If ever find yourself in the glitzy Fashion Hall of SM Megamall (located in the Ortigas Business District), you will find a cordoned off area with 30-40 people confined in it at all times of the day. As your gaze pans further, you’ll notice that this is the waiting area of the Taiwanese soup dumpling juggernaut, Din Tai Fung. I dismissed even attempting trying this place several times before due from the size of the hungry mob waiting to get in. Despite that, on one Friday evening, my brother and I gave it a shot and were highly surprised when the both of us were seated right away after approaching the host table. With lady luck by our side, we sat down and were ready to vanquish the hunger demons.
I have never heard of Din Tai Fung until I sat down. My brother filled me in on the lore of the place and that this was a brand spanking new institution that opened only a couple of months ago. That explained the really long lines! My amazement then sky rocketed when I looked around and noticed the walls peppered with quotes and accolades of its star studded reputation. Michelin stars for dumplings? This was going to be a special evening indeed.
Ranked as one of the world’s Top Ten Best Restaurants by The New York Times, Din Tai Fung has its roots dating back to Taiwan 40 years ago. With its famous signature xiao long baos (steamed pork dumplings) and heart-warming steamed chicken soup, this authentic Taiwanese restaurant has been making waves with branches throughout the world, including Singapore, Thailand, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, and USA.
Ratings Scale
✪ Spit It Out Immediately
✪✪ It Could Be Worse
✪✪✪ Not The Worst Thing You’ve Tried
✪✪✪✪ Loosen Your Pants
✪✪✪✪✪ Give Up Your First Born For This
After peering through the menu, we ultimately decided what we wanted to sink our teeth into.
Here was the damage:
Shrimp & Pork Wontons with house special spicy sauce
PHP 175 (US$3.66)
Rating: ✪✪✪✪✪ Give Up You First Born For This
Steamed Shrimp & Pork Shao Mai (5pcs)
PHP 195 (US$4.08)
Rating:
✪✪✪✪ Loosen Your Pants
Chicken Xiao Long Bao (5 pcs)
PHP 160 (US$3.35)
Rating:
✪✪✪✪ Loosen Your Pants
Fried Noodle With Beef
PHP 190 (US$3.98)
Rating:
✪✪✪✪ Loosen Your Pants
Salt & Pepper Squid
PHP 245 (US$5.13)
Rating:
✪✪✪✪ Loosen Your Pants
Noodles with House Special Sauce
PHP 120 (US$2.51)
Rating:
✪✪✪✪ Loosen Your Pants
Crispy Shrimp & Pork Wantons (5 pcs)
PHP 165 (US$3.45)
Rating: ✪✪✪ Not The Worst Thing You’ve Tried
Verdict
✪✪✪✪✪ Give Up Your First Born For This
The food alone garners very high marks and is worth the hype! Apart from the stellar food, the decor was modern with woodgrain surrounding most of the interior and a very attentive waitstaff to make sure your every wish is granted.
If you’re in the area, I suggest you stop what you’re doing and pay a visit to Din Tai Fung!
Din Tai Fung
Ground Floor, Mega Fashion Hall @ SM Megamall
Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
Philippines
(02) 9971935
Official Facebook Page
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