Having been with @shote.said and his family, who is Filipino of Chinese descent, I have had the pleasure of enjoying their somewhat mixed culture. The "Chinoy" culture as it is called.

One of the enjoyments that I have with regard to this, is their fondness of Chinese food, specifically Dimsum. So today, I would like to talk to you more about what Dimsum is all about. And share with you the joys of eating in Tim Ho Wan, a name awarded the Michelin Star in Hongkong and Macau back in 2010.

Dimsum

I am very optimistic that everyone here has had the opportunity to witness and even taste what Dimsum is like. But to those who does not know, Dimsum is a type of Chinese (Cantonese) cuisine that often serves small bite-sized portions usually in small bamboo steamer baskets or small plates.

點心 Dimsum - Is Pronounced in Cantonese.
點 Dim - means Point/Dot
心 Sim - means Heart.
點心 Together, they mean "To Touch the Heart". Source

Some would say, it is often a reminder for chef's to always be at their best in order for them to touch their customer's hearts through their cooking.

Tradition

Having originated in Guanzhou, China, dimsum found its beginnings from travelers going through 'Silk Road'. Tea houses were being made along the streets of Guangzhou to cater to the different travelers that happen to pass by in order to rest, refresh and dine. In time, what was then a relaxing purpose of the tea house turned into a loud joyous dining experience. Something that depicts what can now be seen in Dimsum houses - from my place that is.

But while the tea houses evolved from being a relaxing forefront into a full-on dining experience, what can never be lost is the tea that is being served. Yes, tea, along with its bite size menus, is Dumsum's entire package. A package filled with culture and tradition.

Tim Ho Wan

Today, our journey takes us to one of the biggest malls in Cebu, Philippines, the SM Seaside. Located far south from where we are, we usually leave this out of the question because of the distance, as well as the traffic jams we have to go through to get there. Today was different, we specifically had to visit one of the shops there in the hope to buy an apparel we will be using for our trip in Seoul South Korea, this April. And while there, a visit to the Michelin Star Rated restaurant is a must, a visit to Tim Ho Wan.

I will not be talking about Tim Ho Wan's history nor will I be sharing with you photographs of the restaurant itself. What I will be sharing with you was the food that we enjoyed. So sit back, relax, and hope you can grab them from where you are.

The Baked Pork BBQ Buns - The Reason.

Pork Dumpling with Shrimp - The Comfort.

Prawn Dumpling - The Familiar.

Steamed Spinach Dumpling with Shrimp - The Dare.

Beancurd Skin Roll with Shrimp - The Winner.

Jasmine Tea - To Wash it all Down.

Final Thoughts

Among all the items we devoured (Mind you we were only 2 adults and 1 child eating everything), it was the Beancurd Skin Roll with Shrimp that brought me home. I really love the crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside texture despite being smothered in it's very rich sauce. The bounciness of the perfectly cooked shrimp jumping up and down my mouth is just amazing. The flavor profile is just right for someone like me who basks on simplicity and easy to understand choices.

The Pork BBQ Buns, however, were the reason why we went back to Tim Ho Wan. The famed BBQ pork buns will always be the highlight of everyone's trip to the place, and (I believe) may even be one of the reasons why Tim Ho Wan got the prestigious Michelin Star in the first place. Baked, not steamed, the buns are sweet and crisp on the outside that compliments the rich BBQ Pork on the inside. Fused together, they make the perfect bite. Almost that is, as the Pork BBQ Buns we've had isn't as filled as I expected it to be coming from a world renowned restaurant as Tim Ho Wan. Maybe, just maybe, the ones that indeed were Michelin Star Rated may have had either the same, or completely filled up - Baked Pork BBQ Buns.

Ours wasn't as filled as that up there. :disappointed:

Finish Line

There you have it! I hope you enjoyed this wonderful time with me and the whole Dimsum adventure. Chinese food, Dimsum in particular, has always provided me the homey feels with their rich and very happy menu. The exploration of flavors from the vast selection always brings me excitement. A reason why Dimsum will now be a good part of my life in term of gastronomic adventures. There is much more to discover about Dimsum in this world. Something I would be very happy to discover as we long to travel all over the world.

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Good to Know: Dimsum Time - A Visit to Tim Ho Wan.