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Timimi Hongdae Review: Delicious Dim Sum and Braised Pork by Chef Jung Ji-sun of “Black Chef”

Looking for an authentic and delicious dim sum experience in Hongdae? Look no further than Timimi Hongdae! Recently, I had the pleasure of being the first lunch customer at this popular spot, run by the renowned Chef Jung Ji-sun, who you might recognize from the TV show “Black Chef” (흑백 요리사). Let me share my experience and some helpful tips for your visit to Timimi Hongdae.

Finding Timimi Hongdae & Beating the Queue

Timimi Hongdae is conveniently located near Hongik University Station Exit 9. Walk towards the back alley, and you’ll spot the Musinsa Standard store. Timimi is located in the same building; just take the elevator up to the relevant floor.

I arrived bright and early at 8 AM! Interestingly, Timimi also serves as the breakfast venue for Ambassador Hongdae hotel. There were already hotel guests enjoying their breakfast. While the lobby sofas seemed reserved for hotel guests, I managed to wait around discreetly until closer to opening time.

Pro-tip for early birds: If you arrive well before the 11 AM opening for lunch, you might want to wait inside near the restaurant entrance. By 8:30 AM, I decided to queue at the restaurant entrance, and soon, a few more people joined behind me. It seems arriving early definitely pays off to secure a spot, especially if you want to be among the first to taste their incredible dishes.

Exploring the Menu: From Dim Sum to Hearty Dishes

Upon entering at 11 AM sharp, I was greeted with a set of complimentary side dishes, including tasty peanut snacks. Timimi’s menu features various set options like Dim Sum Sets and Tian Sets, which seem popular. However, wanting to fully appreciate the individual flavors, I opted for à la carte dishes.

Do note that some dishes might be exclusively available in sets depending on the daily ingredient availability. It’s always best to check with the friendly staff for recommendations and any menu changes.

Must-Try Dim Sum: Xiaolongbao & Shrimp and Chives Dumplings

First up was the Xiaolongbao (소룡포) with chives. The description perfectly captures it – “dumplings full of broth, like tears of farewell.” Following the recommended way to eat, I gently placed a dumpling on my spoon, pierced the skin to savor the rich broth, and then enjoyed the flavorful filling. It was so delicious that I ordered another round of Xiaolongbao at the end of my meal!

Next came the Shrimp and Chives Dumplings (구추 새우 딤섬). The skin was incredibly thin, almost transparent, revealing the generous filling inside. Despite the delicate skin, they held together well, though you need to handle them with care. Dipped lightly in soy sauce, these dumplings highlighted the succulent shrimp and the fresh taste of chives. This was another highly satisfying dish, focusing on the pure flavors of the ingredients rather than just the broth.

Hearty Main Dishes: Braised Pork Rice & Tomato Tangmyeon

For main courses, I chose the Braised Pork Rice (홍소육 떡밥) and Tomato Tangmyeon (토마토 탕면). The Braised Pork, also known as Dongpo Pork, was cooked to perfection. The accompanying blanched bok choy was perfectly crisp-tender, and the pork itself was incredibly tender and flavorful. Eating it with rice was pure bliss – truly a heavenly experience!

The Tomato Tangmyeon was a delightful surprise. The slightly spicy soup, topped with cilantro, had a wonderful balance of sweet and savory notes. The unique aroma of cilantro, combined with the spicy and flavorful broth, was simply amazing. This dish was so invigorating that it was the only one that made me break a sweat!

Bonus: Basil Shao Mai Xiaolongbao

As an extra treat, I also tried the Basil Shao Mai Xiaolongbao (바질 쇼마이 소롱). The subtle basil fragrance was enticing, and the filling was incredibly generous. This was undoubtedly one of the standout dishes of the meal, showcasing a creative twist on classic dim sum.

Final Verdict on Timimi Hongdae

My experience at Timimi Hongdae was exceptional. From the expertly crafted dim sum to the flavorful main dishes, every bite was a delight. Chef Jung Ji-sun has truly created a gem in Hongdae. If you are a fan of dim sum and Chinese cuisine, Timimi Hongdae is a must-visit. I highly recommend arriving early to avoid long waits. I’m already looking forward to my next visit, hopefully when the queue is a little shorter!

Timimi Hongdae Location:
[Address in Korean – you can add if known for better local SEO]
Near Hongik University Station Exit 9, Hongdae, Seoul, South Korea
General Rating: ★★★★★ (Based on highly positive review)