Is Din Tai Fung OVERHYPED? NYC's Most EXCLUSIVE Chinese Restaurant 鼎泰豐

[@davidhunternyc1]

Never lose your criticality UA !!! Don't get soft with your reviews. Your honesty is why people watch you.

[@uaeats]

I prefer not to use the word critical, rather I promise I will always be fair. The day I stop giving honest reviews is the day I end this channel

[@njdevil8950]

He sometimes swings too far in the critical direction. IMHO

[@FunkyChild718]

@@uaeats He meant criticality in terms of evaluating the pros and cons, not giving a critical negative review. There are two meanings of the word "critical", for example "critical thinking skills" vs "he gave a critical review".

[@davidhunternyc1]

@@uaeats In art school we used the word, "crits," short for critical. Criticality is important. There's way too many excuses made these days about poor quality, with food, products, and everything else. The rich get rich by gaslighting the masses into accepting the subpar is good quality.

[@nicolebell-m1y]

⁠@@njdevil8950surely the larger ones canvas the more critical a person becomes, in fairness?

[@rah0210]

You're quickly becoming my favorite food youtube creator. Mostly cuz i completely agree with your reviews of the places I've also tried haha. Keep it up.

[@mysauco]

In truth, not all DTF branches are created equal. I’ve eaten at the original in Taipei as well as in other countries in the Asia Pacific region like China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, and of course, in my home country, the Philippines. In my humble opinion, the truly excellent ones overall are in Taipei as well as Hongkong. The menus here are quite extensive. Other branches do not offer the full-range of choices. More importantly, the quality, quantity are consistently good and the taste of the food is wonderfully delicious.

[@咖啡時光]

❤

[@bobby350z]

I have only tried them in Taipei, China and here in US. I agree, Taipei ones are the best to me. Then a few down in LA. China (Shenzhen) ones after that. I like the newer CA locations where you can order beer/wine to go with the food. Local places are going to be better/cheaper but then you need to be in the know for that.

[@phonglu7329]

Tried the Taipei one 15 years ago, line is long and definately disappointed way overhyped left dissatisfied and overprice even in Taiwan. Best Xiao Long Bao for me so far is OG. Joes shanghai its open up my eyes i usually have 2 long in one seating

[@AyleeWonder]

I totally agree. Taiwan was the best and Hong Kong location was the second best. Tokyo is up there as well but they have their own menu that's only available in Japan. I feel like they don't put as much soup in US due to liability. They don't want to burn people's mouth and get sued. It's much less intense compare to overseas locations but just my personal option.

[@jeffhatmaker817]

I compliment the waitress for politely upselling and informing him of any options/delays😂

[@angryjalapeno]

This is what ChatGPT bots will sound like in the near future.

[@michaelgiordano2093]

Outstanding KZbin video UA. I enjoy watching you eat all this great food. Glad to see Tina in the video. You're a class act and a kind person. Please keep the videos coming 😁👍

[@jamesjoung2793]

Those dudes rolling out the dumpling skins are slow. 3 Chinese grandmas can replace the whole staff. 😂

[@luccinocr]

that's why is so expensive

[@MaximSupernov]

Chinese grannies don't wash hands and have bad hygienic habits. We prefer Taiwanese grannies.

[@bobbymoss6160]

You notice all the workers have 1 thing in common?

[@robertko5425]

@@bobbymoss6160 They ate my puddy cat.

[@bobbymoss6160]

@@robertko5425 Those bastards!

[@treysiebel7096]

I have to say this is one of the best reviews that I’ve seen you do plus it was nice to hear Tina s take on things . Keep up the good work!!

[@alisachamoy225]

Din Tai Fung is directly opposite/right next to my gym so I have been seeing it for a while and was actually interested in hearing/seeing more about it so thanks for posting this video!

