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ESSENTIAL TIPS & EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
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# As of the 2014 and 2015 Hong Kong Michelin Guide, this is a 2 Michelin Star Cantonese restaurant. Specifically, specializing in dim sum.
# A reservation beforehand is recommended though I got my booking the day before for lunch right when they opened at 11:30 AM on Saturday.
# Before I knew yelp existed in HK, I scoured all of Tripadvisor to see what people recommended. I followed their recommendation and I will give you the same. The 2 must-have specialty dishes here are (1) the Iberian BBQ Pork and (2) Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Fish Maw in Baby Coconut...whew that's a long title.
# In regards to the 2 dishes that I cite, if you're a huge critic like me, your mind won't explode into pleasure bits from eating them. They're very good, but not mind-blowing.
# This restaurant employs excellent dim sum cooking and I probably will have to agree that this place deserves its 2 stars though I kinda entertain the idea they should have 1. lol, I'm mean. I should never be a Michelin inspector -- not that I want to.
# Okay so if you're not looking to spend loads of money, watch how fast you drink the water! HUH?? You only get a choice of bottled still or sparkling water and it's not free. As you drink, the servers will keep pouring then when the 1st bottle runs out, they'll open another. If you don't want to pay extra fees, just drink your water slowly.
# If you order just enough dim sum to provide yourself a self-made tasting course, you won't spend a ridiculous amount here. I think I spent about US$200 for 4 people. That's not too bad considering you could spend $400 PER PERSON at other michelin restaurants.
# On the way to the bathroom, take a peek at their wine cellar hallway. I believe it connects to Tosca, another Michelin-rated restaurant (1 star). The hallway will mesmerize you with its gold, silver, mirrors, and glass. You'll know when you see it. My sisters and I took a picture in the hallway.
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MY EXPERIENCE:
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If you subtract out the fine table cloths, the skyline view of Hong Kong, the server in a suit, and the elegant feeling you get when you walk in -- I will say that the food itself is expertly prepared, but not life-changing even if you get the Iberian pork and fish maw coconut soup. I'll tell you about the dim sum course then I'm going to peace out.
[START]
Right when you sit down, you get a tiny porcelain dish full of candied walnuts or some kind of nuts. It tasted like...candied walnuts. Yeah! Don't get too excited just because it's a michelin star restaurant. They're not that incredible. But for some reason, our server brought chili oil with the walnuts. I was confused and in my confusion, I decided to dip my candied walnuts in the chili oil and eat it. Was it right? Was it wrong? I have no idea. It was probably wrong, but it's too late. Also, I drank my water slowly after realizing my group will get charged per bottle, but 2 out of 3 sisters were thirsty so they kept on drinking.
[DIM SUM IS SERVED]
(o) Iberian Pork:
very tasty and tender, but the minds of my sisters and I were not blown apart. You should still order it. It's very high quality pork from Spain. The pig is raised under specific standards and specifications.
(o) Double-boiled Chicken with Fish Maw in Young Coconut:
Oh god that title is so longggg. The soup broth is light and refreshing since young coconut water is mixed in. The fish maw is beautifully curled up in the coconut and light in taste as well. I liked this dish because it was clean and relaxing? Sorry I can't find the right word. Kinda makes me wish I had the cold then had this soup, it probably would feel amazing, but being sick sucks so no.
(o) Half Order of Peking Duck:
delicious and loved the crispy skin and tender meat. The kitchen did a great job preparing this dish. There is no grease, dryness, or problems with the dish at all.
(o) Chicken Feet in Yellow Mustard Sauce:
The chicken feet was soft and tender, but the mustard sauce was a little too strong. The mustard sauce was great, but I couldn't get over the sour / slightly spicy / burning taste. I personally think it overpowered the chicken feet which is delicate in taste since it's all collagen.
[DESSERT]
I forgot sorry, but I know they were just fine. Not amazing, but fine. I think Tin Lung Heen only has a few options for dessert. Did they give a complimentary dessert too? Damn I can't remember. This is why you need to review right after eating at a restaurant or at least write notes. I only wrote partial notes -- whatever.
Hope my eating experience helps you maximize your fine dim-sum experience! read more