TLDR
Home of the iconic, addictive baked BBQ pork bun. A casual, go-to spot for classic dim sum and sweet treats.
Details
Renowned for its addictive signature baked BBQ pork buns, this chain offers a reliable, casual spot for dim sum enthusiasts [1]. While some diners consider the pork buns their only must-have item [3], others appreciate the variety of options, including non-pork dishes and classic sweets [5], [10]. However, experiences can be polarized, with some customers preferring independent local bakeries for specific items like pineapple buns [11], [14].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on Cantonese dim sum, with the baked BBQ pork buns standing out as the most widely praised and addictive dish [1], [3]. Other popular items include sweet salted egg yolk sesame balls [10] and pineapple pork buns, though the latter are often compared against local 'OG' style favorites [14]. While some diners find items like har gow to be perfectly serviceable [16], critics suggest that the menu's quality can be inconsistent beyond the signature buns [4].
Customer Sentiment
Customer sentiment is notably mixed, ranging from enthusiasts who find the pork buns addictive to others who find the rest of the menu lackluster [3], [4]. While some diners laud it as an incredible dining experience [5], others have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the quality of certain locations [9].
Caveats
Some regulars recommend ordering the signature buns to-go, noting that other menu offerings may not match the same level of quality [4]. Additionally, diners should be aware that the Hell's Kitchen location has closed, leaving the 4th Street address as the sole option in the city [8].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About TIM HO WAN
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Best Har Gow In The Manhattanhudson River
"The har gow here is considered serviceable."
PositiveFrom post: Which Pineapple Pork Buns Do U Prefer Tim Ho Wan
"The author prefers Mei Lai Wah, describing Tim Ho Wan's pineapple pork buns as the 'polished chain version' which is sweeter with a crispier sugar top, more of a treat compared to the 'OG' style."
NegativeFrom post: Which Pineapple Pork Buns Do U Prefer Tim Ho Wan
"This user speculates that many who voted for Mei Lei Wah might not have tried Tim Ho Wan's version, implying a potential lack of direct comparison in the poll."
NeutralFrom post: Cha Chaan Tang In Midtown
"This commenter suggested Tim Ho Wan near Union Square as an option for casual Cantonese food, questioning if Union Square counts as Midtown."
NeutralFrom post: Best Place To Get Sweet Salted Egg Yolk Sesame
"The author recommended Tim Ho Wan, noting it's a chain, for sweet salted egg yolk sesame balls. The original poster found this very helpful."
PositiveFrom post: Pineapple Buns In Nyc
"Tim Ho Wan's pineapple buns are mentioned as a classic."
PositiveFrom post: Pineapple Buns In Nyc
"This user finds Tim Ho Wan's pineapple buns to be okay but prefers Mei Lai Wah."
NeutralFrom post: Have A Conference In Times Square
"A commenter, identifying as Chinese, expresses a negative sentiment towards trying Tim Ho Wan."
NegativeFrom post: Have A Conference In Times Square
"The commenter found the Tim Ho Wan in Hell's Kitchen to be terrible."
NegativeFrom post: Have A Conference In Times Square
"The commenter agrees that Tim Ho Wan is better than Din Tai Fung but notes the only NYC location is on 4th Street, as the Hell's Kitchen location has closed."
PositiveFrom post: Have A Conference In Times Square
"The commenter suggests trying Tim Ho Wan instead of Din Tai Fung."
NeutralFrom post: Best Dim Sum In Nyc With Non Pork Options
"Tim Ho Wan is described as incredible, with a good number of non-pork options available."
PositiveFrom post: Baked Char Siu Baobbq Pork Bun
"This commenter finds Tim Ho Wan's baked bbq pork buns addictive and gets them weekly, but feels nothing else on the menu is good, so they recommend getting them to go."
PositiveFrom post: Baked Char Siu Baobbq Pork Bun
"This commenter states that Tim Ho Wan's bbq pork buns are their best and only worthwhile dish, sadly implying the rest of their menu is not as good."
NeutralFrom post: Baked Char Siu Baobbq Pork Bun
"This commenter agrees with the recommendation for Tim Ho Wan, stating their bbq pork buns are better than those from Chinatown bakeries and are their best dish."
PositiveFrom post: Baked Char Siu Baobbq Pork Bun
"This commenter recommends Tim Ho Wan as the spot for baked bbq pork buns."
Positive