[@MrMadnessMonster]

As a Taiwanese guy living in California, I've tried 3 different locations and they're good but are definitely not as good as in Taiwan. Wouldn't say overrated regarding the food itself but the prices definitely make it not worth it in my opinion. Great video and love seeing you review Din Tai Fung!

[@lescobrandon9693]

Just got back from Taiwan. Sorely disappointed. DTF was far worse than locations I’ve been to in US.

[@MrMadnessMonster]

@@lescobrandon9693 Not all locations are equal but I agree that the one you went to could definitely be worse than some locations in the US. The original one in Taipei (haven't been to in a while) used to be the best by far. Hopefully you try out more locations in Taiwan next time and compare it to the US. I will be in Taiwan next month and eat at DTF to compare the taste. Thanks for the comment!

[@v24n234]

Went 2 weeks ago and I agree with your review on all the dishes. The only reason why I tried the braised beef was because my waiter said that was his favorite. That did turn out to be the best dish of the night. The soup dumplings were sub par.

[@travelfuller]

We've been trying to snag a reservation to make a video on it for weeks! Glad we could experience it through yours!

[@amarsh212]

Save yourself the time. Place is mid

[@brandoncarpenter9681]

Good luck, refresh x3 on the hour

[@andrewlawson4901]

Went to the Vegas location with a group of 10. It was expensive (around 100$/person for the amount of food that we ordered + sake), but it was pretty darn good. The weird thing is that the highlights weren't the XLB, but the other side dishes (dry noodles, wontons in hot oil, etc.).

[@aznantboi]

thank you for showing the right way to eat a soup dumpling, all in one bite. zero soup waste

[@rockoutconsiderably]

That waitress has definitely seen the channel and didn't want the food to get cold 😂😂😂 just joking UA, great video and keep up the great content!

[@InconspicuousOwl]

Another great review UA!

[@alisachamoy225]

$17 for string beans and $21 for soup is pretty expensive. NYC is expensive to begin with but that's really expensive.

[@faizanmckagan2827]

Soon it will be 49.99 for sliding your right foot just inside the restaurant 😂

[@jerseypup]

No authentic Chinese restaurant outside of Midtown is that expensive. Even TsuruTonTan gives you a huge portion for that price.

[@CpuWaiy]

See the decor? 6.99 isnt going to cut it. If you want 6.99 string beans, youll get 6.99 decor

[@roadwarrior280]

17 for string bean here in NJ is not uncommon. 21 for the beef soup , yeah expensive, but it seems exceptional. The xiao long bao a failure. Decor , hype,,gets you there

[@lulashepard3253]

They opened not that long ago in an extremely expensive location, near Rockefeller Center and Times Square. What I often say about these places is that you’re paying their rent. 😂

[@hugobranca]

It REALLY have to be an amazing cucumber if I am going to pay $9 for a half a cucumber.

[@ToppsBaseballRacks]

Thoughtful and informative review and as always, an entertaining one, too. Thanks, UA!

[@Tilly-go3ev]

Great sharing love watching...slurp away! Cheers from Melbourne, Australia. 🍚🍚🍚

[@pgee8702]

You don't know DTF until you experience it over in Asia.. it's totally beyond what we have here in the US

[@andrewrobles3888]

Oh wow, I’m Mexican and like, I have 0 experience with Asian food, until very recently, and I went to the Disneyland din tai fung, and I had the chicken xiao long bao, and I’ve never had these before, but the flavor with the whole thing and the sauce is one of, if not the best things I’ve ever eaten, and to think that food in Asia, is even better than that, is really mind blowing to me honesty :0

[@chriskeats]

Finally! We get a glimpse of Tina 🙏🔥

[@derekhernandez563]

I’ve been waiting to see her!!!

[@Chimmy.01]

@chriskeats You are creepy.

[@Chimmy.01]

@@derekhernandez563You are creepy.

