Tim Ho Wan, Street Level, Glorietta 2, Makati City
This new restaurant has a very unorthodox policy that could drive away diners who are not tolerant or very hungry.
This is a dim sum place, originating in Hong Kong where it earned a Michelin star. But because it’s a new place, it does not take reservations. In fact, it seems to be so greedy for the ringing of its cash registers that it doesn’t allow a single customer to occupy a table while waiting for company.
We were a group of four, two of whom arrived ahead of the rest. Short of being driven away, a wait staff repeatedly checked when our table would be fully occupied.
Our friends were more tolerant of this unorthodox policy; otherwise we would have left. Hopefully, this policy would not be imposed forever.
Dining area—Huge, decorated with overhead lamps done as giant dim sum baskets. Smaller ones frame the counter, from which are seen big ovens where the dumplings are baked. Tables are black, and the very low-back chairs are in green.
Service—Quick. Upon being seated, diners are handed a small piece of paper where the selection is printed. One chooses, and the wait staff checks the item/s in the lineup. Alternatively go through the paper place mats which have photos of the dim sums.
Staff—All in black outfits. Accommodating.
Suggested orders—Considering that most of the diners are familiar with dim sums, choosing a selection should be easy. But read the list carefully because there are some unusual items, such as the Deep Fried Spring Rolls with Egg White, which ingeniously has bits of egg white combined with fresh small shrimps; the Baked Buns with BBQ Pork, a take on the siopao; the Beancurd Skin Rolls with Pork and Shrimps; and the Wasabe Salad Prawn Dumpling. Dim sum dining certainly costs much less for a satisfying meal.
Service charge and government taxes are included in the bill. Senior cards are honored.
Rating-2 Spoons