Tim Ho Wan, the World's Cheapest Michelin-Starred Restaurant, Has Opened Its First Japanese Branch in Tokyo!

Last update : 6 Jan 2019

Written by Kenji Nishiyama - Ginza de Lunch

Hibiya is a hot place to be now! Tokyo Midtown Hibiya is booming every day. In April of 2018, a branch of Hong Kong's dim sum specialty shop, Tim Ho Wan, opened nearby. Day after day, long lines form outside.
Tim Ho Wan, where diners can enjoy first-class hotel fare at reasonable prices, is a popular restaurant in Hong Kong. After acquiring a Michelin Star, it was named, "the world's most inexpensive Michelin restaurant"!

While the line outside never disappears, it gets a little shorter around 2:00 or 3:00 pm, so that's when I went on a Tuesday afternoon. Even then, I had to wait about 40 minutes.
At lunchtime, you might have to wait over an hour.

Since it has photos, the menu is easy to understand.
With each item running around ¥500, it certainly is cheap for a Michelin Restaurant!
When you're seated, hot Pu'er tea is placed on the table.
The arrangement is that a seat charge of 10% of your total (including tea) will be added to your bill.

I ordered 4 dishes, including the most popular item, baked char sui bao.

Finally, the Dishes Arrive!

Baked char sui bao ¥626

This is their signature dish. It's also possible to purchase it for take-out.

The outside is crispy, with a char sui pork filling inside.
With its slightly sweet flavor, I couldn't stop eating this!

Fried shrimp and tofu skin spring rolls ¥734

These fried spring rolls have a crispy mouthfeel. They were so good that I wanted to order more! However, I didn't want to overeat so I controlled myself...

Steamed shrimp and garlic chive gyoza ¥626

Transparent, homemade skins are filled with a lot of ingredients. Here, the skin felt a little too soft.

Turnip cake ¥518

This is also a popular item on the menu.

Featuring a fragrant surface, it's soft and chewy inside. You can dip it in a spicy sauce, if you like.

The dishes are served quickly, so after ordering a few items at first, it may be a good idea to wait a while before ordering more.
I was so impressed by how delicious each dish was! While each item is certainly cheap, it will all add up if you order a lot, so please be careful!
They don't take reservations, so only those who wait in a long line can enjoy this restaurant!