Din Tai Fung @ Taipei 101

To be honest, Din Tai Fung in Singapore does not impres inspite of their neverending queues across their outlets. Friends have been nudging me to give Din Tai Fung a try especially in Taiwan, where they have been awarded 1 Michelin Star. I am not too sure which particular outlet was awarded but here's the outlet at Taipei 101. Packed to such madness, queue numbers are issued together with the menu.



The queues moved quite briskly, I reckon it is the turnaround time that is hugely shortened since your orders are collected way before you are seated and food is served almost immediately.



Their signature open concept kitchen for prying eyes to check out the making of the 18 fold delicacy!



Very thoughtful gesture of having bag-coat chairs for every table. Comes with a napkin to cover it too!


Every table gets a side of ginger and vinegar for obvious reasons.



The famous xiaolongbao!



It probably is brilliant marketing on their end - every time I eat a xlb I am so tempted to see if the skin breaks being lifted by its tip.

Two steamers worth - the original and crab roe.



Crab roe is richer in flavour though it is really just crab roe topping. Credit to be given for their xiao long baos tasting so much better than those in Singapore. Call in quality control? Whatever it is, loved them juicy buns! Each xlb still remained as delicious up to the last remaining lone ranger - shame on you paradise dynasty.



Dumpling Soup Noodle

Hearty broth meets smooth noodle and equally tasty pork wantons.



Fried Rice that I hardly understood everytime the companions used to order. Slightly oily, the rice grains are pearl shaped and tastes just like glutinous rice. Tasty combination here.

DTF is definitely worth a try in homeground, prices are slightly cheaper too and service is miles better. I am not sure if merchandise is available in Singapore but they do have quite a cute range in Taipei!

Ding Tai Fung
Taipei 101