Saturday 27 July 2013

Tim Ho Wan - IFC Mall

The sign
On our last day in Hongkong, we went to Tim Ho Wan (IFC Mall) - the small shop with the big name. For those who don't recognize the name, Tim Ho Wan started as a small eatery in Hongkong that served some of the best dim sum thus earning them 1 Michelin star! The husband and I have been thinking about visiting their Singapore branch that opened last March 2013 in Plaza Singapura but lining up for 3 hours to get a taste of their heavenly goodies was just too much for us.  Luckily, my mother in law suggested we go for a quick vacation in Hongkong when we go home in July. Was I excited! Not to mention seeing Ms. My Bare Cupboard and my little girl will get to experience Disneyland! :D

We got to IFC almost 10am. Good thing there was no long queue as it was a weekday and just before the lunch crowd came. It was brunch for us. :) All tables were full but we only waited for about 10 minutes to be seated as there were 8 of us. Those smaller groups got in prettily quickly.

Rice with chicken feet and pork rib
I wasn't able to try the chicken feet (because I don't eat it :D) but the pork rib is nice! I love that it's not too salty with the black beans and soft enough.

Vermicelli Roll with pig's liver
Too bad I wasn't able to try this, too. But they said it was really good. :)

Steamed pork rib & Prawn dumpling
I cannot miss out the hakaw/har gow, of course! But I had to stop myself because my allergies were acting up again. I had two of these, just pure heaven!

Steamed pork rib & vegetable dumpling

Can't remember the name hihi
For some reason, I cannot remember how these two tasted. I guess I was too busy trying to concentrate on eating and my little girl going around. I wasn't even able to taste the siew mai! Grrr.

Star of the show - the baked bun with BBQ Pork
My MIL was so smitten with the baked bun with BBQ pork. I think she had two, or three? hehe And she wanted to order more :)) I like it, too. But I guess I want more savory treats when having dim sums.


Chili oil
I was a bit surprised that their chili oil doesn't have any chilis in it! I thought it would be the usual chilis in oil, but it wasn't. Still it was a great complement to the dim sums!

Some items I wasn't able to take photo of were the Pork Dumpling with Shrimp (Siew Mai), Spring Roll with Egg White and

The next time we can go for a visit, I'd want to be able to try everything!


Tim Ho Wan
Shop 12A, Hong Kong Station
Podium Level 1, IFC Mall
Central, Hong Kong

Telephone: 2332 3078
Website: Tim Ho Wan
Facebook: Tim Ho Wan

Monday 22 July 2013

NAIA's MIASCOR Lounge

I have been MIA for the past month. I have been busy with packing things as we are leaving Singapore. It's heartbreaking to leave friends we have bonded with, but as what they say, life goes on. :)

To start off our break, we went to Hongkong last week. To be honest, I was dreading of the trip. Primarily because of having to go through NAIA 1 to take our Cathay Pacific flight. I haven't been to this terminal for over 15 years, and hearing about bad reviews about the airport made me more scared. To think we have a kid in tow and some oldies, I was a bit hesitant but the husband said it'll be okay. So I trusted him. I guess I tried to. :P

It was good that there wasn't a long queue for check in, I guess it was because it's still early (we checked in 4 hours before the flight) Haha. Don't ask me why. There are so many things that need to be improved in the airport. It's at least 30 years old, it's time to change. Not just a small part of it but everything. The counters are old, the toilets are poorly maintained and the conveyor belts need a makeover. Nevertheless, the husband said it served it's purpose. Blah, whatever.

But the experience that made me happy was our free access to NAIA's MIASCOR Business Lounge. We weren't flying business class but good thing we were American Express cardholders so that gave us the chance to be in the lounge instead of the crowded pre departure area. And best thing was, it was 1 cardholder plus 1 guest! So didn't have to pay extra for our companions. :) Some cardholders were given access but cannot bring in a guest so they were charged $18/guest. For me, I won't be paying that amount for an access to the lounge. I want free! Haha

So in we went, and I was happy. Not impressed but it was good enough. To think we got in for free, it was a bonus to be able to get free food.

Here's what were served:
  • Mushroom Congee
  • Tomato Basil Soup
  • Chicken Biryani
  • Basmati Rice
  • Conchiglie ala Bolognese
  • Chicken Pie
  • Mini Pizza
  • Tuna Sandwich
  • 2 kinds of bars (sweets)
  • Crackers
  • Plain buns
  • Butter & Jam
  • Nuts
  • Free flow on selection of juices, wine, beer, milk, soda


Also, you have free access to wifi usage, newspapers, magazines, tv and computers with internet connection.

Just what you need to be able to sit comfortably while waiting for your flight. :) 






Big thanks to American Express for giving us this chance to experience comfort for free! As you can see in the photo above, our little tot was sleeping soundly after eating her meal. :)