[@thai33oz]

​@@Chimmy.01you're creepy for calling people creepy

[@ChamP10nk1ng]

NONE of y'all are "creepy". 😂 UA has over 160 vids in which Tina frequents with UA most of the times. Naturally, I don't blame any of y'all to want to match the face with the voice. It just makes sense imo.

[@theshinobi01]

I had Ding Tai Fung twice in Taiwan, once in the Mitsukoshi in Zhongshan district in Taipei and the one by Taipei 101. I haven't yet Ding Tai Fung in the states but it was very solid in Taiwan. Quite expensive compared to what you can get from street vendors/local restaurants but I think the biggest thing was supposed to be their consistency. Their fried rice with fried pork cutlet is amazing, and I personally liked their jian jiao and their xiao long bao, just pricey to what you can find locally in Taiwan.

[@gimmick7389]

i think id have a nervous breakdown if i ever had that server, that was crazy.

[@ewannoelkailevi4772]

yeah, she's trying ... but I literally stopped the video to recover from the onslaught ...

[@jimmy2thymes916]

She spoke so fast and sounded like she was reading off a script. I could barely follow what she was saying.

[@bensmith372]

😂😂😂wow intense 🤣🤣

[@Jkan2001]

Obnoxious I would have to leave

[@Moosclues]

Yup. He should’ve edited all that out.

[@majormajor9672]

Being Shanghainese myself, this place's xlb is a disappointment, and stir fried cabbage shouldn't even be a dish... It's what Chinese grad students cook at home for $1.50. :D

[@jayhsu2412]

Agreed. It's a much better dish with double cooked pork and chili, however. On it's own, it's too boring.

[@Validkris]

Love the Honest Reviews

[@cr8zie]

I’ve never heard of any DTF that ran out of green beans, especially in the early afternoon… You needed to order the spicy wontons, shrimp fried rice, and the chocolate mochi. I’ve been eating DTF since they opened their first US location in Arcadia, CA… at half the prices. I don’t disagree with you on their XLB, it’s just their style. Thanks for the review.

[@jholly5747]

Hey UA. The price is at DTF don’t seem out of the world because here in Canada those prices sound very similar. I live in the GTA, a.k.a. the greater Toronto area and there is a northern Chinese restaurant called Lee Chen bistro in Aurora. They have high prices too, as an example, the WUXIA ribs cost $23 Canadian and I think they’re set and shrimp dish cost $28 which extremely expensive. I’ve always wanted to try XLB, especially at a restaurant that’s known for that dish. But your review of the dumplings, make me think twice about ordering that. Another great review and it was great to see Tina in the video.

[@YVRKato]

It’s hard to read UA’s facial expressions. When it looks like he hates something, he actually loves it. He’s got a food reviewer’s poker face.

[@Bert_Wayfarer]

The waitress being all Lets ah gooee that's appreciative. Also did not get the same enthuisam for a family of 6/4 in the LA version. So your mileage may vary :(

[@sangbangerz]

crazy to see that, in SG, there's so many DTF's everywhere it's almost like McDs.. on Orchard Rd alone, there are like 3 of them within a 0.2 mile range

[@nicolebell-m1y]

UA, if I ever go to NYC, I’m totally using your channel as a restaurant guide 😂

[@xmuta]

NYC is going down the toilet, better to go elsewhere.

[@ALBERT.GM.WALKER]

Katz's Deli is a must. I live here in NY and even I still look forward to having a pastrami on rye with mustard from Katz's. I try to go late at night when most of the tourists are back in their hotel rooms fast asleep from taking in all the NY sights. But I have heard that early in the morning when Katz's first opens up is an ideal time to go. I will try having a pastrami sandwich from Katz's for breakfast one of these days.

[@SuperBBQProductions]

Where can I find the best soup dumplings in NYC?

[@gallagherk11]

I eat at the LA location a fair bit - I always like to get the Seaweed & Beancurd Salad, the Shrimp & Kurobuta Pork Dumplings, and the chocolate XLB with cream top. Curious to get your thoughts on those next time you go!

