Tim Ho Wan partners local illustrator to bring dim sum culture to life

Tim Ho Wan is collaborating with local illustrator Bao Ho, blending Hong Kong dim sum culture with modern innovative art and adorning the Sham Shui Po flagship store.   

In a conversation with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, Daniel Lin, general manager, Tim Ho Wan said the campaign is part of Tim Ho Wan’s ongoing collaboration with local artists and illustrators to demonstrate how the craftsmanship of dim-sum and Hong Kong artists seamlessly synergises with each other.

"This time, we hope to leverage Ho’s creative illustration to present the essence of dim-sum and excite our diners with the signature taste of Hong Kong, and showcase photo-worthy Hong Kong style installations at Tim Ho Wan’s Sham Shui Po branch."

Inspired by Tim Ho Wan’s signature BBQ Pork Buns and Ho’s distinctive modern innovative art style, the collaboration features artworks full of local Hong Kong charm at the Sham Shui Po branch. The project is done in partnership with creative agency Kids & Dogs and PR agency Madbox Communications.

This project themed “The Flavours of Hong Kong,” captures the essence of the city in a lively and whimsical style. In Ho’s artwork, Tim Ho Wan’s “Baked Bun with BBQ Pork,” along with other signature dishes, are depicted amidst famous Hong Kong landmarks such as Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower, Victoria Harbour, and Hong Kong Space Museum.  

The details are filled with snippets of Hong Kong life and collective memories, including Lion Rock, dim sum carts, airplane chess, and trams. These colourful illustrations bring vibrancy and energy to the branch, accompanying every customer as they savour the rich flavours of Hong Kong and experience the city's unique charm. 

Customers are invited to step into a whimsical art world created by Tim Ho Wan and Bao Ho, where they can discover the iconic flavours of Hong Kong. 

Furthermore, Tim Ho Wan is launching a new time-limited autumn menu at all branches, featuring seven traditional yet innovative dishes made with a variety of seasonal, high-quality ingredients, including dim sum, soups, and desserts.  

Among the new items, the “Mix Mushrooms Dumplings with Pine Nuts” is jointly launched with Prudential Insurance as a recommended healthy dish in the “Early Recovery Menu”.  

The campaign is amplified through integrated channels including media (PR), online (social – both Tim Ho Wan and Bao Ho’s platforms, digital) and offline (store decorations, as well as time-limited installation at K11 Art Mall.

"Tim Ho Wan is committed to supporting local art and proud to partner with Bao for this initiative. The design, themed ‘flavours of Hong Kong,’ seamlessly integrates our new dishes and classic dim sum with iconic Hong Kong landmarks. Bao captures the essence of daily life in the city through stunning intricate details. Looking forward, we will continue to pass on the Hong Kong-style dim sum culture while fully supporting the local creative industry,” added Lin.

Don't miss: Prudential HK wishes patients to 'get well soon' with collaborative menu

Most recently, Tim Ho Wan teamed up with Prudential Hong Kong to develop a “get well soon” menu, allowing patients to enjoy dietary freedom even while they are unwell.

Available from 2 September to 1 November, the initiative came as Prudential recognised that recovering patients often feel their meal options are limited in both selection and flavour. The insurer aimed to break this stigma and improve the daily meal experience for patients in their pursuit of health and wellbeing.

Also known as “Get well soon”, the two-month campaign featured Tim Ho Wan's mixed mushroom dumplings with pine nuts (松子野菌餃), making them an excellent source of dietary fibre.

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