Monday, January 17, 2011

Tim Ho Wan, Michelin Star Dining in Mong Kok - Our first stop in Hong Kong

Our first trip to Hong Kong in 2009 was somewhat memorable - the better half (Gianna :) ) had chipped a molar tooth and leaving a nerve exposed. From first hand accounts this was excruciating to say the least. The inability to eat was replaced by excessive shopping and sightseeing, of course. We have been back in Sydney for at least a week and looking back - it has been the total opposite of our somewhat foodless first trip to Hong Kong. After a quick early morning nap (our flight landed at 5am - and if anything was open we would have headed there..) our first mission in HK was to have a meal at the famed Michelin Star Dim-Sum restaurant - Tim Ho Wan.
Unfortunately for us, the beds at our Hotel were far too comfortable and we overslept - starting the day just before lunchtime.. There was panic in both our faces. "We are going to hit the lunchtime rush". We both wanted Tim Ho Wan to be our first meal stop in Hong Kong to kick off the holiday, so although we were warned about the long wait for a seat - we headed to our destination. We found the small, unassuming restaurant easier than expected - after all the crowds were already gathered en masse outside. Our tummies already grumbling at this stage, we tried to curb our hunger pains with some canned coffee from the 7-11 across the road. It was going to be a long morning....
So this is how the waiting game goes - First, you have to hustle your way through the anxiously waiting crowd and get assigned a number by the host, or as we like to call her - our new friend the dragon lady. Although she doesn't seem very friendly at all - she is very efficient in getting the crowd moving and yelling at people who are blocking the neighbouring businesses. Dragon Lady hands us the english dimsum menu and writes the number '91' on our copy. We guard this piece of paper with our lives, as we stood outside until we were game enough to speak to Dragon Lady. "What number are you up to?" She points to her sheet of paper - "25" A friendly fellow hungry patron translates what was being said to us : "Come back in 2 hours". As expected from the world's most affordable Michelin star restaurant right?


Upon our return we waited another 20 or so minutes. Patience is a virtue, even when food is involved. When number 91 was called it was like Christmas all over again. As we entered we could really see why the wait was so long - the place is tiny! But enough about surroundings - there was food to be had! Our number ticket also held our dim sum selections for the meal - you tick your selections and add the quanity and once you are ready you hand it over to one of the lovely ladies. Overseas visitors do not fret, as mentioned before - there is an english menu!
Tim Ho Wan has been a sucess since it opened in 2009 and the crowds are never afar. We bring in some beers that we bought from the 7-11, and man was it good after that long wait! Once our orders were in - our food pretty much started arriving simultaneously. Now on to the important matters at hand, what we waited nearly 4 hours for...the food!  Nothing like  the feeling of "earning" a meal! 
Having poured over the menu while we were outside we had already made our selection so there wasn't much to worry, just kicking back with some Tsingtao waiting for the food to come. First cab off the rank was the Baked Buns with BBQ Pork $14 HKD. Thank the food gods we ordered 2 serves. These buns were so tasty and hands down one of the nicest things that we have ever eaten. It was love after first bite. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that we had been waiting for 4 hours or the 5 cans of canned coffee we had. Or it could be the the excitement that of our first meal of the trip - but that first bite was enough to bring all the planets in alignment with the sun. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, pork filling in a sweet sauce....so so good. 
Soon after, the rest of the food began its journey to our little table. It was such a lovely experience eating in a place like this. Small, noisy, bustling with people talking in a language we could not understand but i'm sure everyone would be talking about the same thing we we were - how good the food was. The Vermicelli Roll stuffed with BBQ pork $15  was the next dish. One of those dishes that need to be eaten while hot otherwise it becomes to gelatinous and rubbery. It was very soft and packed full of flavour. Swished around in soy sauce gave it that kick that made this dish a winner for us as well. 
Clearing some room now in what was quickly becoming a confined space allowed for the steamed fresh Shrimp Dumplings (ha jiao) $19 and Spinach & Garlic Dumplings $12 to arrive. Served in the same universal manner in their bamboo steamer came these little bundles of goodness. 

