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Tim Ho Wan is famous for its Dim Sum. They advertise that their Hong Kong location has a Michelin star; however, they've expanded across large cities around the world and their locations in the US don't have that type of recognition at this time. Their signature items are their BBQ Pork buns, which are like deliciously addictive pork conchas. Their char siu pork is also really great. The best time to come is after 2pm, for their $45 set meal for 2, which comes with two orders of dim sum (siu mai, har gow), a cucumber salad, their signature BBQ pork buns, vegetable egg rolls, and your choice of fried rice or noodles. It's filling and it's good. The set meal doesn't include the char siu and there are many delicious dim sum items that you'd have to order separately; however, I'd definitely come back to order this set meal.
High-quality dim sum that you can actually taste the difference! My mom and I had a great dim sum experience at Tim Ho Wan. You can really taste the difference in the quality of the food compared to some other dim sum spots. Everything we tried was delicious, but a few dishes really stood out. The fried squid was crispy on the outside with perfectly seasoned, light batter that didn't overpower the squid. The pork shumai came in generous portions, and the har gow had that perfectly steamed, soft, delicate wrapper with a juicy, flavorful shrimp filling. But the absolute winner for us was the lotus leaf-wrapped sticky rice! This was hands down the best we've ever had. The flavor was incredible, and the texture was exactly what we wanted, savory, satisfying, and packed with filling. The portion was so big that it was easily enough for two people to share. We also ordered the steamed cod, which disappeared almost as soon as it hit the table. That should tell you everything you need to know! Tim Ho Wan is definitely worth visiting if you appreciate quality dim sum made with attention to flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that they get VERY busy on weekends, so I recommend arriving early to avoid a long wait. Great dim sum, generous portions, and a happy mom who enjoyed every bite. We'll definitely be back!
Came here after a very long day at work and ordered a feast of comfort food and it didn't disappoint. I ordered the following: Drunken plum cherry tomatoes: too pickled for my personal preference but that was my only fault for not taking the "drunken" part seriously. Well cooked and seasoned and fresh. Har gow: not overcooked. Rice wrapping wasn't too soggy Chrispy shrimp red rice rolls: I ordered these to go with my congee because I didn't think it came with any Chinese donut. It did and this was excellent anyway. I dipped it in my congee and always love a good crunchy/soft contrast. Fried tofu with seaweed: best fried tofu I've ever had. Outside was wonderfully crispy and the inside was perfectly soft. Very hard to find a well done fried tofu. Well seasoned. Hong Kong braised beef noodles (dry): my favorite. The noodles were al dente the beef not tough or stringy and even the Chinese broccoli was amazing. Not too tough just the perfect bite with a nice garlic flavor. Obviously I took most of it to go but I bet everything's good as leftovers too. Would absolutely come back again. Restrooms are clean and servers are friendly.
I know Tim Ho Wan dim sum is pretty well established in HK, but I've been twice now--once at the original opening and twice again after it reopened--and it still didn't quite hit the mark for me. Its dim sum is good, but I feel like it lacks a bit of that authenticity. So yes, the missing steamer on cart service is likely a contributing factor. The dim sum is good, but nothing particularly special or that really stands out. I love dim sum too much so will probably come back. That said, parking in this area is congested but the service is fast, which is definitely a plus.
I was so excited to eat at Tim Ho Wan! As someone who lived in HK for many years, a little taste of home is always welcomed. Diamond Jamboree is always packed on the weekends, from the parking lot to the all the restaurants themselves. However, after we found a parking spot we were able to get a table within about 15 minutes for 3 people, which wasn't too bad. The restaurant, as expected, was filled with chatter and very busy. Overall the food itself was pretty good. However, I do think the lou bak go was skipabble for the price. It was fine, but it was nothing special. I also wasn't the biggest fan of the wonton in hot and spicy sauce with scallion noodles. The favorites of the day were certainly their signature char siu bao / char siu plate, as well as the mango sago. The bbq pork is fatty, sweet, and savory. The bun adds a nice bolo bao type element that makes for a tasty bite. The mango sago was the sleeper dish that everyone ended up loving! The little jewels of pomelo that were added in provided a slightly bitter-citrus flavor that balanced out the sweetness of the sago with the mango flavored coconut milk. It was excellent! The staff was very nice. It is a busy restaurant, but they were still on top of taking orders. Though, there was a mistake on the bill for an item we didn't order. However, they were very quick to fix it. I was also a little disappointed that our to-go order was incorrect. When we got home, instead of finding one dry and one soup version of the braised beef noodles, we had one braised beef and one wonton in hot and spicy sauce with scallion noodles. As-like I said above-I found out I wasn't the biggest fan of earlier that day. I'll be back for the char siu bao and mango sago at some point. If not here, then at least the original Sham Shui Po location.
