Here’s The Scoop On Tim Ho Wan, New York’s Newest Michelin-Starred Dim Sum Joint

Photo: Eater NY

New York City should get ready for some epic dim sum, because one of the world’s affordable Michelin-rated restaurants is finally making its way onto U.S. soil.

Hong Kong-based dim sum chain Tim Ho Wan began its soft-opening period in New York today, selling traditional dim sum dishes to already staggeringly long lines of customers waiting to get a taste. Eater NY reported that dozens of people were already outside the New York location an hour into opening to try this vaunted dim sum.

Photo: Eater NY

Often regaled as the world’s most affordable dim sum restaurant, Tim Ho Wan began as a small 20-seater in Hong Kong and was opened up by Michelin-starred chefs Mak Kwai Pui and Leung Fai Keung. The pair teamed up to sell high-quality plates of dim sum for under $5.50 each, making their food not only extremely delicious, but also extremely affordable. Within just a year, they had their first Michelin Star, a unique feat for a restaurant selling such cheap food – but at the highest quality imaginable.

Since then, Tim Ho Wan has spread to multiple locations globally, with several earning their own Michelin stars. Instead of serving the same dim sum at every chain, the food is tailored to the palate of the region, with traditional dim sum being sold in a way customers will enjoy. In New York, for example, the restaurant will include exclusive items like a vegetable spring roll and custard-filled French toast.

Photo: Eater NY

The prices at the New York location, like everywhere else worldwide, will be under $5.50 per dim sum plate, making it easily affordable for people to come grab a bite of this world-class dim sum.

During the soft opening period, the restaurant will be open from 10-3 and 5-10 every day. After Tim Ho Wan’s official grand opening in New York on January 18th, the restaurant will be open 10 am – 10 pm Sunday through Thursday, and from 10 am – 11 pm on Friday and Saturday.

Considering how long the lines are already, we’d get there early if you want to try this incredible dim sum for yourself. Based on the lines and accolades this chain has garnered around the world already, though, it’s definitely going to be worth your wait.