Punching a little hole in the parcel and letting the juice out with some soy sauce and then gobbling it all up is just one of those little things in life that would be ever so difficult not to enjoy. These shrimp dumplings were good. It was a war trying to score the last one. Spying that shrimp stuffing from the soft translucent outer layer, it was easy to just let your thoughts wander away, but you snooze you loose - that's how the story goes. 
Above: Steamed spinach & garlic dumplings
Well into chowing down now we look around for our friend the Dragon Lady. Every time you would catch a glimpse you could just see the intensity and concentration in her face as she manoeuvred through the narrow confines of the restaurant. Word of advice - don't mess with her. She makes the boogeyman check his closet at night in fear of being turned into the meat stuffing of the dumplings. The fried noodle with soya sauce $12 came out somewhere in the midst of all the other food. A very nice dish that wen't down an absolute treat, and the great part was that it was not as oily as its Sydney yum cha counterparts. How dare we even compare the two!
Steamed spareribs with black bean sauce $12 (above left) made an appearance only to disappear in a pile of little bones after 5 minutes. Soft & tender meat and served with chilli for that nice little kick. On another related note the garlic & spinach dumplings (above right) were also quite tasty but I think the shrimp dumplings we tried earlier were the clear winner. 
What type of meal wouldn't be complete without anything deep fried eh? None. So we ordered some deep fried dumplings filled with meat $12 and spring rolls filled with shrimp $18. These glutinous dumplings were phenomenal, the meat as mentined in the description is this saucy bbq pork filling with a sweetness that goes well with the chewy dumpling. It was a nice thin layer of crispy fried goodness with soft inner membrane followed by that hit of meat. That's a good dumpling we say, and thats why we ordered 2 serves.
The spring rolls stuffed with shrimp were a definite favourite. Crispy and full of flavour. The centre was full of fresh flavours and had that nice little touch of coriander. Oops. Someone couldn't have any! 1-0 to the victor go the spoils as the saying goes. 
"Yeah...Go on...Try take another shrimp dumpling...I dare ya...."
When you slowly begin to run out of room. Rule no. 1 - Hurry up and eat more faster. Rule no. 2 - There are no other rules. Hurry up and eat more faster.
After pacing through the majority of our food we thought that we should get something sweet to finish with. Not having any inkling whatsoever as to what we were getting ourselves into we circled the Tonic Medlar & Petal Cake $10. This little red plate came out with jelly cubes with tiny elderflowers suspended through it. It was so pretty - with a beautiful orange hue. It wasn't overly sweet and biting into it was fun because of the differing textures. One of those things that you should at least try once and well worth the little elderflowers stuck in between your teeth!
So finished up now and seeing the queues of people outside, we settle the bill and have our leftover food packed into takeaway containers for later. Nothing goes to waste when it's this good. With full stomachs and our container in tow we bid Dragon Lady adieu and venture out ready to begin our second bongkers in hongkers adventure. 




Wandering around the streets of Mong Kok there are many markets selling different things. From produce to meats and poultry to wet markets selling live fish swimming around in tanks. Seeing pigs hanging from hooks on the sides of stores in back alleys and fish surgically bisected with egg sacs in tow - truly an eye opener. Walking around the wet markets is fun especially when you see the shop keepers working away at the fish. If you are squeamish best stay away. 
This time around we ventured further up from the Ladies Markets in Tung Choi Street and discovered the Goldfish markets. Shop after shop on both sides of the street had all sorts of fish fare hanging in plastic bags on display. Many different species of tropical fish, turtles and tortoises were available.
If patience is in you - Tim Ho Wan is well worth the wait. We would recommend the experience to anyone that is visiting Hong Kong. 


