It was my friend’s birthday and she treated our circle of friends at Tim Ho Wan’s Cubao restaurant branch in Quezon City. Honestly, this was my first time trying it despite of Tim Ho Wan’s popularity back in 2014. There were just so many diners back then and I am not usually the type of person willing to wait in long queues. And here I am finally digging in after so many years passed.
Tim Ho Wan opened its first branch at SM Megamall and it served around 800 guests on its opening. It initially operated as a franchise in the Philippines but was later taken over by Jollibee Food Corporation in 2018.
Tim Ho Wan Food
Here are the summary of the food we ordered for a group of 5.
We started with the Hakaw (P198) and I absolutely loved it as a shrimp lover. The shrimp filling tasted fresh and juicy, and it was best enjoyed dipped in soy sauce with calamansi.
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We also ordered another dumpling, the Pork Dumpling with Spicy Sauce (P198). This disch packed a savory punch, served in a pool of vinegar and chili oil. It is topped with plenty of minced garlic, diced chilies, and fresh cilantro, adding layers of flavor and heat.
Next was the Yang Chow Fried Rice with Pork Chop (P340). The pork chop wasn’t just simply seasoned – it was well-marinated with spices and sauces, making it crispy on the outside yet juicy with every bite.
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To balance out the rich flavors, we ordered a vegetable dish: Poached Fresh Greens with Oyster Sauce (P198). It was delicious!The greens were drizzled with sweet oyster sauce and topped with fried garlic bits.
To end the meal, we had the Beef Brisket and Tendon Noodle Soup (P388). The beef brisket is tender and clearly slow-cooked giving it a rich, aromatic flavor. The dish came with chewy noodles and bok choy, making it both hearty and comforting.
Tim Ho Wan Ambiance
Tim Ho Wan’s ambiance is simple, casual, and functional—very much in line with its reputation as an affordable Michelin-starred dim sum spot. The interiors are clean and well-lit. Despite being busy during peak hours, the atmosphere feels organized and efficient. Overall, it delivers a no-frills dining experience that feels relaxed and approachable.
Verdict
The restaurant’s ambiance and service were both good. Although the food took a bit of time to be served, we didn’t mind since we were busy chatting and catching up. For ordering, the staff provides a slip with checkboxes, making the process simple and convenient. Overall, I was satisfied with everything we ordered. A big thank you to our friend for the generous birthday treat.
