From Little Saigon to South Coast Plaza, Orange County has numerous places to find classic dim sum dishes. Sometimes deciding where to go, and what to order can be overwhelming. Hong Kong-based dim sum brand Tim Ho Wan in Irvine is hoping to make the dim sum experience approachable.
“Many people are curious about dim sum but can feel intimidated by large menus filled with unfamiliar names,” said Gino Lau, general manager of Tim Ho Wan North America. “We see that as an opportunity. Rather than expecting guests to know where to start, we’re helping guide them into the experience.”
Tim Ho Wan was founded by chef Mak Kwai Pui and chef Leung Fai Keung in Mong Kok, Kowloon in 2009. The following year, the restaurant earned a Michelin star and a reputation as the “world’s most inexpensive Michelin starred restaurant.”
Tim Ho Wan opened its Irvine location in 2019, with the tagline “dim sum specialist.”
Tim Ho Wan opened in Irvine in 2019.
(Courtesy of Tim Ho Wan)
“As we continue to grow in North America, we’re putting even greater focus on introducing more people to Hong Kong dim sum,” Lau said.
In Chinese and South East Asian cultures, the Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival, is held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese calendar and marked with traditions that involve food and family. Tim Ho Wan will present “Taste of Hong Kong: Mid-Autumn Celebration” on Tuesday, Sept. 22.
“The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important holidays in Hong Kong culture, centered around family reunions, gratitude, mooncakes, lanterns, and sharing a meal together,” Lau said.
The event will give guests a chance to try some of the restaurants most popular dishes, like the signature baked BBQ pork bun. The bun is made with a lightly sweet, pastry-like crust and filled with savory pork, inspired by Cantonese barbecue.
Crispy shrimp red rice rolls, served at Tim Ho Wan in Irvine.
(Courtesy of Tim Ho Wan)
Other signature dishes include crispy shrimp red rice rolls, pork and shrimp dumplings and vegetable spring rolls. The Irvine menu also features dishes only served at the Orange County location, like chow fun, a stir-fried dish made with beef and flat rice noodles, salt and pepper squid and stir-fried rice rolls, served with XO sauce.
“Tea culture is also an important part of the experience. In Cantonese dining, dim sum and tea go hand in hand,” said Lau. “The tradition of ‘yum cha,’ which literally means “drink tea,” is about slowing down, enjoying conversation and connecting over a shared meal.”
The menu features loose leaf teas imported from Hong Kong tea leaf supplier, Chinese Tea Gallery, which created a white peach oolong tea exclusively for Tim Ho Wan.
A chef shapes a dumpling at Irvine dim sum restaurant, Tim Ho Wan.
(Courtesy of Tim Ho Wan)
In addition to the “Taste of Hong Kong” event, Tim Ho Wan will offer specials throughout the month, like a bun set for two. Priced at $45, it will include the signature baked BBQ pork buns, shrimp dumplings, shrimp & pork dumplings, vegetable spring rolls, cucumber and black fungus in garlic dressing and a choice of chow fun or fried rice.
“It’s an opportunity to experience the flavors, traditions, and spirit of Hong Kong right here in Orange County,” Lau said.
Tim Ho Wan is located at 2700 Alton Pkwy., Suite 127-131, Irvine. For menu and details, go to timhowanusa.com.
