Din Tai Fung

Even on our first visit to Taiwanese soup dumpling specialist Din Tai Fung roughly 25 years ago in Japan, we knew the small chain was special: Already regionally famous, its xiao long bao soup dumplings were incomparably delicate – almost fabric-like in noodle skin texture, with hot soup and pork inside – yet capable of serving as either appetizers or entrees depending on your interest in the rest of the menu. Despite many subsequent advancements by the chain, now including numerous Din Tai Fung locations in the U.S., and changes in the culinary world surrounding them, these dumplings have remained the same, and as compelling as ever. Moreover, as the chain has expanded to a second Orange County location at Disneyland in Anaheim, the dining experience it offers – including great service in a modern, clean environment – remains a gold standard for quick and affordable luxurious dining.

Din Tai Fung’s full menu has always been compelling, as its non-xiao long bao items have faced less pressure to remain the same between regions or stable over time. Mostly true to Taiwanese and broader Asian preferences, U.S. customers can order five kurobuta pork pot stickers fused together with a crispy rectangular base, designed to be broken off and enjoyed for extra texture; Shanghainese pork shao mai shaped like mushrooms, and crescent-shaped cod dumplings. In a decidedly American twist, phenomenal chocolate mochi xiao long bao and brown chocolate truffle buns more traditionally Chinese join red bean paste, taro, and sesame treats.