Tim Ho Wan SM Mall of Asia (Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines)

Review of Tim Ho Wan SM Mall of Asia, featuring baked buns with BBQ pork, glutinous rice in lotus leaf, and chow mien noodles.  Crispy baked buns, bustling crowds, and affordable dim sum, Tim Ho Wan at SM Mall of Asia is a quick stop worth making.

SM Mall of Asia is famous not just for being the largest shopping mall in the Philippines but also for its diverse food scene. After hours of exploring, you’ll inevitably find yourself craving a place to sit down and recharge. That’s exactly what happened to me, and after scanning through the options, I landed on Tim Ho Wan, a name that carries weight in the world of dim sum.

I’d been to their Hong Kong branch years ago, though it was so long ago that I could barely remember the experience. This visit felt like a fresh slate, a chance to rediscover why Tim Ho Wan had earned its reputation.

What We Ordered

Wanting to try their signature items, I went for the Baked Buns with BBQ Pork, the Glutinous Rice in Lotus Leaf with Pork and Chicken, Chow Mien Stir-Fried Noodles, and a simple Iced Tea to complete the meal.

Despite the restaurant being packed, a common sight in the Philippines, the wait time was surprisingly short, which was a relief after a tiring stroll around the mall.

The Star of the Show: Baked Buns with BBQ Pork

It didn’t take long to see why almost every table had an order of Tim Ho Wan’s baked buns. They were easily the highlight of the meal. The buns had a delicate, lightly sweet crust that gave way to a savoury-sweet BBQ pork filling inside. The contrast of textures was spot on, with the crisp exterior balancing the softness of the filling.

More than just a dim sum item, these baked buns felt like the perfect snack, light, easy to eat, and incredibly satisfying. If I were to return to Tim Ho Wan, it would be for these alone.

Glutinous Rice in Lotus Leaf

Next was the Glutinous Rice in Lotus Leaf with Pork and Chicken. This dish leaned heavily on its filling, which had the classic tangy-savoury flavour profile, but it overpowered the rice. Instead of a balanced bite, it felt like the filling dominated too much. It wasn’t bad, but I’ve had better versions where the rice and filling complemented each other more harmoniously. For the price, it was acceptable, though not particularly memorable.

Chow Mien Stir-Fried Noodles

The Chow Mien came across more as a side dish than a main. It leaned towards being oily, with more noodles than toppings, and lacked the rich wok-hei (smoky, charred flavour) that you’d hope for in a well-executed noodle dish. While it filled the role of a supporting plate, it didn’t leave a strong impression.

Value for Money

For the entire meal, the bill came to ₱651 (roughly USD 11.59). For a globally recognised brand like Tim Ho Wan, that’s not a bad price point at all. While the glutinous rice and chow mien didn’t stand out, the baked buns more than justified the stop.

Final Thoughts on Tim Ho Wan SM Mall of Asia

Tim Ho Wan at SM Mall of Asia delivers on affordability and convenience, making it a great option for anyone craving dim sum without the long waits or steep prices of higher-end establishments. The baked buns with BBQ pork are, without a doubt, the reason to come here, and they live up to their reputation.

While the other dishes didn’t wow me, they were decent enough for the price. In the end, it’s all about expectations, if you go in for a quick, affordable bite and not a full-blown Hong Kong dining experience, Tim Ho Wan at MOA does the job.

Tim Ho Wan SM Mall of Asia
Address: Mall of Asia, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Phone: +63 2 8556 0680
Website: https://www.timhowan.com/