How I Dined at a Michelin Star Restaurant for $8 – One Dim Sum

The Cheapest Michelin Star Restaurant in the World.

Within a few hours of my time in Hong Kong, I was told about the cheapest Michelin Star restaurant in the world. Called One Dim Sum.

Honestly? I ignored it at first, the fact that it’s been rated by the Michelin Star.. to me it meant ‘rather expensive prices’.

After hearing about it again, I gave in and had a quick look online. There were two things that caught my eye straight away :
1 – It’s a Dim Sum place. Meaning: dumplings, steamed buns dim sum and so on. Yes please.
2 – Apparently, none of the dished on the menu cost more expensive than 23HK$. Again. YES PLEASE.

Oh, and it happened to be just a 10-minute journey from where I was staying.

The next morning Joe (a guy I met a day earlier) and I were outside the restaurant, waiting for it to open.
20 minutes later, we were indulging ourselves in the best dim sum and bbq pork buns I’ve ever had.

(Some of the photos below are shot by Joe : check his Instagram here)

➣ ➣ ➣

Location

Address: Hong Kong, Prince Edward, Playing Field Rd, 15號號號地舖 1-2 號 Kenwood Mansion
Phone: +852 2789 2280
Opening Hours: Weekdays 11:00 – 12:30 | Weekends 10:00-12:30

Align at Prince Edward MTR station, take exit A.
Turn right and walk for approx 5 mins (Playing Field Road, in the direction of Tung Choi Street)
One Dim Sum is on the corner, you will see people waiting outside. I’m sure you won’t miss it!

➣ ➣ ➣

About One Dim Sum

One Dim Sum is a small restaurant on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong. It is close to Mong Kong and all the sight seeing spots.

The restaurant serves all the traditional dim sum dishes from shrimp or pork dumplings to rice sheet rolls and steamed buns, at a ridiculously reasonable price.

The best thing? It’s SO good, that it’s been awarded a Michelin Star.

The other best thing? It’s SO cheap that anyone can enjoy the Michelin Star experience for a small price.

The place had a really nice energy and didn’t feel ‘touristy’ but actually the opposite, it seemed like the locals were enjoying their meals too. I like this fact as it must mean that the quality of the food has to be as good as it was before for people to keep coming back;

➣ ➣ ➣

Photo credit : Joe Waters (Instagram)

What I Love About One Dim Sum

It’s low key & homey

Looks very ‘standard’ which is exactly what I wished for my first Michelin Star restaurant to look like. Mainly because I feel well out of place in a fancy restaurant with 3 forks, knives and so on.

The staff don’t act like they are better than you

The service was great, the staff are super nice and friendly. And in general, the owner didn’t let the huge crowds and recognition get into his head. At least that’s how it feels.

➣

The menu is super easy – pictures included

One Dim Sum made it super easy to order when you cannot speak the language.

There are pictures on the menu with the name and each dish has a number. You can then use the numbers instead of the Cantonese symbols to make an order.

➣

Seriously tasty

For real. I wasn’t sure how the dishes ordered could be more tasty than what I usually get. But, oh how wrong was I. Everything was seriously delicious!

➣

Most importantly – IT’S SO CHEAP!

Joe and I decided to order a few dishes and share, allowing us to try more flavours. The price was insanely cheap and I still cannot believe how I’ve paid $8 / £6 for the whole experience.

➣ ➣ ➣

Photo credit : Joe Waters (Instagram)

Tip : Get there early

One Dim Sum doesn’t take reservations, meaning you have to wait in line. Due to it’s popularity, the lines tend to get pretty long (but there are some seats).

Try to get there early. We went at 10:30 – 30 mins before the opening time and people were already waiting. To our surprise, the place opened 10 mins early and it’s small size meant it was completely full straight away. While we were enjoying our meal – the line was getting longer and longer.

My point – get there early. Before opening time is the best in my opinion.

➣ ➣ ➣

What We Ordered

As soon as you are being seated, you will receive a drink (tea) and three dips : soya sauce, vinegar and some kind of chilly / spicy sauce. This is free of charge.

BBQ Pork Buns

I love BBQ Pork, so when I read about them online and how delicious One Dim Sum makes them – I had some high expectations. And wow, they did not disappoint. With nice, delicious chunks of meat inside – I could’ve eaten 10 of those.

➣

Photo credit : Joe Waters (Instagram)

Shrimp & Vegetable Dumplings

So extremely fresh and tasty! I’ve never had a ‘dough’ like that and it made it preeetty interesting.

➣

Pork Steamed Buns

My most favourite dish I think. Super soft, huge pieces of pork and the taste was unreal.
I think these are a must when you visit!

➣

Beef Meatballs

My least favourite as I’m not a fan of parsley, but the meatballs were still delicious. I think Joe enjoyed those a lot more than I did!

➣ ➣ ➣

Price

The whole bill came up to 120 HK$, split by two people was 60 HK$, meaning just about $8 / £6.
Yes. It seriously was that cheap.

➣ ➣ ➣

Do we eat or take pictures..? Eat? Pictures..? Eat and take pictures at the same time.

To Sum Up

Honesty, I couldn’t recommend One Dim Sum enough! I love the fact that I didn’t have to spend a huge chunk of my travel budget on one meal and how delicious it was. And anyway, who doesn’t want to visit the Cheapest Michelin Star Restaurant in the world?!

If you are in Hong Kong – this is seriously a must MUST!

➣