We finally got a chance to dine at Din Tai Fung, the latest restaurant franchise to open it’s doors here in Dubai at Mall of the Emirates. Two of Din Tai Fung’s franchise in Hong Kong was awarded a Michelin Star.
The Taiwanese restaurant is known for it’s Xiao Long Bao (XLB), a dumpling with soup inside. Anthony Bourdain refers to them as “pillow of happiness.”
We informed our server that it was our first time and she patiently explained how to eat the famous dumpling. She also prepared a ginger, soy and rice vinegar dip to complete our XLB experience.
To eat the Xiao Long Bao:
- Make the soy ginger sauce. Our server warned us that the dumpling is piping hot, wait a few minutes before eating.
- Take your XLB and dip in your soy ginger sauce.
- Place your XLB in the spoon and poke a small hole to release the broth. Blow some steam off and enjoy.
The original XiaoLongBao is made with pork but the restaurant doesn’t have a license so we settled for the Crab and Chicken XLB.
Eating the XLB was a memorable experience. The dumpling was flavorful and we preferred it without the sauce. I hope they open another branch in a hotel with a pork license, I’m sure the original pork XLB will be even more delicious.
We also ordered other dumplings on the menu.
Schezhuan Chicken and Shrimp dumplings was describe to us as a dumpling serve on a bowl with a spicy schezhuan sauce. Daddy C declared this one the best dumpling we’ve had that afternoon.
Daddy ordered Braised Beef Noodle Soup which sadly did not impress him. The beef needed an hour more of boiling to make it tender and the broth was good but needed something more.
DTF does not have a separate children’s menu which is ok, we ordered fried rice and dumplings for the kids. LittleMiss was offered a high chair and they provided a kiddie plate as well, that made her really happy.
Both kids were happy with Shirmp & Chicken Pot Stickers and Steamed Shrimp & Chicken Shumai. They wanted to order more, we didn’t because we already need to leave for another commitment.
Overall, we enjoyed our meal and dining experience. The staff were friendly and patient with all our inquiries.
Have you eaten at Din Tai Fung? What was your favorite?
Cuddles and Crumbs 
Wooh!! Been wanting to visit but too far. Waiting for the Al Ghurair branch to open. 🙂
I loved those Kiddie plate sets. Not all restaurants have them. They can really keep the kids engaged for a while at least. The food looks fab too..never tried this one..would love to keep them on my bucket list.
LittleMiss kinda wish she was allowed to bring the plates home 🙂 let me know how you find the food
I love dumplings so might try this place out!
You should! The dumplings are good
Looks delicious!
Glad you enjoyed the experience. I felt the same about the braised beef – it needed more time. Think I might have to take the kids tomorrow to satisfy the XLB craving since there’s no school.