Arcadia, CA 91007
(626) 574-7068
Best known for its juicy pork dumplings, or Xiaolongbao, Taiwan-based restaurant, Din Tai Fung, commands long waits at its Arcadia outpost every weekend. With restaurants located in Taipei, Shanghai, Sydney, and Tokyo, Din Tai Fung has established a reputation for its Shanghai style cooking throughout the Pacific Rim. As the only outpost in the United States, the Arcadia location has become a delicious mainstay for the Asian (and often non-Asian) communities of the San Gabriel Valley.Upon entering the restaurant, a glass wall by
the entrance reveals workers in full motion; mixing, folding, and steaming Din Tai Fung’s famous dumplings. Watching these workers pull long sheets of white dough, mix delicately balanced fillings, and pinch perfectly shaped dumplings, all at lightening speed, is a truly mesmerizing experience. The dumpling making experience at Din Tai Fung is both a calculated and refined process, with each step critical to the creation of a delicate, yet succulent Xiaolongbao.Xiaolongbao are to Shanghai, as pastrami sandwiches to New York, or fish tacos to Ensenada. Steamed within bamboo baskets, these dumplings produce a juicy center that when bitten into, often scald the mouth. In fact, within many Western countries, Xiaolongbao have been dubbed as “soup dumplings.” A juicy filling, or “soup,” forms inside when a type of meat gelatin within the dumpling skin melts during the steaming process.
My favorite dumplings to order at Din Tai Fung are the pork and crab filled dumplings, which when fresh from the steamer, burst with delicious juice and flavor. These dumplings taste best when dipped in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and finely sliced pieces of ginger. Although the dumplings are often the main attraction at Din Tai Fung, the non-Xiaolongbao dishes are noteworthy as well. Specifically, my favorites are the garlic sautéed string beans, tofu and bean sprout appetizer, Shanghai rice cakes, and sweet sesame buns. For some people, the dishes at Din Tai Fung represent an exotic culinary adventure, but for others (like myself), a habitually satisfying experience in Shanghai style comfort food. 
3 comments:
Din Tai Fung is indeed really good. I've never eaten such delicious dumplings until my coworkers took me there for lunch. It was a meal fit for a king. I'd never even heard of such a place before then, and I've lived in the nearby area almost my whole life! Even though I didn't pay (used company funds since we were treating guests), I'm pretty sure it was pricey. I heard there's another dumpling house across the street and down a block or two that offers dumplings just as tasty but at cheaper prices, but I have yet to go there to find out.
In China, some higher-tiered places actually have scales to measure the exact amount of material to go into the buns. It was their "quality control," but most dumpling chefs were skilled enough to be able to feel (to the gram) how much meat they were putting into the bun. Saw it on TV. :)
I absolutely love this place. Second to none for dumplings in my book. Would you happen to know of any great sushi places in the area?
Sorry, I’m not too familiar with the sushi scene in Arcadia. However, one of my favorite places is located in downtown LA, called Sushi Gen. It’ sort of a no-frills sushi joint, with great fish at reasonable prices. They get pretty crowded on the weekends during dinner time, so be prepared to wait! But it’s worth it!
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