forced to drink cupfuls and didn't say a word until we were about to leave.
It was too late when I realized that I forgot to take the requisite photo of the pan fried turnip cake. We were too busy eating and contemplating whether to order more pork buns (we ordered 3 sets and still craved for more!) I especially liked the turnip cake, despite the weird consistency. I first tried turnip cake at Wai Ying and the taste has grown on me. Jake was like a curious cat when he asked what it was and took tiny bites before he finally finished the last piece. It was THAT yummy.
Sorry for the haggard faces. We spent the whole day under the sun in Disneyland and the better part of the night walking around Mong Kok. Thank goodness Tim Ho Wan was worth the wait and hype! I'm only regretting that we didn't check out their other branches on our remaining days. We're definitely heading back here on our next visit!
Tim Ho Wan
Flat 8, Ground Floor, Phase 2, Tsui Yuen Mansion, 2-20 Kwong Wa St
Mong Kok, Hong Kong
(when in doubt, look for the place with the loooong line outside!)
