Tim Ho Wan, the celebrated Hong Kong-born dim sum brand operating under the Jollibee Group, has once again earned a place in the Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau. Its flagship Sham Shui Po outlet has been awarded a Bib Gourmand distinction in the 2026 edition—an honor bestowed upon establishments that deliver exceptional food quality at outstanding value. This accolade reinforces the brand’s long-standing identity and market positioning.
This marks the 17th consecutive year the Sham Shui Po restaurant has been featured in the guide—a significant milestone achieved during Tim Ho Wan’s first full year under Jollibee Group ownership, following its acquisition in January 2025. Over the past 12 months, the brand has prioritized strengthening operational systems, enhancing chef training programs, and elevating food quality standards, further solidifying the consistency that has defined Tim Ho Wan in its home market.
“Tim Ho Wan’s recognition in the Michelin Guide reflects the dedication and rigorous standards embedded in the brand,” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Global President and CEO of Jollibee Group. “At Jollibee Group, we are committed to nurturing brands like Tim Ho Wan in ways that honor their heritage while opening doors for more people worldwide to experience what makes them truly special.”
Founded in Hong Kong in 2009 by chefs Mak Kwai Pui and Leung Fai Keung, Tim Ho Wan rose to fame rapidly, earning a Michelin star within its first year of operation. The Sham Shui Po branch, opened in 2010, has maintained a consistent presence in the guide ever since—a testament to the brand’s enduring commitment to culinary excellence.
Scaling a Heritage Brand Through Operational Excellence
Under Jollibee Group’s stewardship, Tim Ho Wan has refined its operating model to support consistent delivery and sustainable long-term growth across all markets.
Ongoing investments in kitchen infrastructure, chef training, menu innovation, and store operations have raised service standards across locations while preserving the authentic craftsmanship rooted in its Hong Kong origins. The latest Michelin recognition reinforces the home market’s role as the brand’s primary benchmark for culinary and operational standards.
“These enhancements allow us to safeguard the essence of Tim Ho Wan while ensuring we can replicate the same high-quality experience reliably as we expand,” said Sheng Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Tim Ho Wan.
“This honor is a reflection of our teams’ commitment to delivering consistent quality, day in and day out. We remain focused on refining our craft through rigorous training, responsible sourcing, and thoughtful service, ensuring that high-quality dining stays accessible and welcoming to guests everywhere,” Lee added.
A Distinctive Model for Global Expansion
Tim Ho Wan’s unique blend of premium quality and accessible pricing positions it as an exceptional concept within the global restaurant industry.
Backed by enhanced systems and disciplined operations, the brand offers a strong platform for growth across international markets—anchored by its proven success in Hong Kong and supported by scalable operational standards.
A Global Brand with Hong Kong Roots
From a modest 20-seat dim sum shop in Hong Kong to an internationally recognized name, Tim Ho Wan exemplifies how culinary heritage and operational discipline can come together to build a robust and scalable business.
The latest Bib Gourmand recognition further establishes Tim Ho Wan as a globally relevant dim sum brand—one that remains deeply rooted in Hong Kong while benefiting from Jollibee Group’s capabilities for sustained and strategic growth.
Disciplined Growth Supported by the Jollibee Group
This continued recognition also highlights Jollibee Group’s approach to expanding heritage brands: prioritizing operational excellence and long-term value creation.
“Tim Ho Wan’s ongoing success reflects the strength of its heritage and the precision behind its execution,” said Richard Shin, CEO of JFC International and Global Chief Financial and Risk Officer of Jollibee Group. “At Jollibee Group, we focus on building systems and platforms that allow brands like Tim Ho Wan to expand while preserving the authenticity and craftsmanship that made them successful in the first place.”
System-wide sales (SWS) saw remarkable growth, surging from PHP 1.3 billion in 2024 to PHP 8.1 billion in 2025, underscoring the brand’s accelerating momentum and growing contribution to the Group’s global performance.
In its home market, Tim Ho Wan has strengthened its presence by doubling its Hong Kong store network to 10 outlets within roughly one year. Recent openings have delivered attractive payback periods—approximately 1.5 years—and strong profitability, reinforcing confidence in the brand’s sound unit economics and measured growth strategy.
Expansion has been robust across both company-operated and franchised markets. Sales performance improved notably in key markets such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and Mainland China, while franchised territories including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Japan continue to build traction—validating the brand’s broad international appeal and scalability.
The brand also achieved a key milestone in its global development with the opening of its first company-operated store in North America, located in Irvine, California. This marks an important step in establishing a direct presence in one of the world’s largest consumer markets. The re-entry into North America demonstrates the adaptability of Tim Ho Wan’s operating model and sets the stage for a new phase of long-term growth and global brand building.
