Cheapest Michelin-Starred Eatery Ever Is Opening a Dim Sum Outpost in Manhattan

Some people save for years to enjoy a meal at one of the top restaurants honored by the Michelin Guide. But starting Friday, December 16, New York City diners will be able to purchase a one-star meal for less than the price of a grande latte at Starbucks. As Gothamist reports, Tim Ho Wan, the cheapest eatery to earn a coveted Michelin star, is bringing its dim sum to a new location in Manhattan’s East Village.

In 1900, Michelin started publishing annual city guides as a way to encourage travel among its customers. Today, restaurants around the world can receive up to three stars from the company—one if it’s worth a stop, two if it’s worth a detour, and three if it’s worth a special journey.

These honors are usually awarded to fine dining establishments, which is why Tim Ho Wan captured the food world’s attention in 2010 when it secured a star for its affordable dim sum menu. Based in Hong Kong, restaurant founders Mak Kwai Pui and Leung Fai Keung have since opened dozens of locations around the world. Their New York outpost marks their 45th, and it will serve up many of the same specialties diners find in Hong Kong including barbecue pork buns and steamed shrimp dumplings. The menu will also feature two new items that are unique to the city: fried vegetarian spring rolls and French toast with custard filling. What makes the offerings sound even more appealing is that they're all priced at $5.50 or less.

The full menu will be available when the restaurant has its soft open this Friday. Unless you’re planning a trip to Singapore, where street vendor Chan Hon Meng was awarded a Michelin star earlier this year, you’ll be hard-pressed to find Michelin-approved eats this cheap elsewhere.

[h/t Gothamist]