The story
Tim Ho Wan began with a simple conviction: that high-quality dim sum should be accessible to everyone. In 2009, Chef Mak Kwai Pui left a prestigious position at the Four Seasons to open a tiny 20-seater in Hong Kong's Sham Shui Po, together with fellow Chef Leung Fai Keung. Their hole-in-the-wall, serving carefully crafted dim sum at humble prices, earned a Michelin star — a story that made the restaurant iconic. As the website puts it, "global recognition can come from staying true to your roots."
The Seoul location in Gangnam-gu carries that same spirit. It brings the full Tim Ho Wan dim sum experience to South Korea, offering both dine-in and takeaway. The restaurant is recognized in the Michelin Guide Seoul for 2026, a testament to its consistent craft and quality.
The dish that made Tim Ho Wan famous worldwide is the Signature Baked Barbecue Pork Bun — a sweet, glazed bun with a crisp shell and savory filling. Beyond that, the menu includes classic Shrimp Dumplings, Pork & Shrimp Dumplings, and Fried Beancurd Skin with Shrimp. For something unique, try the Crispy Shrimp Red Rice Rolls with Roselle Sauce. Heartier offerings range from Pork Congee with Century & Salted Eggs to Hong Kong-style Braised Beef Noodle Soup and Steamed Chicken Rice with Scallion Ginger. The Wok-fried Spicy Radish Cake with Shrimp and the Shrimp Wonton Noodle Soup round out a menu that honors traditional dim sum while adding thoughtful touches.
Each dish reflects the founders' original commitment: high-quality dim sum, made with care, served without pretense.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
