This is one of the Big 4 Heavenly Kings that made Tim Ho Wan famous. The exterior is golden and crumbly, while the char siu filling is tender with a perfect sweet-salty balance. It's often cited as the best char siu bao diners have tasted.
Tips from diners
This is why people queue. Order at least two — the exterior is best when freshly baked. Eat immediately.
This steamed egg cake represents Chef Mak's take on a classic. Lighter and less eggy than traditional versions, it has a delicate, almost custard-like texture. It's a must-try from their signature Big 4 collection.
Tips from diners
This is subtly flavored and best eaten fresh. It's delicate, so be gentle removing it from the steamer.
The third item in the Big 4 Heavenly Kings, this features silky rice vermicelli wrapped around smooth, barely-cooked pig's liver. The liver is never gamey — it's tender and has a subtle sweetness.
Tips from diners
If you've never had pig's liver before, this is the place to try it. The preparation here is delicate and not at all intimidating.
Beyond the Big 4, Tim Ho Wan's har gow is excellent. The wrapper is gossamer-thin, the shrimp fresh and properly steamed. It's a model for how har gow should be executed.
Tips from diners
These are smaller portions than other restaurants, but the quality is uncompromised. Order multiple to your liking.
Completing the Big 4, this carrot cake (actually turnip) is pan-fried until the exterior is crispy while the interior stays soft and savory. The Chinese sausage adds umami and richness.
Tips from diners
The crispy exterior is essential to this dish. Eat it immediately — it loses its crunch as it cools.
Tim Ho Wan is a Hong Kong dim sum chain that revolutionized fine dining accessibility with its Michelin-star dim sum. The Toa Payoh location serves the signature dishes that made the brand famous worldwide, including the legendary barbecue pork buns.
No reservations accepted. Come on weekdays or go after 2pm to avoid long waits. Toa Payoh location typically has shorter queues than Plaza Singapura.
This is affordable Michelin dining — most items cost S$3-5. Budget S$25-30 per person for a full meal including drinks.
Try all Big 4 items. It's a pilgrimage experience. The baked char siu bao is the star — most people order 2-3 orders.
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