When considering the Shanghainese soup dumplings – xiao long bao – inevitably, the name Din Tai Fung comes up. There are branches of this Taiwanese-based restaurant all over the world but somehow I’d still not managed to visit even though I could have in the past few years. We stopped in to the branch in Hong Kong’s Causeway Bay for a late lunch one day for me to have this rectified. Again, coming outside the regular mealtimes paid off and there were no queues. From their long menu, we only ordered a small selection of their most famous dishes.
Their pork xiao long bao must be one of their most popular items and an order of six came flying to our table shortly after we ordered. Instructions were provided at the table if you’re not sure how to tackle one – be careful not to burn yourself on the soup inside! That sweet, meaty broth didn’t leak from any of the beautifully pleated, thin-skinned pork dumplings and they were a pleasure to eat with a dab of ginger and vinegar. I’ve not had xiao long bao in London that came anywhere near these.
The green vegetable and pork dumplings were good but next time (whenever that will be), I’ll just OD on the xiao long bao.
Dan dan la mian was a tidy little bowl of hand pulled noodles in a gently spiced sesame and peanut sauce. They were delicious and nutty. I believe this kind of dan dan mian is Taiwanese in style; the original Sichuan version is different – porkier and much spicier. I do enjoy both versions though.
Their fried pork chop went well with the noodles. This thin chop had been marinated in a give spice mixture and fried to tenderness. It was excellent. (I’ve tried making it in the past.)
The price for our meal was very reasonable and if I had had more time in Hong Kong, I would have loved to go back to have more dumplings. On our way out, we stood and watched the chefs make red bean dumplings. Terribly fiddly things and I’m glad they were making them and not I!
Din Tai Fung
G/F, 68 Yee Woo Street
Causeway Bay
Hong Kong
They have branches all over the world but sadly not here – do go and support Mr Noodles’ campaign to bring Din Tai Fung to London! Please, Din Tai Fung, we need you in Europe!
Tue, 7 Feb, 2012 at 12:18
they look fabulous, will have to look and see if they have a branch in osaka
Tue, 7 Feb, 2012 at 12:43
I’m not sure I can add anything more about the magnificence of Din Tai Fung, other than the steamed chicken soup is also brilliant. BTW – I’m working on the next phase of the campaign to bring these guys to London…
Kat – yes, there is a branch in Osaka (lucky you!).
Tue, 7 Feb, 2012 at 14:16
I used to work next door to the one in Sydney. Truly amazing Dumplings, so delicate and tasty. I still haven’t found anything close in London after being back for three years. Time to join this campaigm I think.
Tue, 7 Feb, 2012 at 15:19
Whenever my cousins visit Din Tai Fung when they’re back in Malaysia, they’ll just order the xiao long bao. Inevitably the waitress taking their orders will always do a double take and ask them again if they really want THAT MANY baskets.
Tue, 7 Feb, 2012 at 21:09
Is there anywhere in London that is good for xiao long bao? I’ve never tried them and I don’t see myself getting to Hong Kong any time soon.
Fri, 10 Feb, 2012 at 00:19
Just a quick update on the let’s bring Din Tai Fung to London campaign – I now have a dedicated blog/petition:
http://dtflondonfanclub.blogspot.com/
Sun, 12 Feb, 2012 at 17:42
kat: Ah, they do! Lucky you!
Mr Noodles: Oh, thank you for starting this new campaign!
Daniel: Oh wow – if I worked next door to DTF, I’d grow pretty fat.
lyn:
Hehe, I’d love to join that kind of eating club!
Alicia: Try Leong’s Legends…they’re good but no DTF.
Sun, 12 Feb, 2012 at 22:34
All I can say is… WAAAHHHHHHHH!
How could I have missed this on my HK trip last year?
Sob.
Fri, 17 Feb, 2012 at 23:49
hollowlegs: Ah, but perhaps you’ll soon be close to a DTF somewhere else in the world? http://www.dintaifung.com.tw/en/area_a_list.asp?AreaCountryNO=1