For for The Empty Fridge scorecard:
  • The Peak - Having ticked off dining at a Michelin Star restaurant for a bargain price!
  • The Pitt - You really have to be patient and organised when you come here. The time you wait will be a testament to your love for food. Arrive early (9am) to get in with the first round of seating or off peak (4pm)
  • Empty Fridge Dish of the Day -  Hands down the Baked BBQ Pork Bun. It is a "must try" and we can honestly foresee sweet poetry being written about this dish... By us.. until we go to Hong Kong again!
Tim Ho Wan 2-20 Kwong Wa Street Mong Kok, Kowloon. Hours 10am-10pm
* There is a second Tim Ho Wan branch located in 9-11 Fuk Wing Street, Sham Shui Po. Although we think part of the experience is dining at the Original venue in Kowloon. This branch is also listed and has received one star in the Michelin Guide. Although it is in more of a residential area - it is said to accommodate more patrons.

We will continue to blog about our food adventures in Hong Kong and Manila in the next few weeks, and will throw in some Sydney restaurants in the mix too - so check back soon!

44 comments:

Helen (Grab Your Fork) said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Helen (Grab Your Fork) said...

Wow a four hour wait? I applaud your commitment to the cause! Looks like it all worked out cos you seem to have eaten up a storm! I like it! And lol at your description of the Dragon Lady!

Mel said...

I'm totally scared of the Dragon Lady after your post - she sounds like the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld. The Baked BBQ Bun sound like the Baked Manapua we just had in Hawaii - totally amazing and I'm so mad at myself for only having one. I would def go to this restaurant the next time I go to Honkers...

Anonymous said...

Wow! The long wait was totally worth it! Guess I'll have to go back to HK as soon as possible, my first trip was pretty much foodless too due to sickness.

Jacq said...

Wow a 4 hour wait - that's dedication! Sounds like it was totally worth it though. I've been to HK a couple of times but never eaten here before, gotta try it next time I'm there!

Angie Lives to Eat (and Cook)! said...

I think most popular yum cha restaurants would have a dragon lady to keep the chaotic queues under control =D Man 4 hours to wait... total dedication there! I guess if it's Michelin worthy then you're not going to miss out hey? =p

Sheena said...

Looks like the four hour hour wait was worth it, the food sounds delicious! HK looks so lively from all your photos.

Sheena said...

Looks like the four hour hour wait was worth it, the food sounds delicious! HK looks so lively from all your photos.

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said...

Ooh I've always wanted to go here! Thanks for the blow by blow account-it sounds amazing! And kudos to you for waiting for so long! :D

Rita (mademoiselle dƩlicieuse) said...

Wow, so the wait really is as long as people say! Glad you snagged the baked bbq pork buns though - it's their famed speciality.

OohLookBel said...

If Tim Ho Wan wasn't on my must-try list, it certainly is now after that brilliant review. Just need to find a lackey to wait in line...

A cupcake or two said...

I have a lot of good memories of Hong Kong. The food is amazing and the shopping arrgghhhh. You two are extremely patient. I don't think I could have waited that long.

Tina@foodboozeshoes said...

Super sad I didn't make it there... Can't wait to see the rest of your posts!

Bea said...

oh yes, i'm gonna be able to try this! already googled the directions, it's about 18 mins bus ride from the hotel we'll be staying :)

Anonymous said...

Add the tomatoes or tomato puree and ensure you cover each
of the onions with it. 3 medium stalks of celery, sliced.
It is true that if you are used to buying dry
soup from a package or eating from a fast food dollar menu that your first stroll through the produce department might seem a little scary.


Here is my website ... recipes slow cooker chicken
Also see my page > slow cooker pork chops

Anonymous said...

As soon as your waffles are finished, you only detach the cooking plates and turn them over.
It wouldn’t hurt if you have a catchy phrase for
marketing purposes, since you do need to advertise these treats to attract customers.

It is very easy to use and with certain safety, precautions and supervision, even children can make them.



Here is my page - http://directory.otcmarketalert.info/latest-links.html
Also see my webpage :: recipe for whole grain waffles

Anonymous said...

The drug is known causes aggression and confusion that can
grow with dehydration. kill' a zombie. Recruiting survivors is complicated but not difficult.

Here is my site ... http://playsters.com

Anonymous said...

