Tim Hortons may be a hallmark of this country’s character, but the quintessentially Canadian coffee shop has established roots worldwide. From Asia, to the UAE, turns out, you’re never far from a double double.
With its ubiquitous branding and reputation as an affordable and reliable one-stop-shop for coffee, donuts, bagels and breakfast sandwiches, it’s no wonder its appeal holds true almost everywhere, so here’s a look at some unique Tim Hortons locations across the globe.
Middle East
Today, there are 300 Tim Hortons located throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including 86 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), 162 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), eight in Oman, nine in Bahrain, 24 in Qatar, and 11 in Kuwait.
But, you’ll never stumble upon a fancier Tim Hortons than its regional flagship in Dubai.
Tim Hortons Dubai opened in 2011; a step into international markets that led to a global expansion.
In a recent Reddit post, a Dubai Tim Hortons visitor outlined some major differences between what’s on offer there and at home.
“They serve you your order to your table in porcelain cups and plates,” the user shared, adding that there were lots of fresh fruits, desserts and tarts to choose from as well as some “really fun” flavoured Timbits, which according to them are much cheaper than in Canada.
“Overall, with currency conversion, almost every item is relatively cheaper, significantly higher quality, with more options, and properly served,” they concluded.
Canadians were quick to react to images of Dubai’s fancier looking fare.
“Why does it seem like all the Tim Hortons outside of Canada are way nicer looking and the food looks good?,” one user commented.
“Because the market is already captured here, so they could crap all over a plate and it would still sell. Outside of the country they need to actually compete,” another person suggested.
South Korea
Tim Hortons opened its first two South Korean locations in December 2023 at Sinnonhyeon Station, in the Gangnam District of Seoul, and Seolleung Station, also in Gangnam.
South Korean media outlet, Korea JoongAng Daily, says the brand positioned itself as a luxury coffee company by Korean standards, with its traditional Iced Capp priced at 5,100 won, which equates to about $5.00 CAD, and typically costs $3.49 in Canada.
The South Korean Menu also includes an onion cream mushroom melt, truffle mushroom melt, and creamy spicy chicken melt.
A recent online post from an impressed Tim Hortons customer in South Korea said the location they stopped at was “incredibly good and clean, with real espresso machines.”
South Korea was the seventh Asian country to welcome the well-known institution, joining the Philippines, China, Thailand, Pakistan, India and Singapore.
China
Tims is well established in China, with more than 900 stores in 71 cities countrywide and a colourful localized menu to boot.
Customers can sip on iced coffee with avocado and dig into Sichuan mala beef bagels, charcoal pistachio cream cheese bagels, and hawthorn or black sesame flavoured Timbits, to name a few.
In 2024, there are more than 5,700 Tim Hortons stores across 17 countries, including Mexico, Spain, the U.K. and the United States.
