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Tim Ho Wan Tops Hong Kong Dim Sum Rankings, World's Cheapest Michelin Star
Tim Ho Wan leads local rankings as the world's cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant with its original branch in Sham Shui Po.
How we reported this
Tim Ho Wan holds the title of the world's cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant and serves as Hong Kong's top value dim sum destination, with its oldest branch located in Sham Shui Po.
Dim sum remains a daily staple across the city, where residents and visitors seek out established spots amid a dining scene that mixes historic venues with newer Michelin-recognised addresses. Recent upgrades at certain restaurants and reopenings after closures have kept traditional and premium options in regular rotation for locals.
Standout Venues for Different Diners
Yan Toh Heen draws first-time diners for its polished service and recently upgraded status from one to two Michelin stars. Maxim's Palace in Central's City Hall continues to attract those seeking the classic trolley service, where carts move through the room with baskets of steamed items. Lung King Heen ranks among the global top nine establishments on La Liste while holding two Michelin stars, positioning it for more formal meals.
Popular neighbourhood addresses include Lin Heung Tea House in Central, One Dim Sum in Prince Edward, and DimDimSum locations in Jordan and Mong Kok. Lin Heung Lau in Central reopened in April 2024 after a two-year closure and maintains its traditional atmosphere for daily service.
Practical Choices and Local Details
One Dim Sum in Prince Edward offers items such as turnip cake at around HK$24, reflecting the accessible pricing at several neighbourhood spots. Tim Ho Wan appears in multiple locations beyond Sham Shui Po, including one above Hong Kong Station, while its signature barbecue pork buns remain a consistent draw at the original site.
Visitors planning a meal can match the venue to their preference, whether seeking value pricing at Tim Ho Wan, trolley service at Maxim's Palace, or a first premium experience at Yan Toh Heen. Checking current operating hours at each address helps align with typical dim sum service times across Central and surrounding districts.