Surprises Await in Latest Michelin Hong Kong Guide

The second edition of the Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau, launched November 26, contains information on 205 restaurants in the former British colony and 38 in Macau. In total, the 2010 guide three three-star restaurants, nine two-star establishments and 39 one-star venues – including a premises described by Michelin guide director Jean-Luc Naret as the “most affordable starred restaurant in the world'."

Tim Ho Wan, which means Add Good Luck, is less than opulently appointed and can seat only 20 people in its steamy dining room, yet its battered bamboo baskets of dim sum sell for as little as 78p. The most expensive dish on the menu is a plate of noodles costing the equivalent of around £3, and restaurateur Mak Pui Gor sells around 750 dishes of his signature crispy pork buns each day.

Not so long ago Mak decided to leave his former employer, three-starred Hong Kong restaurant Lung King Heen, in order to offer his dishes at affordable prices. Word of this humbly packaged gourmet’s haven has spread. At lunchtime, diners can queue for up to an hour outside before receiving service. “Since the news broke, we’ve been really very busy,” said a waitress at the restaurant. “We really are very cheap, but I don’t think we are planning to raise our prices.”

In its review of Tim Ho Wan, the Michelin guide states: “It would not be an exaggeration to say that this little dim sum shop has breathed life into this quiet street in Mong Kok. In 2009, two chefs joined forces and opened here. It has been a success ever since, hence the wait outside. There is no doubt about their ingredients.

“Special mention has gone to the steamed dumpling Chiu Chew style, the steamed egg cake and most definitely to the baked bun with barbecue pork. The wait is worth it.”