[@Utoobdewd]

Whenever i go to the mall, Din Tai Fung is always the best Dim Sum restaurant to eat at

[@robaxl3088]

That beef noodle soup looks like it slaps! I really want to try some!

[@ReadR00ster1]

I love that South Park Episode. He bought amusement park with his inheritance and then make a commercial how great the park was on TV and at the end said "no one can come here!" lol. and then for reasons he had to start letting people in a few more at a time.

[@thingthang2904]

Not sure if worth noting but I used to go to Din Tai Fung as far back as 2015 when I lived in LA (at the time they only had one restaurant in Glendale). Up until at least 2018 (the year I left the US), the Pork Xiaolongbao cost $10. Crazy how much it's gone up.

[@Onetwothreepeanuts]

That waitress did her job very well.

[@BooksWithBenghisKahn]

Could you rec any better soup dumplings in Manhattan? It’s too tough to get a table at this place!

[@martyd4640]

First time (for me, anyway) seeing the mysterious Tina - that's fun!

[@Edward135i]

We have a Din Tai Fung in Portland OR, it's pretty good but we have a local Szechuan Chinese Restaurant called Duck House that also servers soup dumplings that I think is much better.

[@maxwellmcdowell3744]

Have you eaten at any of the flushing Queens restaurants?

[@shih-hanchow8945]

I've been to the original in Taipei and the one in the basement floor of Taipei 101. Both were excellent. I'm assuming that all DTF are not created equal. Thanks for saving me the time and effort to try this place...

[@rainzerdesu]

Singapore Din Tai Fung is/was good and it's also not the overhyped overcrowded version like NYC. Like you could pretty much always guarantee a reservation. Honestly I think part of the hype is that 1 day in advance reservation requirement that sorta makes it so you psychologically are more invested in liking it. Like personally, i'd rather go to a hawker center for char kway teow that have to go through the 1 day reservation hoop of Din Tai Fung.

[@Veesaki]

Perfect review , been there many times ! ❤

[@mikelopez8226]

I went to the Manila branch years ago, and XLB were overrated. However, I haven’t tried their beef noodle soup. Great recommendations from both of you!

[@InsideKitchen_LDN]

Din Tai Fung's Xiao Long Bao are the best! We have also few branches here in London

[@alexandra10022]

I’ve been to all 3 locations in London multiple times and the new restaurant in NYC (also Shanghai and Las Vegas). London locations are all better than NYC. The menu is much more extensive in London and some of my favorite dishes aren’t included on the US menus. The taste of the food in London is better as well. Only thing better in NYC was the ambience.

[@normandea]

We finally see Tina (in a mask). 👍

[@koala_fran]

so glad we see tina!!!

[@victorherstein7998]

I ate at the Century City LA spot today so I am enjoying your review. I had 3 things: cucumbers', pork soup dumpling, and a shrimp/pork shu mai... Best was the cucumbers, I am new to soup dumplings which were ok, the shrimp/pork was weird. Shrimp part did not taste fresh to me. Next time I'll try that noodle soup instead

[@eggheadegghead]

“Watery filling” is the type of dumpling you should try. Don’t think any Chinese restaurant in the US does that type dimpling…….lol

[@deedhlamini3325]

Great review! New York and Seattle prices are comparable. I agree with your review best thing on their menu is the braised beef noodle soup.....

[@dragonboy718]

i just picked my own cucumber from the garden and pickled it and added sesame, it was wonderful

[@faydalton5375]

UA are you live right now?

[@uaeats]

The premieres are not live in the sense that I am filming the video in real time, but they are when the vids go live and we all watch them together live. I am always in the live chat.

[@faydalton5375]

​@@uaeatsThank you. I love your videos.

[@LoyaltyRewardStamps]

When you ate there, did they have a loyalty app?