I am a huge fan of Tim Ho Wan and I have been a few times in Hong Kong. This was my first time going to a location in the states, and I was pleasantly surprised by how good the food is compared to the HK counterparts. I went to their special Mid-Autumn Festival event where they had a tasting menu of several of the Hong Kong Classic items along with dessert items, tea and more. We had the following items: Appetizers: Drunken Plum Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Cucumber & Black Fungus with Garlic Dressing, Imperial Poached Chicken - I loved the tartiness and sweetness of the cherry tomatoes and the chicken was so flavorful! Hong Kong Classics: Har Gow (Shrimp), Siu Mai (Pork & Shrimp), Turnip Cake, Beancurd Skin with Pork & Shrimp, Hong Kong Milk Tea - These were all the classics. Best Siu Mai in town. I also can't get enough of the HK Milk Teal it makes me miss Hong Kong oh-so-much! Classics Reinvented: Signature Baked Barbecue pork Buns, Crispy Shrimp Red Rice Rolls with Roselle Sauce, Spanish Iberico Roasted Barbecue Pork - Best Barbecue Pork Buns in town for the crispy crust and delicious saucy barbecue pork. I also am in love with the perfect ratio of meat to fat in the barbecue pork! Wok Hey & Umami: Poached Iceberg Lettuce, Salt & Pepper Squid Tentacles, Fried Rice with Premium Soy Sauce & Barbecue Pork, Stir Fried Beef Flat Rice Noodles (Chow Fun) - Fried Rice and Beef Fried Flat Noodles. Classics with so much flavor from the wok. Must-order items! Shareable Desserts/Sweets: Mango Pudding, Mooncake Tasting Flight with Peach Oolong Tea - Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated with mooncake and we got to try 3 different kinds. The salted egg yolk one is my fav! What a fun event and such great tasting items. We had wonderful customer service from all the staff (Lam was our favorite server!), the chefs who made delicious foods (Chef Cheung came from Hong Kong too), the organizers of the events and wonderful welcome from the CEO of Tim Ho Wan too! Great environment to be in. I love the Hong Kong feel of the restaurant, and it truly makes me proud to be Hong Kong Chinese.
If you haven't been back since they have re-opened, you definitely want to come back and give them a try! I was really impressed with the new space, as I haven't been here since they renovated. We came for the mid-Autumn festival event, and I was blown away at the organization, quality of food, and overall service provided for the evening. First of all, there was SO MUCH FOOD. This was like a 10+ course dinner, everything was delicious and timed perfectly. The service went above and beyond and was SO pleasant. I am a huge fan of the red rice rolls as well as the BBQ pork buns. I am already hungry thinking about our next visit!
This place has the best bbq pork bun filling in all of LA and OC. The buns would be even better without the overly sweet sugary top layer. The rest of their line up is sub par compared to the numerous dim sum restaurants in LA and OC. The Siu mai was soft and fatty. There was no meaty flavor and texture you would expect from biting into Siu mai. Their chicken feet had an off taste that made me unable to finish a whole piece. Price was also on the expensive side. Every thing pictured here was about $115.
First time in Irvine and discovered that the Diamond Jamboree plaza was a thing! The Tim Ho Wan franchise has a special place in my heart and ran here as soon as I saw it! Good food, good service! Almost forgot how much all this added up...
Really enjoyed our experience at Tim Ho Wan in Irvine, especially after their recent renovation. The restaurant looks fresh, modern, and inviting, while still keeping the traditional dim sum feel. The food was very good, and I can see why Tim Ho Wan is famous in Hong Kong! The dim sum was flavorful and nicely prepared. A special shout-out to Leo, who provided 5-star service! He was friendly, attentive, and genuinely made us feel welcomed. His excellent service really made the experience even better. Overall, a great place to enjoy Hong Kong-style dim sum in Irvine. We'll definitely be back to try more dishes!
Tim ho wan. I haven't been back since they first opened. Which wasn't a great experience. This time after the remodel. Very good Black mushroom and cucumber. Excellent make sure you get this. Perfect amount of citrus. So good refreshing Buns. Everyone already knows. Get this. The best Tofu. Wow best fried tofu I ever had. Really really good All the dim sum was good. Fresh. And service was on point. My go to spot now
Over the years, it felt like I would hear about Tim Ho Wan every time a family member or friend would come back from Hong Kong. Kind of heady praise in and of itself, given how there are so many great dim sum and Cantonese restaurants there, but even more so considering the standard some of them have. So, after missing out on my first chance to try them when we were in Hawaii, it was practically a must to stop into this location once we saw that they had finally reopened! Now, I don't know what this place looked like before their year-plus closure for their remodeling/change of ownership, but the decor looks great - "Chinese modern", as someone described it, and cozy. More notably, I appreciated how new and clean everything still felt. As for the menu, my gf mentioned it looked different than she remembered from her trip to the Tim Ho Wan in NY, but their most popular items, like their Crispy Shrimp Red Rice Roll and Baked BBQ Pork Buns, were still listed. Even beyond those two, though, which sounded awesome, there were a number of other dishes that caught my eye. -- PORK & SHRIMP DUMPLINGS (SIU MAI) Ehh...not bad, but nothing special either. The siu mai was decently sized, juicy, and had a nice balance of pork and shrimp flavors. That being said, for the money, nothing about this felt all that different or unique. -- CRISPY SHRIMP RED RICE ROLL WITH ROSELLE SAUCE Besides their signature Baked BBQ Pork Buns, I was most excited to try this and it didn't disappoint! The shrimp was crispy and meaty while the rice noodles had a tender bite. The roselle sauce added a bit of fruity sweetness, but these were great on their own. -- PORK & SHRIMP DUMPLINGS IN HOT & SPICY SAUCE SCALLION NOODLE Not too shabby, but definitely more solid than spectacular. The overall portion size was relatively generous and the dumplings were so plump and juicy. That