One of the world’s most acclaimed dim sum restaurants has opened in Katy. Tim Ho Wan is now serving bbq pork buns, shu mai, and more.
Known for its freshly prepared dim sum specialties, Tim Ho Wan’s reputation stems from a Hong Kong location that held a Michelin star from 2010 through 2021, making it one of the least expensive restaurants in the world to be recognized by the famous dining guide. Currently, the Hong Kong restaurant has Bib Gourmand status, which indicates that it serves quality food at affordable prices. Locally, diners can expect to pay between $6 and $10 for most of the restaurant’s dishes.
That combination of quality and affordability has led to considerable acclaim. When it expanded to New York in 2016, diners waited hours in line for a table. Since then, the restaurant has opened a second location in New York as well as in Hawaii; Las Vegas; and Irvine, California. With only 120 indoor seats at the Katy location, Houstonians might experience a similar wait.
Tim Ho Wan will seat 120 people inside.Courtesy of Tim Ho Wan
Yu “Joe” Koyama, principal of Tim Ho Wan USA, tells CultureMap that the restaurant has a different approach than other dim sum establishments. Everything is made fresh daily and cooked to order, which ensures customers receive hot, fresh dumplings every time. He cites the signature BBQ pork bun as one example of what makes Tim Ho Wan stand out.
“The way we prepare them is different from the one you typically see at other dim sum joints,” he says. “They steam them, but ours are baked. We have the crunchy crust on the outside. It has a little sweet and savory flavor. Compared to regular steamed pork buns, it’s a totally different item.”
Founding chef Mak Kwai Pui has been in Houston to help train the staff ahead of the opening, while head chef Paul Li brings 35 years of experience to Tim Ho Wan, according to a release. The restaurant officially opened at approximately 1:30 pm on Monday, November 7, a day and time chosen in line with the principles of feng shui.
Located in NewQuest Properties’ Katy Grand development, Tim Ho Wan joins other international brands such as Japanese bookstore Kinokuniya, Kura Revolving Sushi, Taiwanese restaurant 85°C Bakery & Café, and HaiDiLao, which was dubbed “the Ferrari of hot pot restaurants” by the late, award-winning food critic Jonathan Gold. In December, the development will add PopStroke, a mini golf concept with courses designed by legendary golfer Tiger Woods.
“The city’s growth has and continues to be the strong attraction for noteworthy tenants like Tim Ho Wan and PopStroke,” NewQuest development partner Heather Nguyen said. “It’s an exciting time at Katy Grand.”
