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Din Tai Fung is a Taiwanese restaurant chain that’s known for its xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). They’re maybe a step or two away from being perfect, depending on which location you visit.
The great thing is that they’re all over Asia so if you’re in Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo,
Malaysia, Indonesia, mainland China, Australia or even Taiwan, you’re not far from xiaolongbao goodness. If you live in the USA however, you’re very far from xiaolongbao goodness as there’s only one location outside of Los Angeles and that location has mixed reviews.
Within Asia, all the locations are at an equally high standard. Some locations are more equal than others. For example, the Tsimshatsui location is considered one of the flagships because of its Michelin Star and its larger, more varied menu. Because of its location and its accolades, it’s also one of the more expensive locations. Compared to this, the Xintandi location seemed like a bargain even though it was in an expensive part of Shanghai and in spite of the inequality of the exchange rate (which will hopefully change in about a year).
The appeal of Din Tai Fung is not necessarily the special-ness of the menu (aside from the xiaolongbao, whose equal I cannot find in my half of the world) but that the menu is prepared to the highest standard and that the service in the restaurant is also top tier. That’s not saying much, if you were to mention the Tokyo or Singapore locations; service SHOULD be good. But to get that caliber of service on the mainland or even in Hong Kong is a special thing. When you visit a Din Tai Fung (in Asia), you will get xiaolongbao hand folded 23 times and it will be delivered to your table scalding hot. Remember to scoop it out with your soup spoon and nibble the side like a beaver so that the soup pours out of the dumpling into your spoon. Sip then gulp. Failure to follow these guidelines will probably lead to a burnt mouth. The beef noodle soup will be, erm, beefy and satisfying. The noodles will had that neat al dente snap. The veggies will be locally sourced and fresh. And although it won’t be a lomantic night out, it probably would qualify as a FUN night out. Lomance is handled by the alleyways and bars of Xintandi…
Hawker’s Noodle Soup, Taiwan style
Fried Pork chop over aforementioned noodles
DTF style siu mai
The classic xiaolongbao with 23 folds apiece.
We also had some soup and greens but at some point, you have to stop taking pictures and start eating because all the food is disappearing. No more photos. Just go there!
上海市卢湾
区兴业路123弄
2/F, South Block, Xintiandi Mall, Shanghai (metro: South Huangpi Lu)
6385 8378