being said, while the sauce had a nice kick, it made the noodles, which were a touch overcooked, feel really oily. -- STEAMED FISH FILLET WITH GINGER & SCALLION SOY SAUCE This is kind of a simple dish, but it was no less delicious. The coloring was a little pale (all of the soy ran off of it), but I loved that the fish was deboned and super moist and flakey. Delicious! -- FRIED TOFU WITH SEAWEED On the plus side, the tofu itself was good and I liked how crispy the batter was. However, I wish the seaweed was incorporated into the batter instead of just sprinkled on top, as some of the pieces tasted pretty plain. -- SIGNATURE BAKED BARBEQUE PORK BUN Easy to see why this is their signature dish - this was our favorite thing we had! The buns were soft while the topping was crusty (in a good way) and had a sweet, buttery flavor to it. As for the filling, it was really meaty and had just the right amount sauce to it. While the food was actually pretty decent, what really dragged down the experience for us was the service. Granted, we came here not long after they reopened, but we're talking months afterwards, not days, so it was weird how they had so many "new restaurant" issues. For example, they gave us plastic water cups and disposable chopsticks because they had run out of clean ones and they also told us to scan the QR code because they didn't have any physical menus even though we saw (and took) two that were sitting on a counter nearby. Plus, our order came out extremely staggered - a long delay before the first arrived, followed by a gap before the next two, then the last two, and then another delay before we got our highly anticipated pork buns. Given how I had heard so much about Tim Ho Wan before coming here, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't at least a little underwhelmed by our experience. Even though their famed Baked BBQ Pork Buns may have hit the mark (and then some), they weren't enough to offset how uneven the other parts of our meal went (not to mention how long it took). At some point, I'd actually like to come back, as there are other dishes on the menu that looked promising, but I certainly hope they have everything smoothed out from their relaunch by then. THREE AND A HALF STARS rounded down.
The best dish of the night was the red rice rolls!They were so unexpectedly delicious with the best texture I could have imagined! The friend rice was good, like traditional fried rice, nothing extra special but always a consistently good dish. The barbecue pork was very fatty and hard to chew but it had great flavor. LOVED the spicy wontons and Siu Mai. You order all your food from a QR code on your phone and personally for me, this dropped a star because when I go out to eat with anyone I prefer not having phones out and having face to face conversations. I think this unfortunately drops the customer services bc really we did half the work. That being said, when our servers did come by they were all kind.
2 months ago
Business owner information
Sam T.
Hi Bienna Marie! We're beyond grateful for this positive feedback.…
The newly renovated Tim Ho Wan was definitely worth the wait. The restaurant is beautifully decorated with modern Chinese-inspired decor, and the large photos of their signature dishes add a nice touch to the space. I've visited twice so far and have tried the following dishes: Har Gow Shrimp Roll with Roselle Pan Fried Noodles with Soy Sauce Fried Beancurd Skin with Shrimp BBQ Pork Rice Rolls Pork & Shrimp Dumplings in Hot & Spicy Sauce Chicken Feet in Black Bean Sauce Beancurd Skin with Shrimp Pan Fried Radish Cake Black Truffle Rice Rolls Steamed Sponge Cake Beancurd with Pork & Shrimp Glutinous Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf Signature Baked BBQ Buns Everything was delicious. My personal favorites were the Fried Beancurd Skin with Shrimp, Har Gow, Shrimp Roll with Roselle, and the Pork & Shrimp Dumplings in Hot & Spicy Sauce. The new chicken feet dish was good, but it tasted similar to what you'd find at most dim sum restaurants. I really miss their original braised chicken feet with abalone sauce -- that used to be my absolute favorite item on the menu. The service was also great throughout both visits. I'm really happy that Irvine finally has a good dim sum spot again. read more
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Sam T.
Hi Kelly We're happy you loved your experience. Thanks for the great…
A great spot for dim sum with super fresh ingredients and great seating. I had: 1. Signature baked barbecue pork buns 2. Pork & shrimp dumplings in hot and spicy sauce 3. Poached seasonal vegetables 4. Spanish Iberico roasted barbecue pork 5. Shrimp dumplings (har gow) 6. Pork & shrimp dumplings (siu mai) 7. Pork ribs in black bean sauce 8. Glutinous rice wrapped in lotus leaf 9. HK milk tea 10. Fresh lemon tea 11. Golden lava salted egg buns (steamed) read more
Tìm Ho Wan 2.0 is back and better! New decor, better food, an even better service. Our family dined here for our toddler's birthday and he was treated like a prince by our server, Bryan and staff. That definitely made us happy and enjoyed the food better. Dim sum all day is always a win in my book! Everything is goood but the stand out items have got to be the baked BBQ pork buns and bbq pork! The pork was so thick, juicy, and slightly sweet. The crispy shrimp rice rolls in plum sauce were also surprisingly delightful. The sauce balanced out the fried shrimp patty nicely. For dessert the mango sago was everyone's favorite. It reminds me of Hui Lau Shan in HK. Overall, I definitely enjoyed this newer version of THW. We will definitely be back! read more
From the decor, service, quality, and speed, this location is firing on all cylinders. There is a reason why people line up before it opens on the weekend. The food is everything I want and reminds me of an upscale version of the og locations when I went in Hong Kong. The dim sum is delicious and the baked pork buns are legendary and always buttery and satisfying. My new favorite item is the red shrimp roll with the sweet sauce and crispy bits on the inside. Can't wait to come back and try the Iberian pork char siu. This place is my go to dim sum, sure you can go further north but coming from south oc you can't beat the proximity plus all the dim sum is top tier. read more
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Sam T.
