Hong Kong dim sum chain Tim Ho Wan will permanently close its first Singapore outlet at Plaza Singapura after 13 years of operation, marking the end of an era for one of the brand’s most significant locations in Southeast Asia. The closure comes as Plaza Singapura embarks on a major S$160 million (US$125 million) asset enhancement initiative aimed at repositioning the mall for the future.
The Plaza Singapura restaurant, which opened in 2013, was Tim Ho Wan’s debut outlet in Singapore and played a key role in introducing the Michelin-starred dim sum brand to local consumers. Over the years, the outlet became one of the chain’s most recognisable locations in the city-state, helping establish Tim Ho Wan’s presence in the market.
According to reports, the closure is directly linked to Plaza Singapura’s extensive redevelopment programme. The mall’s owner, CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT), recently announced plans for a multi-year upgrade that will enhance connectivity, refresh retail offerings, and modernise key areas of the property. Renovation works are expected to be carried out in phases from the third quarter of 2026 through the fourth quarter of 2028, with the mall remaining operational throughout the process.
Despite the closure of its pioneering Singapore outlet, Tim Ho Wan is expected to continue serving customers through its remaining restaurants across the city. The brand remains a significant player in Singapore’s casual dining and dim sum segment, supported by a broader Asia-Pacific network operated under a master franchise structure.
The move reflects the ongoing transformation of Singapore’s retail landscape, where landlords are increasingly investing in large-scale asset enhancement initiatives to attract new tenants, improve customer experiences, and adapt to evolving consumer preferences. For Tim Ho Wan, the closure of its first Singapore location closes an important chapter in the brand’s local journey while highlighting the impact major redevelopment projects can have on long-standing foodservice operators.