[@ypw510]

There was one that opened last month at Disneyland in the Downtown Disney shopping/dining area. Apparently that's the only Din Tai Fung location anywhere that's housed in its own separate building. The only one I've seen (didn't go since they were saying walk up time was 45 minutes) was the location in Silicon Valley. Looked nice, but it's in a shopping mall.

[@acharis-Annie]

Once again, a great review, 0:40 UA. Maybe next time we can see the beautiful Tina without the mask. I honestly think the dumplings from your last review looked so much better. However, the soup did look amazing. Wishing you and Tina a great rest of your Tuesday and looking forward to your next review.

[@davidpiccolo3039]

I have a different story. In Chinatown waiting for the bus in front of a dumpling house that was very busy so I assumed it must be good. I went in to try a dozen dumplings for 3 dollars took a bite and no good. Then I realized it was busy because it was cheap not good. I guess people eat restaurants for different reasons

[@twostate7822]

It's a little surprising that Din Tai Fung just opened up in NYC. I'm a fan of this restaurant, and have been to locations in Japan, Thailand, and Seattle, where there are 5 locations. I thought the prices in Seattle were pretty high, but comparing prices on your NYC menu, it looks like your prices are $1 to $3 dollars more per dish, but I expect NYC prices to be higher.

[@z-man7883]

The Din Tai Fung locations in California are all like that too. The restaurants at South Coast Plaza Mall, Downtown Disney and in Arcadia are all similar in food, experience and price. Din Tai Fung has become like a chain restaurant.

[@paullawson2830]

He quoted Notorious Big ;) Made me smile!

[@DimJongUn]

Is Din Tai Fung actually exclusive? We have one in a mall here in Seattle (along with a few other locations). It adds up, but those soup dumplings are amazing.

[@weilingaby3029]

Din Tai Fung is a trade name so yes it's exclusive and only they can use the name.

[@DimJongUn]

@@weilingaby3029 I think he was using the term exclusive to mean upscale, hard to get into, etc. That's what I meant with my question as I don't think it's the most ridiculously expensive restaurant out there. It's fancy but not super exclusive

[@jefqueshoang8075]

I needed this video especially to convince my gf to not go here lol we live in Flushing, I’m not over paying for mid chain foods!

[@eddie5152]

We want more Tina

[@keithmoorechannel]

I used to eat at Din Tai Fung in Singapore a couple of times a month when I lived there. It was always excellent, especially the soup dumplings. And it was cheaper. But the venue was not as fancy as their NYC branch.

[@giffordnakajima616]

I've been to DTF in Tokyo, Dubai and now NYC and enjoyed them all. The food, especially the soup dumplings, is remarkably consistent across all these locations, so I guess this is their style. NYC is the swankiest location I've been to by far and the prices definitely reflect that!

[@jimwong2823]

1986 I ate Taipei's best beef noodles soup $4.00

[@jimwong2823]

@whodidit99 1970 street food $.25 beef soup gave u poo poo pant6

[@jimwong2823]

@Pr0d3gi Mr cheap try street food. U Have poo poo pants

[@ianm2170]

Good, honest and critical review. You need to get to Vancouver/Richmond. They have some of the best Chinese food in North America.

[@yubinguo329]

Just went to a Din Tai Fung for the first time while visiting LA, food was good but not worth the price. In my opinion, NanXiang in Flushing NY, still has one of the best soup dumplings.

[@hammersampson]

That Din Tai Fung restaurant is much more fancy than the one we have here. I suspect the price is also elevated.

[@dragonboy718]

do they have a walk in bar??

[@ramsongewargis8736]

Crumbled Feta cheese and shaved truffles with a drizzle of olive oil will go well with cucumbers

[@roboliver9980]

Thanks for reviewing. There’s a few franchises in London but the reviews are average. Now I know why.

