Tim Horton in Dundee: What did we make of the dishes?

Tim Hortons is finally opening in Dundee after a two year wait, so we visited ahead of the big day to sample the menu.

My experience with the Canadian coffee chain is limited, I must admit most of my knowledge comes from watching TV shows from across the pond.

While Tim Hortons has been in Scotland for five years now – and there are even branches in Perth and Dunfermline – the Kingsway venue was my first ever outing.

I did read up before heading out though, and quickly learnt there are certain staples you just cannot pass on. Therefore I made sure to get my hands on those, as well as a breakfast meal deal.

The receipt

Veggie Breakfast Wrap

My first ever bite of Tim Hortons was a good one. The veggie wrap filled with melted cheese, veggie sausage, fried egg, hash browns and mayo is a worthy breakfast for sure.

All the elements worked beautifully together with the tastes coming through from each ingredient. The veggie sausage was a highlight, with a nice texture and flavour that lifted the wrap.

Vegetarian options are often unfortunately an afterthought, where the meat has just been taken out and not replaced. Thankfully this menu has several veggie and vegan options, so I don’t feel left out.

I thought the mayo was a nice – some might say plain – addition, but there are plenty of other options including ketchup, chipotle or BBQ sauce. Just the wrap costs £3.39, but for £3.49 you also get a hash brown and a medium coffee which is a great deal.

Presentation: 3.5/5

Taste: 4/5

The veggie breakfast wrap was a great introduction to Tim Hortons.

Hash brown

The wee golden hash brown comes on the side in its own bag and is a decent size.

While nicely crisp and warm, the flavour was slightly lacking. I felt it needed a bit more oomph, but the texture was spot on.

Even though it’s priced at just 99p by itself with a dipping sauce, I wouldn’t pick this up the next time I go around.

Presentation: 2.5/5

Taste: 2.5/5

Though the size and texture of the hash brown was good, I was let down by the flavour. Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Double double coffee

When I drink coffee, I usually have it black, but I could not pass on the Canadian favourite which contains two creams and two sugars in an original blend filter coffee.

Aiming to give the right creaminess and sweetness to the coffee, I have to agree with the Canadians that it works. I went for the original blend, but you can also make the dark roast a double double if you wish.

I found the coffee enjoyable – not too bitter or sour – and the medium size at 16oz was a decent amount for the price.

At £2.29 for a small up to £3.09 for a large, it’s about what you would expect to pay for a takeaway coffee, though maybe on the pricier side when compared to the likes of Starbucks and McDonalds.

Presentation: 3/5

Taste: 3.5/5

The double double coffee, a Timmie’s staple. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Chocolate milkshake

The Tims chocolate shake topped with whipped cream and chocolate sauce looked like a perfect cooldown drink for a hot day, but it also worked well on a December morning.

The chocolate flavour came through nicely, and while it was sweet it wasn’t overpowering. In terms of texture it wasn’t completely smooth and creamy, but it still flowed nicely and melted on the tongue.

Starting at £3.99 for a small going up to £4.69 for a large it sits above many other fast food milkshakes – though below Five Guys – but it’s worth trying as a treat.

Presentation: 4/5

Taste: 3.5/5

I was eager to try the delicious-looking Tims shake. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Timbits

These were what I was most excited for, the wee doughnut balls of various flavours and sprinkles.

The Timbits themselves look adorable, as does the box they come in. The glaze adds a small touch of sweetness which doesn’t overpower the dough itself. It was not overly chewy, but a perfect balance between doughnut and cake.

The chocolate ones were my favourite, which had more of a cake-like feel compared to the plain ones. While I’m not a huge fan of normal doughnuts, I could eat Timbits all day.

The box of 10 costs £4.20, you get 20 Timbits for £7.49, while the large box of 50 costs £15.99. No matter what size you go for, these are definitely worth picking up.

Presentation: 4.5/5

Taste: 4.5/5

The star of the show – the Timbits. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Verdict

My first trip to Tim Hortons was definitely a success, and I doubt it will be the last. The breakfast meal was great value for money and full of flavour.

The Tim Hortons classics – double double and Timbits – both lived up to the expectations and are a must-try, especially if it’s your first time.

With their great-tasting food and sweet treats, I suspect the Dundee branch will get return customers that are both locals and those passing by on the Kingsway.