Hi James! We're beyond grateful for this positive feedback. Looking…
2 days ago
Business owner information
Sam T.
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We appreciate your comments on…
6 months ago
I've been here a couple of times since this dim sum restaurant reopened and they've made improvements. The new interior is nicer and more of what you would expect from a fancy dim sum restaurant. It has an elegant, modern feel and is more spacious than I remember it being before. I've never had to wait long for a table but once you get inside, the servers can be inattentive sometimes. The food always comes out quickly though. Their signature dish, the Baked BBQ Pork Buns ($7.50) are a must for the unique bun but they sadly didn't have a lot of meat in them. The Crispy Shrimp Red Rice Rolls ($9.90) are my new favorite item. The combination of the soft noodle and crispy fried inside is so good. A little greasy but the sweet sauce balances it. You can't go wrong with the basics like Har Gow ($7.50) and Siu Mai ($7.50). The Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf ($9.90) is good but overpriced. Between the BBQ Pork and Truffle Mushroom Rice Rolls ($7.50), I liked the mushroom better. The Hong Kong Braised Beef Dry Noodles ($12.90) had tender pieces of beef but could've used more noodles. There aren't many dim sum places around here so even though it's on the pricier side, it's still a good option for better quality dim sum. Plus they serve it all day. read more
I came around 430-5pm on a weekday and it was the deadest I've ever seen Diamond Jamboree (plenty of parking and no wait!!). Food was DELICIOUS; they have the BEST dumpling wrappers. The dumplings don't rip or break apart and it's consistent. The sponge cake and rice rolls are my favorite. I also love their tea options - like it's not just black or jasmine tea like most places. Right now, they're having a special: dim sum platter for $19. It includes like 9 items and a tea pot with your choice of tea. Staff was helpful and attentive. They don't play music (likely because it's usually crowded and loud), so during my quiet times like when I went, you can hear cooks and servers conversations. read more
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Sam T.
Hi Anh! Thanks for the perfect rating! Delighted you had a wonderful…
6 days ago
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Sam T.
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted that you enjoyed…
First time coming here after the renovation and the interior is nice and clean! Service was good and fast too. The food we ordered was decent -- nothing super memorable, but solid. I got the Hong Kong milk tea and ended up using all the syrup on the side to sweeten it up a bit. read more
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Sam T.
Thank you for your feedback, Joan. We're committed to providing an…
I've hung around diamond jamboree for many many years and after passing by this place literally over a thousand times we finally decided to give it a try. We arrived near peak time around lunch time so parking was tricky in this plaza and we had to wait about a half hour. We were able to see the menu while we waited so we can decide what we want before being seated. Once seated, we ordered everything through their QR code. We ordered several items except for the XLB since that was out of stock unfortunately. The food came out quickly and service was very friendly, however there were moments it was difficult to get their attention since it was busy that day. The restaurant itself was very clean and casual. The food itself was great but nothing crazy compared to other places I've been to. I'd definitely come back here if I'm craving dim sum and it's nearby but it's tough to compete with the other great food in diamond jamboree. read more
My friends and I stopped by and randomly checked out the dimsum here, partly due to how nice the place looks. The food is the star of the show here. They have amazing crispy shrimp rolls from Hong Kong. I also loved the baked pork bun and imperial chicken. They have a crab roll with mango that's delightful and their desserts all hit. Service was excellent. read more
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Sam T.
Hi Linda, Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to…
21 days ago
Business owner information
Sam T.
Thank you for the wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear you…
When you first come in, place is nice and clean. But, when you sit down it becomes a bit apparent that it's just for show. The tables are WAY to close to each other (probably to maximize amount of seats). Close in a way that you may bump into the tables getting in and out of your chair/booth. Next, they give you the option to order on your phone or the server... I mean pick one or the other? We ordered on the phone, seemed easier. Then, our dishes came. Where are the sauces? Was this supposed to be given to us by a server? You can see theres a person passing around sauces. Waited for a bit before we just asked for one because our dishes were getting cold. Now to the food. It was mid. Nothing really stood out. We got: - Baked Pork BBQ Buns (4/5): Just note that this is definitely on the sweeter side. I have a sweet tooth so I don't mind. - BBQ Rice Rolls, Har Gow, Salted Egg Bun, Fried Rice, Siu Mai (3/5): Unremarkable. I've had better. - Steamed Shrimp Roll (4/5): This one was surprisingly really good! Though I'm not sure they have it anymore. Liked the different textures and floral sauce. You can tell they were innovated with this one. Unfortunately, don't think that's enough to bring me back here. Good/fun to try at least once though. read more
Tim Ho Wan recently revamped itself. The most notable change is that the ambience feels much fancier and they now have an alcove perfect for larger parties. You also order from a QR code instead of with a waiter now. I noticed several changes in the food, both good and bad: - salted egg buns are now a fried donut like texture instead of being jian dui, this made the buns feel denser and less texturally fun, salted egg wasn't a lava texture anymore and is now more like a paste - BBQ pork buns tasted sweeter - lots of new items like char siu, rice dishes, desserts, and noodles - fried daikon is less crispy and falls apart more easily - now has a tea menu, both hot brewed teas and Hong Kong classics like milk tea and lemon tea, love that the syrup comes on the side so that I can control the sweetness, personally didn't need any for the almond Hong Kong milk tea - portions felt larger, in the past I could easily eat 3-4 plates by myself but this time around we ordered 7 and had plenty to take home Overall, a good experience. The only change I wish didn't happen was turning the salted egg dessert into a bun, but other than that, I think Tim Ho Wan's revamp is quite nice. read more
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Teddy W.