[@imnotchikao6317]

Hi UA, I’m glad they did the Beef Noodle Soup right. It’s one of those dishes that looks deceptively easy to not mess up, but so hard to do right. Like you pointed out, if they don’t skim the excess oil, scum or over stew the meat, it’ll be horrible. I like pairing it with the pickled cabbage.

[@uaeats]

I'm not a fan of eating it with pickled cabbage but most people I know like it that way. A little bit of hot oil though? *Chef's kiss

[@nicolebell-m1y]

Great point! It’s looks super easy but I’m sure there’s serious skill involved!

[@thetruecitizen1]

Enjoyed your video. I ate there last night but had a chocolate filled dessert which was nice. Overall I loved the food.🚩🇮🇳

[@JeremiahScholl]

DTF in Taiwan is truly amazing and like 1/3 the price of NYC. Maybe you can review it there some day? Lol You should also try the chicken noodle soup. It’s by far the best chicken noodle soup I ever had and it’s funny because I didn’t know that’s a dish that can taste gourmet, but theirs does.

[@chinescarioca]

I’ve been to many DTF’s in China and Singapore. I agree with you their xiaolongbao are just ok. The pork filling taste dry and crumbly like you said. The best xiaolongbao I have eaten are from the small Bao shops in Shanghai and Beijing, where the dumplings are more soupy and the pork filling is tastier, with the right balance of meat and fat.

[@salinator5966]

UA, I've eaten at the DTF in LA and San Jose and I agree with your assessment of the dumplings as well as the pricing, especially for the cucumbers. The cucumbers are however veryy popular and seemed to be on every table. The Beef Noodle Soup is the best thing at both of the locations I've been to. Avoid the Hot & Sour Noodle Soup, it is neither hot nor spicy. It is normal for newly opened restaurants to avoid maximum seating capacity until the restaurant is broken in properly after some time to let the entire crew team builds in a well oiled machine to avoid being overwhelmed and resulting in poor service and inconsistent food.

[@jtzimm233]

They looked more like XSBs. I went to the one in LA and it didn’t blow me away at all. The cucumber salad was good, but didnt hold a candle to Raku’s in Manhattan. Definitely give Raku a try when you have a chance.

[@eileenvandernoot3867]

Excellent critique!!

[@joyousandhopfeful9659]

Xiaoping means small. The steamed bun/dumpling is supposed to be small. This is not a soup dumpling, so don’t expect soup. The price is reasonable for the ambience.

[@Lezure2010]

Most of the XLB restos here in the Philippines serve them all at about the same size. I love the Din Tai Fung Xia Long Bao's here in the Philippines but they come in second place to me after Shi Lin's XLB. Shi Lin also serves a mean Braised Beef Noodle Soup.

[@dmoniquerenee]

OMG! I stayed at the Aria in Las Vegas for a conference and passed by this restaurant at least 10Xs a day for a week and did not dine here. Ubeknowest to me it was Michellin Star restaurant. It looked so plain and non- descript. Even the hostess were just standing there blank. Based on your experience, I did not miss much.

[@lisabudd5979]

Looked them up whwre you are nyc than found out there in Australia aswell .wow the soups look amazing yum. I expect nothing but perfact and not paying for the name and privilege 😊 I'd have to say seeing it all been made should school ppl on the time and technique to make thete order ,respect the chefs skill .

[@yvrbeauty]

About a week ago we went to Din Tai Fung in Anaheim CA, absolutely agree with your review. They must all use the same script because our waitress said the exact thing to us when we ordered the food explaining it might not come out in the correct order. We live in Vancouver and are very spoiled with excellent Mainland, Taiwanese and Hong Kong restaurants at a very better price point. Honestly nothing special with this chain and if they come up here, they will have to do some changes. The kurobuta pork xiao long bao was good along with the other items we had but unfortunately nothing great to equal the cost.