The razor battery is automatically charged although in the Clean
& Renew. This is the main reason why it is very important that you know how to shave properly.
Unfortunately, because you needed two hands to use it most men did not like using it.


My web-site electric shaver deal

Anonymous said...

First of all I would like to say wonderful blog! I had a quick question which I'd like to ask if you do not mind. I was interested to know how you center yourself and clear your head before writing. I have had a tough time clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out there. I do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are usually lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or hints? Thank you!

Feel free to visit my website: Waist To Hip Ratio Calculator

Anonymous said...

They selected an existing IRBM and ICBM as launch vehicles, and based the spacecraft on ICBM reentry vehicle designs.

capitalists would, and he wrote that "the two value model presented here most resembles Eysenck's hypothesis. Mitchell charts these traditions graphically using a vertical axis as a scale of'.

Here is my blog; http://albusa.com/index.php?do=/blog/44/psychological-test-questions-solutions-explained/

Anonymous said...

Heya i am for the primary time here. I found this board
and I find It really useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give one thing back and help others
like you helped me.

Also visit my web blog: how much should i weigh for my age

Anonymous said...

This is the only way to ensure good products in hand
and great value for your hard earned money.
This is a growing and profitable market with the increase in ability
for all types of business- large or small - to do business in
an international platform and other is National Newspaper Networks combine newspapers from several States within
the USA. Today, Most of newspapers are offering their online
editions. Newspapers act as the ideal method of public relations due to its
strength as the best way of communication. Until I was five I lived with
my mother's younger sister Dorothy and my grandmother, who told me before she died that my mother had received letters from my father for some years after bringing me to New York.

my page ... click here

Anonymous said...

Ground cover can be added to pedophile the landscape. Wood chips: This
material contains bark, and wood of various sizes.
Sure, you had your occasional exception that stupidly borrowed
from the local loan shark, but most learned to live on less.


Look at my website; mulching

Anonymous said...

Woah! I'm really loving the template/theme of this blog. It's simple, yet effective.
A lot of times it's very difficult to get that "perfect balance" between user friendliness and appearance. I must say you have done a excellent job with this. Also, the blog loads super fast for me on Internet explorer. Exceptional Blog!

my webpage chaupal.biharfoundation.in

Anonymous said...

And while investigators say the murder victim is
linked to a "feud," they are not sharing the details about that part of the investigation.
Blistering heat and bitter freezing cold can crack the
toughest of concrete.
Read your warranty carefully, and you'll see that it probably doesn't cover walls with efflorescence.

Anonymous said...

I do not even know how I stopped up here, but I assumed
this publish was once great. I don't understand who you are but certainly you are going to a famous blogger if you aren't already.
Cheers!

Stop by my web page :: testing.synergy-learning.com

Anonymous said...

New simulators are on average produced every second month and some are
highly expensive. Solution Options: It was decided to use a web services simulator to simulate the exact functions of a
web services backend. So, if the games above don't whet your appetite, it's not that hard to find
more - Tanzanite is one of the new exotic gemstones to come
onto the market. The main purpose of a simulator
is to understand the behavior of the system. 3) Physical parameters: The
simulators are almost real, but actually they are on the ground, I
mean around the sea level.

Anonymous said...

You should generously massage your head with this oil at
night for flaunting a high quality curls next day. Amla is
used in the preparation of a highly effective natural shampoo by mixing 100
g each of amla, nuts and Shikakai soap in two quarts of water,
the mixture is boiled for half an hour to simmer and then
can be used as shampoo for one month for all hair treatment throughout the year.
You repeat the exact same procedure maybe once or
twice every week. Even though all the hair was thoroughly coated and it was always rinsed
so well that no traces were left, little by little the kids
escaped our weekly ritual and I found it easier to not chase them about it, especially considering the hundreds of other matters which did need
to be chased. There are many products these days
that can help with keeping your hair in good condition but what of oils.



Here is my web blog how to make my hair grow faster

Anonymous said...

I'm gone to say to my little brother, that he should also pay a quick visit this blog on regular basis to take updated from most recent information.

