Is the original Din Tai Fung better than other locations?!

Din Tai Fung’s famous Xiao Long Baos were awarded a Michelin star in Hong Kong.   However, the original Din Tai Fung hasn’t receive any stars in Taipei, Taiwan.

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Why?  The Michelin Guide hasn’t arrived in Taiwan yet.  The only other “dim sum” restaurant awarded a Michelin star would be Tim Ho Wan.  It used to be considered the cheapest Michelin star meal until the Chicken Hawker stand took its crown in Singapore.  I would have to say Tim Ho Wan is easily the best dim sum restaurant I’ve eaten at around the world.  Trust me. I’ve eaten dim sum in a lot of cities in the world and my weight can attest to statement.

Anyway, the original Din Tai Fung is in the Da’an district in Taipei, Taiwan.  It’s where all the magic started like how I was conceived when my parents were drunk.  Din Tai Fung was my first meal in Taipei and I made sure of it.  After arriving at 7:00 AM in Taipei, I grabbed my SIM card at the airport, waved a taxi, check-in at my hotel, dropped off my bags in the room, and then headed straight here.

My fat ass practically ordered everything on the menu.  The waitress came back and asked “Are you sure you want this order?”  I responded “Why? You guys ran out” She politely responded, “It’s a lot of food.” As I rubbed my stomach, I proudly said, “Sweetie.. Trust me.  I can eat.”

The service was on par with other Din Tai Fung.  I’ve been to the Zhongzhan, Seattle, Los Angeles, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Sydney branches.  However, the original Din Tai Fung is totally better than the other locations.  My fat ass had the following:

1. Truffle XLB – The truffle aroma was pungent.  The flavors were very earthy.  The wrapping’s texture was soft and it perfectly pleated on each XLB.  The gelatin broth was steaming hot and it filled my palate then evaporated in my mouth like acid tablets.

   

2. Spicy Wontons – This is one of my favorite DTF dishes.  The wonton’s texture is heaven on earth like waking up surrounded by Sicilian pizza.  The savory, tasty, and tender pork wrapped in xiao huntun then mixed with the spicy sauce makes it an unforgettably juicy.  It was more juicy than a Kardashian episode.  Seriously.

   

3. Pork XLB – The dumplings from heaven.  The comforting gelatin broth cooking the juicy minced pork and shrimp inside the consistently perfectly wrapped dough is amazing.  The vinegar with ginger and sweet soy sauce make the perfect dipping sauces.  It’s like having your favorite ice cream after the dentist.

   

Lastly, the wait staff don’t speak English.  However, they have English menus.  Thank goodness for my sign language background.  I was able to point then signal a 1 or 2 with my fingers.  The service was great and the food came out fast.  They made sure every dish was deliver and each time they couldn’t believed I finished everything I ordered.  It’s definitely a culinary landmark to visit while in Taipei like taking a picture of milk tea against a white wall.

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