[@derworm]

I am from Singapore. DTF is pretty cheap here. I am shocked at the price in NYC. Just for reference, the XLB in Singapore DTF is less than 9 Singaporean dollars (6.50 USD). The pickled cucumber is about 5 Singaporean dollars (3.80 USD).

[@luvtravel2927]

Nice to see Tina

[@davidjas2378]

Old Shanghai Soup Dumpling in Palisades Park, NJ has the best imo. btw they have a lot more soup in the dumpling. The crab dumpling is our favorite.

[@gs5480]

Whoa is UA eating a meal with another human being? I thought he was a strictly lone wolf eater 🤯

[@QuiRK85]

Nope, sometimes his sweety joins him 😊

[@JengFrancisco1210]

I don’t know why we are having hard time to book a reservation for additional 5guest 😢

[@dannym5468]

they're definitely playing around with reservations. I checked a few times, everything in the future is unavailable but when you look same day for 2-3pm, they usually have spots.

[@nicolebell-m1y]

Perhaps they should spend more time playing in the kitchen, perfecting their dishes, than playing with reservations 😉😜

[@catlike1]

@@nicolebell-m1y I was thinking the same thing. Not unusual to ramp up slowly to perfect service and the consistency of the kitchen. It's a huge restaurant so maybe they are intentionally leaving some table empty to lessen the load.

[@evan8402]

They are not playing with it they explained it why alters 85% full it’s because they want the servers have time to help each customers

[@evan8402]

@@nicolebell-m1ythey spend enough time I no the kitchen I don’t know what you trying to judge for lol also I bet you don’t know the reason why is always 85% full right😂

[@nicolebell-m1y]

@@evan8402 I don’t understand what you are saying. Maybe use a different translator?! 🤷🏻‍♀️Good luck to you!

[@robertkatz5256]

UA 👍🏻Tina Talks wow looks really good . Keep it up .RK

[@sunahamanagai9039]

0:20 You're really talking inside the subway? KZbinrs are something else. A thumbs up from me.

[@FaroushJinal]

Ah good thing. I remembered what DTF was like back in Asia. So i didnt feel compelled to go at the moment considering other XLB alternatives in the city. So i felt validated when you mentioned its not worth waiting for reservation slots. Ill just think about visiting when the hype is dead in a couple of months, hopefully.

[@John-uv1dn]

Agreed. I was expecting a "wow" and came out it was good. However the chocolate XLB is definitely a wow.

[@robertkatz5256]

That braised beef noodle soup really looked great

[@peterrich6248]

I agree with you about Din Tai Fung. I spent years living in Beijing and traveling through Asia. I have had.MUCH better dim sum (dien shien) than at this restaurant. I don’t know who these Michelin examiners were, but either the food was very different or they did not know what they were talking about.

[@catlike1]

I think people just have different tastes. DTF is a very Taiwanese take on Shanghainese food and other styles. The tastes are a bit milder and cleaner (less highly seasoned or spiced and less oily). Some of this is perhaps the Japanese influence from 50 years of occupation. Some people might find it a bit simple or bland, especially if they are more accustomed to say, Sichuan food. Which is fair enough. Like I said, everyone has their preferences.

[@gregsalazar8106]

Even the original Din Tai Fung in Taipei was just only alright! NYC location seems totally overhyped.

[@bw2082]

I went to DTF in vegas and was kind of disappointed. The size of the xlb is tiny. They look normal size because the spoon is also small. It’s like the size of a quarter. And honestly, most of the non xlb dumplings taste about the same. The ribs are good. And I really liked the cucumber salad.

[@GSTRification]

Nyc has xlb pretty much covered if this one is not your forte. Joe shanghai, shanghai cafe which turn to shanghai 21 now i guess. Use to live in the same street and literally right across from joe shanghai midtown.

[@wizardscauldron]

Joe’s Shanghai xlb skin was too thick. Ate there are few weeks ago. I actually love the ginger pork xlb from Trader Joe’s. It is my favorite despite being frozen foods.