Thank you for the great review, Audrey! We are happy you enjoyed our…
7 months ago
I love a good Michelin star restaurant. I also love a good dim sum place. This was a nice combination of the two. They just remodeled and it looks really nice inside. I went during lunch with two of my colleagues and it was not busy and we were sat immediately. The staff was incredibly attentive and we never waited long for anything. They rotate items out of their menu since the remodel, but everything was delicious. We ordered congee, baked bbq bun, steamed shrimp dumpling, siu mai, bbq rice plate, pan fried noodles, chicken feet (my first time having - definitely not my thing), and this tofu wrapped deep fried shrimp cake (one of the best things I ate). Nearly everything was delicious and arrived at the right temperature. They also have a small tea menu, I got the pu-erh tea and it was delicious. I love that the staff continuously made sure we had enough tea I think we had 4 refills - it was glorious. I liked this place a lot and highly recommend it if you're in OC, Las Vegas, Hawaii, or NYC. read more
Yes the plaza is awful but the revamp is worth it. So cute inside with the plush pink booth seating and emerald walls. Very much joy luck club vibes - yes, I aged myself Pros Pork pun Shrimp roll (the pink exterior is aggressive though) Salted egg donuts Iva the hostess Lam our waiter Cons No rsvp/ wait list Parking read more
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Sam T.
Hi George, Thank you for your review! We're delighted to hear you…
3 months ago
I've been back to Tim Ho Wan multiple times since they reopened, and every visit has been consistently delicious. The food has been fresh, flavorful, and just as good each time. My absolute favorite is the Red Shrimp Rolls. The crispy exterior paired with the juicy shrimp filling and their dipping sauce is an amazing combination. I find myself ordering them every visit. Tonight we also tried their new Crispy Garlic Wings, and they were fantastic! They were perfectly crispy, packed with garlic flavor, and surprisingly light. It was nice to enjoy fried chicken without feeling overly heavy afterward. And of course, the Baked BBQ Pork Buns are a must-order. The sweet, flaky topping with the savory barbecue pork filling is absolutely incredible and one of the restaurant's signature dishes for a reason. If you've been thinking about giving Tim Ho Wan another try since they reopened, I highly recommend it. They've been consistently delivering delicious food and have quickly become one of my favorite dim sum spots again. The interior is also very well done and has an elevated vibe compared to the other restaurants in DJ And maybe I get lucky but I always get seated right away! read more
Business owner information
Sam T.
Hi Momo! We're beyond grateful for this positive feedback. Looking…
We ordered several dim sum dishes and everything was delicious! We arrived around 1:30 and still had to wait about 30 minutes ever since they reopened, business has been booming. The plaza itself was super busy, and parking was a bit challenging, so definitely come early on weekends. The service was great, the restaurant is beautifully decorated, and the space feels open and comfortable. Highly recommend. I'll definitely be back! There were still a few items we wanted to try, but they were already sold out by the time we got there. read more
Went for a late afternoon lunch. The service team was different from last week. - Received great personal service from Kate - loved how she knew the menu and could make recommendations and answer my questions - Also excellent service by Tristan! He seriously is thoughtful, forward thinking and very considerate and KIND! I realized I don't like ordering from the QR code, I like talking to a human face to face. Kate obliged me! The food: - A few items fell off the market from last week (1) The BBQ Pork Baked Buns were 30% smaller, they came out too quickly and were not piping hot, just warm, the waiter sent it back and what came out was marginally warmer (maybe they are making too much in advance?) (2) The Roselle sauce given to me was really watery, I had to ask them to get me a thicker version which they did (when it's watery, hard to stick onto my dim sum bite) (3) The spicy pork wontons sauce wasn't as vibrant as last week, seemed like it was missing a few things By Kate's suggestion, tried the Black Tea Lychee hot tea! - SO GOOD, beats any tea house boba shop in SoCal and beyond for authentic teas! The Shrimp Tofu Steamed rolls were so much better without that brown gravy. I got a small condiment square dish, and put some of that saved chili oil and it was great! The red rice rolls are interested. Center is shrimp and covering it is some kind of crispy onions / potato mix? Wrapped in red colored rice papers. Interesting and tasty. Ordered the braised veggies again. The napa still too soft and soggy. But those shitakes are so incredibly good / decadent! And the braising liquid is so delish, subtle w a hint of sweetness! Overall still happy I came but a touch let down due to inconsistencies. Maybe they will get it consistent in the next few months. I am hopeful b/c my first visit was so amazing! read more
