About Tim Ho Wan East Village
Tim Ho Wan brought Hong Kong’s most famous dim sum to New York, and its East Village flagship on 4th Avenue near Astor Place is the anchor of the US operation. The Hong Kong original earned Michelin recognition for 17 straight years and a reputation as the most affordable starred restaurant in the world.
The signature draw is the baked BBQ pork buns, routinely called some of the best around, backed by shu mai, steamed BBQ pork rice rolls, pan-fried turnip cake and congee. It is casual, efficient table service where you mark your order on a paper slip and dishes arrive as they are ready.
What to Expect
There is no happy hour here, which is exactly what you would expect from a Michelin-pedigree dim sum house. Instead, the appeal is consistently low prices for the quality on offer, any time you visit. The kitchen closes between 8PM and 9PM depending on the night, so this is a lunch-through-early-dinner destination rather than a late-night or drinks spot.
The Room
A compact, roughly 60-seat room with casual but attentive table service. Ordering is done on a paper checklist and food comes out as it is ready, with easy reordering. It is walk-in and first-come, first-served, and lines of about 20 to 30 minutes are common at peak, so a mid-afternoon visit is the move to skip the wait.
Who Tim Ho Wan Is For
| Occasion | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Casual dim sum lunch | Fast, affordable and consistent, it is a go-to midday meal near Astor Place |
| Group dining | Shareable dim sum and reasonable prices make it easy on a table of friends |
| Solo or duo meal | Counter-style ordering and quick turnover suit a quick bite for one or two |
| Trying a landmark name | Fans and visitors come for the Michelin history and the famous pork buns |
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Tim Ho Wan FAQ
Does Tim Ho Wan have a happy hour?
No. The East Village location does not offer a happy hour. Its appeal is everyday low prices for Michelin-pedigree dim sum rather than a discount window.
Is the Hell’s Kitchen location still open?
No. The Hell’s Kitchen location at 610 9th Ave permanently closed on August 10, 2025. The East Village flagship at 85 4th Ave remains open.
What is Tim Ho Wan known for?
Its baked BBQ pork buns are the signature dish and are widely considered among the best anywhere. The Hong Kong original was famous as the world’s most inexpensive Michelin-starred restaurant.
Do they take reservations?
It is primarily walk-in, first-come, first-served. Waits of about 20 to 30 minutes are common at peak times, so arriving mid-afternoon helps avoid the line.
Happy hour times and deals last verified June 2026. Details can change — confirm with Tim Ho Wan before visiting for a specific deal.