Here is my homepage; airplane simulator games

Anonymous said...

Ahaa, its nice conversation regarding this post at this place at this weblog, I
have read all that, so at this time me also commenting
at this place.

My web page :: exercises to increase vertical jump

Anonymous said...

This post will assist the internet viewers for building up new website or
even a blog from start to end.

my website :: Exercises for vertical

Anonymous said...

With havin so much content do you ever run into any problems of
plagorism or copyright violation? My blog has a lot of exclusive content I've either written myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my permission. Do you know any solutions to help reduce content from being stolen? I'd
really appreciate it.

Here is my blog post; Http://Www.Cupidsmojo.Com/

Anonymous said...

What's up, its good post on the topic of media print, we all understand media is a impressive source of information.

my page exercises to jump higher exercises to improve vertical exercises to improve vertical jump exercises to improve vertical leap exercises to increase vertical exercises to increase vertical jump exercises to increase vertical leap exercises for vertical exercises for vertical jump exercises for vertical leap workouts to jump higher workouts to improve vertical workouts to improve vertical jump workouts to improve vertical leap workouts to increase vertical workouts to increase vertical jump workouts to increase vertical leap workouts for vertical workouts for vertical jump workouts for vertical leap vertical jump exercises vertical leap exercises vertical jump workouts vertical leap workouts

Anonymous said...

After application the hair is simply dried, either naturally or using
a drier. This article will explain the hair product diversion conspiracy and list ways that you can determine whether or not the
beloved salon brand you saw in Walgreens last week was truly diverted merchandise or
strategically placed by the powers that be. The product should be
one that is made for your type of hair, whether it be dry, oily, curly or straight.



My web-site: hair products

Anonymous said...

(c) The program is required to be fully self-sustaining through the premiums payment made by the enrolled individuals.
The Bluetooth Headset is a symbol of recognition and acceptance.

Yeast Infection No More Book By Linda Allen is a 150 page downloadable e-book,
jam-packed with the whole set of blueprint all-natural yeast infection
treatment solutions, distinctive highly effective methods as
well as the step by step holistic yeast infection process.

, one of the chiropractors in Fayetteville, is pleased to announce the implementation of programs
for natural detoxification therapy. Her new Bluetooth Headset is obviously the latest model.


Also visit my blog post - neurobiological

Anonymous said...

This web site really has all the information and facts I wanted concerning
this subject and didn't know who to ask.

Here is my page :: exercises to improve vertical leap

Anonymous said...

Hi to every one, the contents present at this web site are really awesome for people knowledge,
well, keep up the nice work fellows.

Feel free to surf to my web site great site

Anonymous said...

It's remarkable in favor of me to have a website, which is useful in support of my knowledge. thanks admin

Here is my weblog: vertical leap workouts

Anonymous said...

Hi there, I would like to subscribe for this webpage to take most up-to-date updates, so where can i do it please help.



Feel free to surf to my web blog; http://www.fluffygram.com

Anonymous said...

Hello there! This article couldn't be written much better! Looking at this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept preaching about this. I will send this article to him. Fairly certain he'll have a very good read.
I appreciate you for sharing!

my page; workouts to jump higher

Anonymous said...

Great blog you've got here.. It's hard to find high quality writing
like yours nowadays. I truly appreciate individuals like you!
Take care!!

Stop by my web-site vakantiehuizen

Anonymous said...

Hey there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with
hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and
I ended up losing many months of hard work due to no back up.
Do you have any solutions to protect against hackers?

Also visit my site :: male breast enhancement cream

7889520 said...

qzz0620
ray ban sunglasses
coach handbags
jimmy choo sunglasses
jordan 32
ray ban sunglasses
pelicans jerseys
mishka clothing
ray ban sunglasses
pandora charms
pandora charms

yanmaneee said...

lebron james shoes
lebron james shoes
supreme clothing
moncler coat
kd shoes
golden goose sale
supreme outlet
hermes online
stone island sale
yeezy

PREVIOUSLY ON THE EMPTY FRIDGE..

Related Posts with Thumbnails