7 months ago
It's been more than a handful of years since our last visit to a Tim Ho Wan in Melbourne. Now that this famed International dim sum restaurant has made its way into North America, it was about time that we tried out one near our backyard. A quick Google search also shows that the chain was acquired by the fast food franchise, Jollibee. Apparently this location just recently reopened several months ago after a year long closure to fully renovate the interior. The interior dining space is not your typical large dim sum Chinese restaurant as it is smaller in size, more modernly adorned, and lacks a lot of the larger round tables ideal for larger parties. We came for Friday lunch and aimed to arrive shortly after opening hour. This was a wise decision as not long after, the restaurant was filled and arriving diners would find themselves having to wait for a table. We were immediately seated, however, our QR code associated with our table number required for ordering food did not work, and luckily we were able to just slide on over to the next table where we could enjoy the full experience. It is also an option to place your order directly with your waiter. The wait staff is attentive and overall friendly. Our food arrived at a decent pace once we placed via the web site using the QR code. We opted to order unique dim sum dishes that are non-traditional from other than some restaurants. Of exceptional note for the taste and uniqueness are the Iberico barbecue roast pork made with marbled pork meat and marinated with their special chef's BBQ sauce. It is pricey for what you get at $28, however, I have never had such tender and flavorful Chinese BBQ pork. I also particularly liked the Enoki and Spinach steamed dumplings and baked barbecue pork buns. The one thing that was a bust was the Mango Sago with Popping Boba as we were not expecting this to be a soupy dessert dish. All in all this was a tasty lunch experience that would bring me back to seek another Tim Ho Wan location and check out other unique dishes that they may offer. read more
香港米芝蓮點心，直送Irvine！ Still remember lining up early in Sham Shui Po when Tim Ho Wan earned its Michelin star Now they're newly renovated in Irvine under new management. Ordering was seamless via app. Must-have: Hong Kong milk tea in their signature cup --one sip and memories of home flood back. The Cha Siu is perfectly balanced, juicy with slightly charred edges. Crispy Shrimp Red Rice Roll is crunchy and flavorful. Classic Siu Mai and Har Gow melt in your mouth. Baked BBQ Pork Bun? Soft, sweet, and irresistible. My toddler loved everything too! And don't miss their creative signature dessert, the Treasure Bowl . on top of our usual order mango pomelo sago --thats a perfect fusion of Hong Kong tradition and a modern twist. IG: socalhkfoodies read more
I'm not one to be disappointed, but for a Michelin Star restaurant I am in complete disbelief. The management is chaotic. You got the chef yelling at the staff and bussers, as well as management. If I ever worked for a place and my boss talked to me crazy, we are throwing hands on the spot before I quit or get fired. The food is not impressive. You want dim sum? Go to garden grove or Westminster. The food is better and taste better. I expected to be swept off my chair with this so called Michelin spot. For a Saturday night I would expect it to be busy or a long line, that was the first red flag I should have caught when coming here. This place doesn't deserve stars in my eyes. Go to westminister or garden grove. You will be happier there. read more
7 months ago
First time here, sure it is an elegant place, but the food did not do justice for me here. I have had more favorable and tastier food from dim sum places at Garden Grove or West Minister. The staff seemed a bit chaotic when it came to the kitchen calling out for food. On a Saturday evening we just walked in no line at all which I am surprised at granted, many restaurants around us had two hour wait times. read more
Tim Ho Wan never disappoints! Everything came out fresh, hot, and full of flavor. The dim sum here is consistently good the shrimp dumplings were juicy, the siu mai were perfectly seasoned, and the baked BBQ pork buns are a must-order every time. Service was efficient and the food arrived quickly, which is great when you're craving good dim sum without a long wait. Portions are just right so you can try a variety of dishes. Definitely one of our go-to spots for dim sum whenever we're in the area. read more
4 months ago
We had a pleasant dining experience at Tim Ho Wan in Irvine. We only waited less than 10 minutes to be seated during lunch time on a Saturday. The menu is slightly different from how I remember it from the Philippines but overall the food quality and taste remains the same. The prices listed are all budget friendly. Also a big shout out to our server, Nam! She went above and beyond for us to experience exceptional customer service. Hope we get her still as our server in the future. read more
Business owner information
Sam T.
