Tin Lung Heen | The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong — Restaurant in Kowloon

Outstanding restaurant

Having read that Tin Lung Heen is the highest Chinese restaurant in the world (102nd floor) and rated by the Michelin Guide, it was only consequent to book a table there - especially as we would stay at the Ritz-Carlton - the highest hotel in the world. I had booked a table for the evening of our arrival at the Ritz-Carlton Hongkong. Unfortunately all tables at the window were already reserved and so we had a table in the second row.

But that was no problem as the lights were not too bright inside of the restaurant and you could even see the city lights from this place.

We decided to go for the Signature Tasting Menu as well as the optional selection of wines accompanying each dish. Service was excellent not to mention the delicious menu (*) and perfectly fitting selection of wines.

We took our time and so we were one of the last guests to have the desert. Guests at the window tables had already left and I was very astonished that the staff setted the table anew just for us to offer us to change to the table at the window for the desert. We appreciated this courtesy a lot.

If you stay in Hongkong (maybe also in the Ritz-Carlton) and you appreciate haute cuisine together with a spectacular view, friendly atmosphere, don't miss to dine here.

*) 1.) Chilled shredded abalone with jellyfish in sesame oil Barbecued Iberian pork with honey Deep-fried shrimp toast

2.) Deep-fried crab shell filled with crab meat and onion

3.) Double boiled chicken soup with fish maw in baby coconut

4.) Wok-fried spottet garoupa fillet with crispy silver needle fish

5.) Wok-fried Wagyu beef with pearl onion

6.) Braised bamboo fungus with spinach and black truffle

7.) Fried rice with diced abalone, goose and shrimp wrapped in lotus leaf

8.) Chilled mango cream with sago and pomelo Deep-fried sesame dumpling filled...

We celebrated dad's birthday at Tin Lung Heen. We ordered a la carte, sampling several dim sums, the famous BBQ Iberian Pork with Honey, deep-fried crab shell stuffed with crab meat and onion, and crispy noodles with fresh abalone and sliced chicken in fermented black bean sauce.

The dim sum presentation was fantastic, showcasing the artistry expected from a Michelin-starred restaurant. However, the flavours were somewhat predictable. The BBQ Pork Bun, shrimp dumplings, and siu mai looked impressive, but their taste was ordinary. The rice roll with turbot fish meat and chili was particularly disappointing. The standout item was the abalone puff, which offered a delightful blend of textures and flavours.

We ordered two stuffed deep-fried crab shells to share among three people, as advised by the waiter. I felt this was too much, and it would have been better to order one more dish to try. The crab shell was full of crab meat and quite satisfying, but again, the wow factor was missing.

As for the BBQ Iberian Pork with Honey, it was definitely overrated and overpriced. While the meat was really tender, the taste was not that different from the usual char siu. A bit more crispiness would have elevated it. If you're a first-time visitor, I recommend pre-ordering a half portion (for 2-3 people) - save yourself from paying the full price (more than $450 HKD).

Overall, the lunch was a satisfying experience, but I expected more from a two-star Michelin restaurant, both the food and the service. The prices are definitely on the high side, and the only way to justify them is the stunning view from the 102nd...

Had lunch here recently and thought it was really good. We got upgraded to a private room as we were a group of 6 and that was a nice touch. The ambience is definitely very grand and the service is top notch - very observant and never wanting for anything. They were flexible and allowed half orders of the fried rice and noodles (although it was not mentioned in the menu). Portions are meant for sharing so don't go in thinking it will be tiny portions (unless it says per person). They also gave complimentary sweets (cookies and mochi) at the end of the meal which was a nice touch.

Since we eat chinese food a lot and knowing how challenging it is to elevate chinese food, the food itself, while nice, is difficult to differentiate as to whether it is worth the 2-michelin star rating. So as long as you go in with reasonable expectations of it just being a super nice fancy chinese restaurant and not expect out-of-this-world food then you'll be fine.

Side note: MUCH better option than the one at Regent that is also 2-star. For the ambience and service alone, Tin Lung Heen...