Hi Rayanna, Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to…
I would give this place 5 stars all the way except for one little thing. I wish it didn't happen because everything was amazing! The food was delicious! The service from Josh was spectacular! The ambience was beautiful and very clean. We arrived at 9:35 and they told us the last seating was at 9:30 but they welcomed us in. They informed us that it was last call and we could stay and eat. Perfect! Our waitress informed us that the kitchen was closing, so we had to order quickly. We ordered: - Signature Baked Barbecue Pork Buns - Crispy Shrimp Red Rice Rolls with Roselle Sauce - Poached Seasonal Vegetables - Pork Fried Rice - Pork Ribs in Black Bean Sauce - Siu Mai - Fried Tofu With Seaweed - Xiao Long Bao - Fried Avocado Dumplings*** (*** I commented that I was allergic to shrimp and wanted to order dishes I could enjoy. I asked the waitress which dish to try: Spinach & Enoki Mushroom OR Avocado Dumplings. She said they were both good. I opted for the Avocado.) After we ordered, Josh came out to tell us that he had bad news. The kitchen was closed and all they could give us were the veggies and the baked pork buns. He and the manager apologized profusely and said they would give us the buns for free and would offer us bowls of Pork Congee with Century and Salted Egg for the inconvenience. Josh was so sincere and we couldn't help but feel bad for him. So we stayed and enjoyed what we could. A few minutes later, all our dishes came out except for one dish. Josh returned embarrassed that the kitchen played a joke on him. Poor guy!! Signature Baked Barbecue Pork Buns - This dish earned a Michelin Star!! It was crisp on the outside, sweet and savory on the inside. A perfect combo of textures. I can see why it earned one. Crispy Shrimp Red Rice Rolls with Roselle Sauce - Another top seller of theirs. I wish I could have tasted it but I'm allergic to shellfish. Whole shrimps inside. The red rice is made of a fermented ingredient which gives it its natural red color. The family said it was delicious especially the lightly sweetened Roselle sauce. Poached Seasonal Vegetables - delicate and lovely Fried Tofu With Seaweed - crisp on the outside and silky and delicate on the inside. Pork Fried Rice - great flavor, not greasy. Pork Ribs in Black Bean Sauce - good Siu Mai - good with whole shrimps inside Xiao Long Bao - we didn't get to try this. :( Fried Avocado Dumplings*** - (BEWARE!!! The name is deceiving.) I took a bite and there was shrimp inside!! So disappointed especially after telling the waitress I was allergic to shrimp, she seemed indifferent to my reaction after I found out and confirming with Josh that there was shrimp inside. Josh apologized and was ready to call 911 but I told him I was okay. It was a little bite. Had I eaten the whole dumpling? That would've been a diff story. Wish the waitress apologized or acknowledged. What I bit was delicious and the avocado puree was flavorful. Pork Congee with Century and Salted Egg - Very flavorful! So so good. It's comfort in a bowl! For dessert, we ordered the Sweet Treasure Bowl. I've never had anything like this before. It came with a little coconut milk which you pour over the treasure bowl then you mix everything up and indulge. Lots of flavors like beans, mangos, grapefruit, and other things. Overall, I would give the food and Josh 5 stars!!! The weird service was interesting but Josh really saved the experience. Thank you! read more
24 days ago
Business owner information
Sam T.
Thank you for sharing your detailed review! We’re delighted you…
Hearing about the re opening of this place was exciting. We didn't have time to dine in so took a 7 item order. Upon arrival, we were told 15-20 minutes for a to go order. We left and came back 20 minutes later and waited. The restaurant was not full and only one other lady waiting for a to go order. I asked how long she waited and she was nearly 45 minutes waiting. I then asked the hostess to check on our order and she explained that they are making more har gow because they ran out, offered to refund that portion if we didn't want to wait. She didn't give us a timeframe as people around us were getting antsy. Hostess was nice under a stressful situation. We patiently waited watching the staff. They didn't seem rushed but the back kitchen was definitely busy. We finally got the food at the one hour mark. The customer waiting nearby before us said she was at an hour and 20 minutes. The wait time and underestimated amount of food was ridiculous. They have a lot of kinks to work out. The manager came out and delivered my order after the 4th update inquiry. I will say, he was apologetic and very sincere in his apology. He offered a discount to come back. That gesture alone was appreciated. We got to the car and I was so hungry I popped one semi warm Shu Mai in my mouth. Honestly , the food is good but it wasn't hot. The mushroom truffle was full of flavor and probably better if I got to eat it hot. Overall, The wait time and unorganized ordering system needs work. With so many other dim sum places, this would not be my first choice. read more
1 month ago
Honestly best dim sum in the area! I love their xiao long bao and shu mai. Right now there's a buy one get one free on Hong Kong milk tea, so I would recommend coming with a buddy/date to try it ! read more
Business owner information
Sam T.
Hi Serena,…
8 months ago
We came here on Valentine's night after getting a massage in the same shopping center. Just a heads up - parking in this plaza is always a challenge no matter what time of day you come, so plan to arrive early if you have reservations or appointments anywhere in the center. We ordered the crispy red rice rolls with shrimp, steamed dumplings, baked BBQ pork buns, and salted egg buns. We were absolutely obsessed with both kinds of buns, so delicious and perfectly made! The service was exceptional. The couple sitting next to us was very rude to the manager (they even yelled at him), but he remained calm, professional, and attentive the entire time. The whole staff was very attentive and welcoming. Despite the tough parking situation, we will definitely be back! read more
The new Tim Ho Wan is improved so much, they might consider changing their name. It went from old, stale, cold in the middle dim sum to Michelin Star Perfection. Receiving insider information from the new manager, we discovered they brought in a experienced chef from Hong Kong to lead the kitchen staff. We feel the change, we see the change, but most importantly, we taste the change. There are no superlatives to accurately match how good this food is. When so many established restaurants hire those from other cultures and backgrounds to cook Chinese food, this place wants to give its patrons the genuine taste from true experts. For example, their vegetable spring roll is so light and crispy, it melts in your mouth. Having lived in Taiwan for many years, true pan friend radish cake is impossible to find in California. It just doesn't taste the same. I am wrong, Tim Ho Wan's radish cakes are perfect. Crispy on the outside but so soft and light on the inside. This place has thrown down the standard for all Dim Sum places to be measured. Perfection in all areas. Their tea is also a must. Five stars all day long. This is one of the very best Asian Restaurants in Orange County. Extremely, highly recommended. read more
Business owner information
Sam T.
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words, Dave. We’re…
I am so happy that this restaurant re-opened with a new chef and redesigned restaurant. I was here three times this week and had a good experience each time. The food is much better than before the remodeling and the menu has been expanded to include some dishes as well. The restaurant looks more spacious and elevated compared to the previous restaurant. Ordering can be done using the QR code at the table or with the waiter. Everyone is very nice and attentive and received all dishes piping hot. They must constantly be baking the bbq pork buns in the back because they're always steaming hot. I like my food to be hot enough where I can burn my tongue and this food not disappoint. I tried a multitude of dishes but my favorite ones are the bbq pork buns (one of the specialties from the original Hong Kong restaurant), the fried bean curd with shrimp, the fried tofu with seaweed, the crispy shrimp red rice rolls, chicken with ginger and spring onion puree rice bowl, and golden lava buns. The other dishes were also good. I was only disappointed with one dish and it was the barbecue pork rice rolls. The filling was pretty bland and missing both sweetness and saltiness. I was expecting the filling to be similar to the filling in the bbq pork buns. Also, the rice wrapper was over steamed as the skin was really mushy and did not have the elasticity you would expect from a rice roll. Overall, I'm very happy with the re-opening. The restaurant did a great job with the menu, the training of the staff, and the food is excellent. I will most definitely be back! read more
2 months ago
Business owner information
Sam T.
Hi Amy,…
We had a great lunch here. I've been to their other location a few years ago and I swear the food got better. I don't remember the siu mai being as big and juicy last time. It was sooooo delicious. The congee was warm and comforting and the bbq crispy pork buns were amazingggg. I am very sad they don't have the custard filled sesame balls anymore. Those were one of my favorites in the past. We had several people checking on us throughout our meal and everyone was very polite. The restaurant and restroom were both very clean and nicely decorated. I will be back here next time I am back in Cali! read more
Business owner information
Sam T.
We are so happy you had a great time dining with us, Lizz! Please do…
I had to check it after the recent update. The restaurant is now more dimly lit. The color scheme of the restaurant is now a mix of brown, from the wood, black and green. Overall, the restaurant is pretty and comfortable. The food cane out hot, fresh, and delicious. The most memorable plate for me were the baked barbecue pork buns. They have the exterior of a pineapple bun that you can get from a Chinese bakery, light, crispy, and sweet. The bun is also very light and fluffy! The dishes here are pricey, but the quality is there! My only complaint is the service could be better. It was very difficult to get water for our table. read more
5 months ago
Business owner information
Sam T.
Hi Nathalie! We're happy you loved your experience. Thanks for the…
I've seeing so many reels about their reopening with new menu items and was excited to check them out. We came for some late lunch and were seated promptly. The restaurant was very spacious and had modern decors. First impressions were great; however, both the food and the service were a bit disappointing for me. We ordered a number of dishes (pictured), and everything tasted mid for me, the dumpling skin on siu mai and the red rice roll were too soft and mushy. My favorite out of everything is probably the noodles and the bbq pork buns. My least favorite has to be the crab meat with mango and cheese crispy roll. It was a mix of savory and mildly sweet but not in a good way. Overall, everything was on the saltier side for me. The service was disappointment. We were never offered any water after getting seated, so we had to request. There was no water refill throughout the meal even though multiple servers came by to deliver our order and remove empty dishes. Only one person (Katie) cared enough to offer to refill our glass after we were finished with the meal. For such a nice restaurant, I was hoping they would be more thoughtful with the service. However, that was not the case. Overall, I was unimpressed by the food and the service, so I don't think I'll be returning. read more
More info about Tim Ho Wan
2700 Alton Pkwy
Ste 127-131
Irvine, CA 92606
Westpark
Directions
(949) 751-6956
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https://www.timhowan.com
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Ask the Community - Tim Ho Wan
Is their window/to-go service open yet?
For now, you may place your to-go orders in person. Look forward to seeing you!
Do they have a corkage fee here? Thanks
I have never seen anyone drink wine there. It is a breakfast/brunch/lunch place. It is din sum.
Are they open as Yelp shows they're open but the website says closed for renovations?
They've been opened since Dec 16, 2025.
Does anyone know when will Tim Ho Wan in Irvine reopen?
They've been opened since Dec 16.
When will this Irvine location re-open?
I was there a few days ago and it was open.
Do they have push carts?
They only had a menu to order from when I went last month in May.
Do they accept reservations?
They do not!! If you're a table of 4+, go early on the weekends!! Weekdays are much easier
Are you doing takeout?
Yes, they do take out. They have a take out menu but if you ask, they let you order take out for other things that are not on the take out menu like the braised beef.
The first time I went they ran out of sticky rice before I got to try it. Called back 2 different times since then to ask if they have it and each time they say they are out!…
It runs out at 3:21pm every day. Same time. Every day. Exact same time.
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
210 reviews that are not currently recommended
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